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Functional foods: principles and technology Dr Mingruo Guo Professor Nutrition & Food Sciences Department University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont
CRC Press Boca Raton Boston New York Washington, DC
England
New Delhi
Published by Woodhead Publishing Limited, Abington Hall, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AH, England www.woodheadpublishing.com Woodhead Publishing India Pvt Ltd, G-2, Vardaan House, 7/28 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi – 110002, India Published in North America by CRC Press LLC, 6000 Broken Sound Parkway, NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487, USA Published 2009, Woodhead Publishing Limited and CRC Press LLC © 2009, Woodhead Publishing Limited The author has asserted his moral rights. This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the publishers cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials. Neither the author nor the publishers, nor anyone else associated with this publication, shall be liable for any loss, damage or liability directly or indirectly caused or alleged to be caused by this book. Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from Woodhead Publishing Limited. The consent of Woodhead Publishing Limited does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writing from Woodhead Publishing Limited for such copying. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation, without intent to infringe. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Woodhead Publishing ISBN 978-1-84569-592-7 (book) Woodhead Publishing ISBN 978-1-84569-607-8 (e-book) CRC Press ISBN 978-1-4398-0897-9 CRC Press order number: N10083 Printed in the United States of America
PREFACE The subject of functional foods is one of the hottest topics in food science and nutrition. This trend will continue for a long time. I have been teaching Functional Foods-Principles and Technology at University of Vermont since 2000. The course is getting more and more popular on the campus. Students in my classroom keep asking to have a textbook for study and for future reference. Although there are a number of books on functional foods available on the market, none of them are written for classrooms. In 2005, I decided to take a one-half year sabbatical leave to write a textbook for my class (I now realize that six months was not sufficient to complete this task). The structure of the book is based on my lecture notes. This textbook consists of nine chapters and laboratory manuals as an appendix. Chapter 1 describes the definition, history, and global aspects of functional foods. Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 deal with some of the foundations of functional foodsantioxidants, dietary fiber, pre- and probiotics, functional fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals, respectively. Chapter 7 discusses the chemistry and health benefits of soybeans and soy products. Chapter 8 deals with aspects of biochemistry and formulation of sports drinks. The last chapter (9) discusses human milk chemistry and infant formula formulation. I sincerely thank my research associates Dr. Sumagala Gokavi (Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 7), Dr. Mohamed Alam (Chapter 5 and 6), Dr. Frank Lee (Chapter 8), Ms. Beth Rice (Chapter 8), and my friend Dr. Gregory Hendricks of the Medical School of University of Masssachusetts (Chapter 9) for their help and their expertise to get my lecture notes together. I would also like to thank my graduate students and the undergraduate students who attended my functional foods class during the years for their valuable comments and feedback about my lectures on functional foods. Finally, I am grateful to Randy Gerstmyer, the President of CTI Publications, for his interest in this book and his patience while working with me on this exciting project. Mingruo Guo Burlington, Vermont
While the recommendations in this publication are based on scientific study and industry experience, references to basic principles, operating procedures and methods, types of instruments and equipment, and food formulas, are not to be construed as a guarantee that they are sufficient to prevent damage, spoilage, loss, accidents or injuries, resulting from use of this information. Furthermore, the study and use of this publication by any person or company is not to be considered as assurance that that person or company is proficient in the operations and procedures discussed in this publication. The use of the statements, recommendations, or suggestions contained, herein, is not to be considered as creating any responsibility for damage, spoilage, loss accident or injury, resulting from such use.
DEDICATION I dedicate this work to Ying, Fei, and Mike for their love, support and encouragement, and to my late mother who played a critical role in my education.
This Book Belongs To:
CONTENTS Chapter One – Introduction __________________________ 1 Chapter Two – Antioxidants __________________________ 9 Chapter Three – Dietary Fiber ______________________ 63 Chapter Four – Prebiotics & Probiotics ______________ 113 Chapter Five – Lipids ______________________________ 161 Chapter Six – Vitamins ____________________________ 197 Chapter Seven – Soy _______________________________ 237 Chapter Eight – Sports Drinks _____________________ 279 Chapter Nine – Human Milk _______________________ 299 Appendix – Laboratory Manual _____________________ 339 Laboratory 1 - Iced Tea ___________________________ 339 Laboratory 2 - Symbiotic Yogurt __________________ 342 Laboratory 3 - Yogurt Beverage ___________________ 342 Laboratory 4 - Sports Drink ______________________ 347 Laboratory 5 - Soy Milk and Tofu _________________ 350 Index _____________________________________________ 353
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Definition, History and Market A food may have three functions: (1) providing energy in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and/or lipids, and basic nutrition; (2) giving us pleasure, i.e., enjoyable aroma, color, and taste; (3) having health benefits. A functional food may be similar in appearance to, or is a conventional food, is consumed as a part of normal diet, and has physiological benefits and/or reduces the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods are also called “nutraceuticals”, “medical foods”, or “designer foods” in the literature. The terminology, functional foods, for these beneficial foods is preferred due to the self descriptive nature of the term. Some examples are iodized salt, vitamin A and D fortified milk, yogurt, folic acid enriched bread, tomatoes, broccoli, soy products, blueberries, cranberries, garlic, wheat bran, and oats. Functional foods can be the foods which are natural, fortified, enriched, or contain functional ingredients. The term functional food was coined by Japanese scientists in the 1970’s and was introduced to the European scientific community in the 1980’s. Functional foods did not receive much notice in the U.S. until the 1990’s, where they first gained popularity in the west coast. However, the roots could be traced back to the Chinese who used foods as medicine for thousands of years. The market sale value for functional foods was over $10 billion in 2005 in the U.S. according to a strict definition. In fact, the functional foods market will reach about $36 billion in 2006, and it will jump up to $60 billion in 2009 (NMI, 2005). Based on my personal calculations, current functional foods market value will exceed $100 billion if a general definition for functional foods is applied. It is increasing with a growth rate of 10% annually. The global functional foods market will continue to be a dynamic and growing segment of the food industry. Functional foods are considered to be the foods for the next century.
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Awareness of Functional Foods The good news is that the concept of functional foods is becoming more widespread. More than 90% of Americans could name a functional food and its associated benefits in 2005 up from 77% in 1998, and 84% in 2002 (IFIC, 2005). The vast majority of Americans believe foods have health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Through education and media exposure, the benefits of functional foods are more widely understood by the population. A survey to identify which functional foods’ benefits were recognized by the majority of the population revealed that while some foods were clearly identified with their benefits, others were not. An example of these results is presented in Figure 1.1. FIGURE 1.1 — Awareness of Functional Foods and Disease Association Calcium for the promotion of bone health Fiber for maintaining a healthy digestive system Vitamin D for the promotion of bone health Whole grains for reducing risk of heart disease Probiotics for maintaining a healthy digestive system Soy for reducing risk of heart disease Plant sterols for reducing risk of heart disease
93% 92% 88% 83% 49% 41% 30%
(Adapted from IFIC, 2005)
Figure 1.1 indicates that while more than 90% of respondents were aware of the association of calcium and bone health, less than 50% were aware of the benefits of probiotics (the living organisms that can be found in yogurt) supporting a healthy balance of microflora in the human digestive tract. These will be addressed in greater detail later in the course. Only about 40% of respondents were familiar with or associated soy protein with reducing the risk of heart disease. Despite the low level of awareness of certain functional food benefits, the overall awareness is growing, which explains the increase in consumption of functional foods. Consumers want to learn more about the health benefits offered by foods that have health benefits beyond nutrition. Figure 1.2 shows that awareness for health benefits of some functional foods are gaining ground. The awareness comes from several sources such as the government, health care providers, personal health concerns, and friends and family. The source of information about health and nutrition is primarily from the media accounting for 72%, medical sources ranking second with 44%, and 20% obtained from friends and family or self. Diet and health books account for only 13%. With the growing awareness of these benefits, the food industry has shown an interest in meeting the growing demand for functional foods. What foods will people want to be fortified with these functional
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ingredients? The foods we consume everyday such as juices and milk are the answers. Health officials in the government and in hospitals also are interested in finding ways to deliver more of these benefits to the population. Some examples of government intervention in delivering functional food were a move to iodize salt and to add fluoride to public drinking water. Research has been done on what food sources would be most acceptable to the population for the delivery of antioxidants (often found in less popular foods such as fruits and green vegetables). A large majority of the people would find fruit juice fortified with antioxidants appealing while only about 1/3 would like it in candy, indicating more Americans are interested in natural and functional foods. FIGURE 1.2 — Top Five Sources of Information About Health and Functional Foods Media (Internet, magazines, TV, newspapers, newsletters) Medical sources (Physicians, nutritionists, dietitians, nurse/PA) Friends/family/self Diet/health books Researchers/scientists
72% 44% 20% 13% 4%
(Adapted from IFIC, 2005).
Evolution of Health Care and Functional Foods This increasing interest in functional foods represents a paradigm shift from eliminating “bad” to increasing the “good” components that one consumes. It is a widely held belief that most people have control over their health and a large part of that is controlling their diet. In a way our method of ensuring health and long life has come full circle (Figure 1.3). One explanation of this is that we have not had many large infectious disease outbreaks. Therefore, most of the population is more concerned with non-infectious diseases; obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. The diseases that are commonly associated with what we eat are heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), dental diseases, gastrointestinal disease, anemia, and obesity (65% of U.S. residents are overweight, and the instance of obesity is 25% of the population). The life expectancy in the U.S. is increasing, and the older population is increasing with it. Currently 12% of the population is over 65, by 2030 it is expected that 20% of the population will be over 65. The key to maintaining good health is a healthy balanced nutritious diet, especially when health care comes at such a great financial burden for the U.S. population.
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FIGURE 1.3 — Evolution of Mankind's Health Care
Health Claims Approved by FDA The Nutrition Label Education Act (NLEA) allows certain claims to be made by food manufacturers. This is another advantage for functional foods development and manufacturing. The list of approved claims (claims adequately backed by scientific research) includes: Calcium and osteoporosis; Dietary lipids and cancer; Dietary saturated fat and cholesterol and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); Sodium and hypertension; Fiber containing grains, fruits and vegetables and cancer; Fruits and vegetables, and cancer; Fruits, vegetables, and grain products and risk of CHD; Noncarcinogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and dental caries; Folic acid and neural tube defects; Soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of CHD; Soy protein and cardiovascular disease; Plant sterol/stanol ester and CHD.
INTRODUCTION
5
Human Body System and Functional Foods The human body is an open system. It is influenced by what one encounters, and what one consumes. The human body is exposed to toxins, viruses and bacteria, as well as hostile environments (heat, cold, air, UV rays, radiation, etc.). We are protected from the environment by our defense systems: 1) skin and hairs, 2) immune systems, 3) microfloral systems, and 4) antioxidative mechanisms. We are what we eat. Food and diet may affect all of the defense mechanisms (Figure 1.4). We consume tons of food in our lifetime, with nutrients and functional components, but they also contain pathogens, toxins, and antigens. As seen in Figure 1.4, the foods we eat not only provide energy and nutrients, but have an impact on our health. There are around 200-400 different types of microbes in the human GI (gastrointestinal) tract (there are more than 1000 species of microbes in the colon reported by a study published in June 2, 2006 issue of Science).
FIGURE 1.4 — The Relationship of Human Health & Diet
They number 10,000,000,000,000 (1013) per gram of content in the colon, 106 in the stomach, and 107 in the upper GI tract. Maintaining a healthy balance is important to maintaining good health. Diet can either positively or negatively affect this balance. Therefore, people should eat functional foods and a balanced diet. Consuming 25-30 grams of fiber a day and probiotics containing foods will help to maintain the
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healthy level of 70% healthy microflora in the colon. If the number drops below 50% problems will develop, as minor as diarrhea, or may weaken the defense system leading to serious health problems. Therefore, it is recommended that you put functional foods to work immediately. Here are the selected foods you should consume weekly. Tomatoes (lycopene); Spinach (folic acid); Broccoli (fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, sulfur compounds); Nuts (Vitamin E); Oats (soluble fiber/prebiotics); Yogurt (probiotics); Pink color fish like salmon (omega-3 fatty acids); Berries such as blueberries (antioxidants); Garlic (antioxidants); Green Tea (antioxidants); Soy foods (isoflavones). Syllabus This book is designed for the students majoring in nutrition and food sciences. It may also be used for students in nursing, medical, and other health related fields. Students will be presented with definitions and concepts pertaining to different categories of functional foods. They will learn the importance of chemical structures and properties of nutrients and functional components as well as the non-nutritive functions of several different foods in these categories. Students will also learn the laboratory techniques needed to create their own functional foods. This textbook consists of nine chapters and five laboratory exercises. Introduction: Students will learn the definition of Functional Foods. They will explore both the industry and the consumer roles involved in this growing field. Antioxidants: Students will learn the chemical makeup of free radicals, antioxidants and biochemical functions of antioxidants. Foods explored in this unit will be cranberries, tomatoes, garlic, and different iced teas. The students will learn the chemical composition of these foods, and have the opportunity to sample them. The first lab of the semester will be part of this unit. The students will have the opportunity to make their own functional iced teas.
INTRODUCTION
7
Dietary Fiber: Students will learn about soluble and insoluble fiber, resistant starch, and how important these food components are to human health. The biochemical functions of dietary fiber will be explored, and oats and oat products will be the main example used in the classroom. Pre- and Probiotics: Students will learn the definition of both preand probiotics, and their physiological functions. They will learn how to develop prebiotics and probiotics, pre- and probiotics will be used together as symbiotics. The second and the third labs of the semester will be part of this unit. The students will create their own symbiotic yogurt and beverage. Lipids and Their Health Benefits: Students will learn the structure and function of essential fatty acids. The chemistry and health benefits of w-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, and CLA will be discussed. Olive oil and fish oil will be used as an example of a functional food product bearing essential fatty acids. Vitamins and Minerals: In this chapter, the chemistry, functions, and sources of functional vitamins and minerals will be discussed. Proposed functional claims are also discussed. Soy Products and Their Health Benefits: Students will learn the history of soy products around the world as well as the health benefits that soy foods have contributed to the American diet. The chemistry and biological functions of isoflavones will be discussed. Tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and other soy products will be discussed in this unit. The fourth lab of the semester will be part of this unit. The students will make their own soymilk and tofu. Sports Drinks: In this unit students will learn principles of sports drinks formulation. Electrolytes and carbohydrates and their functions will be a large part of the discussion. The last lab of the semester will be conducted during this unit, at which time the students will have an opportunity to formulate and make their own sports drink like Gatorade. Human Milk and Infant Formula: Students will learn the chemistry and biological properties of human milk and principles and the ingredients and formulation techniques of infant formula, and all aspects of the product that make it a functional food. Students will learn recent progress in infant formula formulation.
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Laboratory Experience: This course will include 5 short laboratory exercises. Laboratory sessions include iced tea formulation, symbiotic yogurt and symbiotic beverage making, soy milk and tofu preparation, and sports drinks formulation. References IFIC (International Food Information Council). 2005. Quantitative Research on Functional Foods. NMI (Natural Marketing Institute). 2005. Health and Wellness Trends Database.
Chapter 2 ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTIOXIDANT RICH FOODS Oxidation is one of the metabolic reactions in the body and in foodstuffs essential for the survival of cells. Normal metabolism is dependent on oxygen, a free radical. Through evolution, oxygen is thought of as the terminal electron acceptor for respiration. The dependence on oxygen for normal metabolism results in the production of other oxygen-derived free radical species, such as superoxide or hydroxyl radicals, formed during metabolism, energy production in the body or by ionizing radiation. These oxygen-derived free radical species are stronger oxidants and are, therefore, dangerous which cause oxidative damage leading to cell and tissue injury. These free radicals are involved in both human health and disease. Free radicals are atoms or molecules having unpaired electrons. The unpaired, or odd, electron is highly reactive as it seeks to pair with another free electron. Free radicals are involved in enzyme-catalysed reactions, electron transport in mitochondria, signal transduction and gene expression, activation of nuclear transcription factors, oxidative damage to molecules, cells and tissues, antimicrobial action of neutrophils and macrophages, aging and disease. When an excess of free radicals is formed, they can overwhelm protective enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase and cause destructive and lethal cellular effects (e.g., apoptosis) by oxidizing membrane lipids, cellular proteins, DNA and enzymes, thus shutting down cellular respiration. Oxidation in foods is one of the major causes of chemical spoilage resulting in rancidity and/or deterioration of the nutritional quality, color, flavor, texture and safety of foods. It is estimated that half of the world’s fruit and vegetable crops are lost due to post harvest deteriorative reactions. This chapter deals with autoxidation and mechanisms leading to autoxidation in food and biological systems, lipid
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oxidation, sources of natural and synthetic antioxidants, their chemistry and mechanism of action to prevent autoxidation, and health benefits of some antioxidative foods. AUTOXIDATION Autoxidation is a chain reaction that degrades hydrocarbons in products such as polymers, lubricants and lipids, proteins, and DNA in living organisms. Mechanisms Leading To Autoxidation In Food Systems Autoxidation is propagated by peroxyl radicals formed by reaction of atmospheric molecular oxygen and organic molecules. In food systems, naturally occurring antioxidants impart a certain amount of protection against oxidation. However, natural antioxidants are often lost during processing or storage, necessitating the addition of exogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants effectively retard the onset of lipid oxidation in food products. Lipids deteriorate in food products during processing, handling, and storage. Oxidation of unsaturated lipids in the food system is catalyzed by heat, light, ionizing radiation, trace metals, and metallo-proteins and also enzymatically by lipoxygenase. Lipid oxidation is the major cause of the development of off-flavor compounds and rancidity as well as a number of other reactions that reduce the shelf life and nutritive value of food products. In recent years, the possible pathological significance of dietary lipid oxidation products has attracted the attention of biochemists, food scientists, and health professionals. Studies indicate that lipid oxidation products have cytotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, atherogenic, and angiotoxic effects. Mechanisms Leading To Autoxidation In Biological Systems In biological systems, various biochemical defense mechanisms involving enzymes, trace minerals, and antioxidant vitamins or compounds protect the cellular components from oxidative damage. The formation of reactive free radicals is mediated by a number of agents and mechanisms such as high oxygen tension, radiation, and xenobiotic metabolism. The free radicals formed are highly reactive with molecular oxygen, forming peroxy radicals and hydroperoxides thus initiating a chain reaction. Prooxidant states cause cellular lesions in all major organs by damaging cellular components, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, free cholesterol, DNA, and proteins. The health implications of tissue lipid oxidation are numerous and well documented.
ANTIOXIDANTS
11
Lipid Oxidation Lipids form one of the major bulk constituents in some foods and other biological systems. Lipids in biological systems can undergo oxidation, leading to deterioration. In foods, these reactions can lead to rancidity, loss of nutritional value from the destruction of vitamins (e.g., A, C, and E) and essential fatty acids, and the possible formation of toxic compounds and colored products. Unsaturation in fatty acids makes lipids susceptible to oxygen attack leading to complex chemical changes that eventually manifest themselves in the development of off-flavors in food. In addition to the role of autoxidation in food deterioration, there is growing interest in the problem of lipid oxidation as related to health status. Lipid oxidation is believed to play an important role in coronary heart disease (CHD), atherosclerosis, cancer, and the aging process. A complex antioxidative defense system normally protects cellular systems from the injurious effects of free radicals. Mechanism Of Lipid Oxidation In A Food System The major lipid components involved in oxidation are the unsaturated fatty acid moieties, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. The rate of oxidation of these fatty acids increases with the degree of unsaturation. The overall basic mechanism of lipid oxidation consists of three phases: (1) initiation, the formation of free radicals; (2) propagation, the free-radical chain reactions; and (3) termination, the formation of nonradical products. Initiation The autoxidation of a lipid is thought to be initiated with the formation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) (Figure 2.1). When in contact with oxygen, an unsaturated lipid gives rise to free radicals (Eq. a). Initiation reactions take place either by the removal of a hydrogen radical from an allylic methylene group of an unsaturated fatty acid or by the addition of a radical to a double bond. RH ➞ R• + H• (a) The formation of lipid radical R• is usually mediated by trace metals, irradiation, light, or heat. Also, lipid hydroperoxide, which exists in trace quantities prior to the oxidation reaction, breaks down to yield radicals as shown by Eqs. (b and c) RH + O2 ➞ R• + HO• (b); 2ROOH ➞ RO• + HO• (c) where RH is any unsaturated fatty acid; R• is a free radical formed by
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
removing a labile hydrogen from a carbon atom adjacent to a double bond; and ROOH is a hydroperoxide, one of the major initial oxidation products that decompose to form compounds responsible for off-flavors and odors. Such secondary products include hexanal, pentanal, and malonaldehyde. FIGURE 2.1 — Reactive Oxygen Species Species •
HO • HO2 • O2 • 1 O2 • RO • ROO • NO H 2O 2 HOCl
Common Name
Half-life (37oC)
Hydroxyl radical Hydroperoxyl radical Superoxide anion radical Singlet oxygen radical Alkoxy radical Peroxyl radical Nitric oxide radical Hydrogen peroxide Hypochlorous acid
1 nanosecond unstable enzymatic 1 microsecond 1 microsecond 7 seconds 1-10 seconds Stable Stable
R = lipid, for example linoleate
The hydroperoxides undergo homolytic cleavage to form alkoxy radicals (RO • ) or undergo bimolecular decomposition. Lipid hydroperoxides are formed by various pathways including the reaction of singlet oxygen with unsaturated lipids or the lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Propagation Free radicals are converted into other radicals. Thus, a general feature of the reactions of free radicals is that they tend to proceed as chain reactions, that is, one radical begets another and so on. Thus, the initial formation of one radical becomes responsible for the subsequent chemical transformations of innumerable molecules because of a chain of events. In fact, propagation of free-radical oxidation processes occurs in the case of lipids by chain reactions that consume oxygen and yield new free-radical species (peroxy radicals, ROO•) or by the formation of peroxides (ROOH) as in (d) and (e). R• + 3O2 ➞ ROO• (d) ROO• + RH ➞ ROOH + R• (e) The products R • and ROO • can further propagate free-radical reactions.
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13
Termination Lipid oxidation terminates when two radicals interact. R• + R ➞ R-R ROO• + ROO• ➞ ROOR + O2 RO• + R• ➞ ROR ROO• + R• ➞ ROOR 2RO• + 2ROO• ➞ 2ROOR + O2 Free radicals are considered to be bonding-deficient and hence structurally unstable. They, therefore, tend to react whenever possible to restore normal bonding. That is why a free radical is highly reactive. When there is a reduction in the amount of unsaturated lipids (or fatty acids) present, radicals bond to one another, forming a stable nonradical compound. Thus the termination reactions lead to interruption of the repeating sequence of propagating steps of the chain reaction. Mechanism Of Lipid Oxidation In The Biological System Lipid oxidation is a normal biological process by which we obtain energy from fat. Deleterious lipid oxidation occurring in the body generally is called peroxidation. Uncontrolled oxidation of lipids in biological membranes is a major contributor in several disease states such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Fatty acid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) are the primary products of the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The elevated levels of LOOHs observed during instances of cellular injury have been correlated to the disruption of biological membranes, inactivation of enzymes, and damage to protein and DNA molecules. To understand the mechanism of lipid peroxidation in the biological system, isolated microsomes from liver are used. Initiation and propagation of lipid peroxidation are catalyzed by iron and microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the formation of a superoxide anion, formed by the addition of an extra electron onto the diatomic oxygen molecule, which catalyzes the reduction of iron ions. Aust and Svingen (1982) suggested a mechanism for lipid peroxidation in microsomes. NADPH-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation is considered to take place in two stages: initiation
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and propagation. Initiation reactions proceed by a NADPH-cytochromeP-450-reductase catalyzed reduction of ADP-Fe+3, subsequently reacting with oxygen to form a ADP-perferyl radical. The perferyl radical is then responsible for initiating lipid peroxidation and forming lipid hydroperoxides. In this manner, the evanescent hydroxyl radical need not be invoked, nor is a significant hydrogen peroxide flux required. Propagation reactions proceed by the interaction of lipid hydroperoxides with cytochrome P-450, which catalyzes their decomposition to peroxy or alkoxy radicals. In this regard, EDTA or DTPA chelates of iron are also capable of catalyzing the propagation reaction. The cyclical reduction by P-450 reductase, and reoxidation of the iron chelates serves to maintain the propagation reaction. Sources Of Free Radicals Sources of free radicals can be classified into two categories – endogenous and exogenous sources. Endogenous sources (Figure 2.2) which account for most of the free radicals produced by cells are: 1. Normal aerobic respiration – As a result of normal aerobic respiration, mitochondria consume molecular oxygen, reducing it by sequential steps to produce water. The formation of O2•-, H2O2, and •OH occurs by successive additions of electrons to O2• Cytochrome oxidase adds four electrons fairly efficiently during energy generation in mitochondria, but some of the toxic intermediates are inevitable by-products. In a study conducted on rats, about 1012 oxygen molecules are processed by each rat cell daily, and the leakage of partially reduced oxygen molecules is about 2%, yielding about 2x1010 superoxide and hydrogen peroxide molecules per cell per day (Ames et al., 1993). 2. Peroxisomes, which are organelles responsible for degrading fatty acids and other molecules, produce H2O2 as a by-product, which is then degraded by catalase. Under certain conditions, some of the peroxide escapes degradation, resulting in its release into other compartments of the cell and in increased oxidative DNA damage. 3. Cytochrome P-450 enzymes in animals constitute one of the primary defense systems against natural toxic chemicals from plants, the major source of dietary toxins. The induction of these enzymes, prevent acute toxic effects from foreign chemicals, but also results in oxidant by-products that damage DNA. 4. Phagocytic cells destroy bacteria or virus-infected cells with an
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15
oxidative burst of NO, O2•-, H2O2, and OCl-. Chronic infection by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, results in a chronic phagocytic activity and consequent chronic inflammation, which is a major risk factor for cancer. Chronic infections are particularly prevalent in third world countries. FIGURE 2.2 — Cellular sources of free radicals. Free radicals are produced by cells through the action of various soluble and membrane bound enzymes. The capacity of specific pathways to produce free radicals varies with the cell type, but all aerobic cells appear capable of producing some level of free radicals.
The large endogenous oxidant load may significantly be influenced by exogenous sources which are: 1. Cigarette smoking: The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in cigarette smoke (about 1000 ppm) cause oxidation of macromolecules, and deplete
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antioxidant levels. This is likely to contribute significantly to the pathology of smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease as well as a wide variety of cancers in addition to lung cancer. 2. Dietary factors: Iron and copper salts promote the generation of oxidizing radicals from peroxides. Men who absorb significantly more than normal amounts of dietary iron due to a genetic defect (hemochromatosis disease) are at an increased risk for both cancer and heart disease. It has, therefore, been argued that too much dietary copper or iron, particularly heme iron (which is high in meat), is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer in normal men. 3. Normal diets contain plant food with large amounts of natural phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic and caffeic acid, that may generate oxidants by redox cycling. 4. Radiation/UV light: UVA rays constitute 90-95% of the ultraviolet light reaching the earth. They have a relatively long wavelength (320-400 nm) and are not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA light penetrates the furthest into the skin and is involved in the initial stages of sun tanning. UVA tends to suppress the immune function and is implicated in premature aging of the skin. UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer and have a medium wavelength (290-320 nm). They do not penetrate the skin as far as the UVA rays do and are the primary cause of sunburn. They are also responsible for most of the tissue damage which results in wrinkles and aging of the skin and are implicated in cataract formation. UVC rays have the shortest wavelength (below 290 nm) and are almost totally absorbed by the ozone layer. As the ozone layer thins UVC rays may begin to contribute to sunburning and premature aging of the skin. All forms of ultraviolet radiation are believed to contribute to the development of skin cancer. 5. Strenuous work or exercise: During exercise the increase in whole body oxygen consumption of 10-20 fold causes a severe disturbance of various biochemical pathways. The oxygen flux in individual muscle fibers is believed to increase by as much as 100-200 fold. This tremendous increase in oxygen consumption results in an increased leakage of electrons from the mitochondrial respiratory chain, forming various one-electron oxygen intermediates, such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. These reactive oxygen species
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(ROS) are capable of triggering a chain of damaging reactions in the cell, such as lipid peroxidation, inactivation of certain enzymes, alteration of cellular oxidoreductive status, and oxidative damage to proteins and DNA. A role for free radicals has been proposed in the pathogenesis of many diseases (Figure 2.3). The free radical reactions which involve biological molecules (DNA, protein, and lipids) appear to occur constantly as a consequence of the aerobic environment in which we live. Cells have developed a battery of defenses to prevent and repair the injury associated with oxidative changes to DNA, protein, and lipids. These include superoxide dismutases, catalase, the glutathione system, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, urate, and perhaps several others such as lipases to remove oxidized fatty acids, DNA repair of enzymes, and proteases to degrade damaged proteins (Figure 2.3). It is only when the homeostatic mechanisms fail to keep pace with these reactions that detrimental effects become evident. FIGURE 2.3 — Possible Free Radical Related Diseases/Tissue Injury Lung Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Normobaric hyperoxic injury Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Asbestosis Adult respiratory distress syndrome Ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Inhaled oxidants – SO2, NOX, O3 Inhaled oxidants – SO2, NOX, O3 Paraquat, Bleomycin Emphysema Cigarette smoke
Heart and Cardiovascular System Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Reperfusion - after infarction or transplant Atherosclerosis
Ethanol, Doxorubicin Selenium deficiency
GI Tract Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Reperfusion
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents Blood
Detrimental Effect Protoporphyrin photoxidation Malaria Various anemias (Sickle cell, favism)
Chemical Agent (Phenylhydrazine, primaquine and related drugs, sulfonamides, lead)
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FIGURS 2.3 — Possible Free Radical Related Diseases/Tissue Injury Continued Miscellaneous Aging Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Radiation injury
Alloxan (diabetes), iron overload, radiosensitizers
Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases such as Lupus
Inflammation in general Brain
Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Hyperboric hyperoxic injury Parkinson’s disease
Neurotoxins (eg., 6-hydroxydopamine, MPTP) Vitamin E deficiency Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses Traumatic injury/inflammation/ reperfusion Kidney
Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Autoimmune nephrosis (Inflammation)
Aminoglycosides, Heavy metals
Liver Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Reperfusion
Halogenated hydrocarbons, quinines, iron, acetaminophen, ethanol Endotoxin Eye
Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Retinopathy of prematurity (oxygen) Photic retinopathy, Cataracts Skin Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Radiation (solar or ionizing) Thermal injury Contact dermatitis
Photosensitizers (tetracyclines) Porphyria Muscle
Detrimental Effect
Chemical Agent
Muscular dystrophy, Multiple sclerosis Exercise
Antioxidants The onset of lipid oxidation can be delayed by adding antioxidants to food or by including them in our diet. The major role of antioxidants in
ANTIOXIDANTS
19
the food industry is to prevent off-flavors, rancidity and to maintain their nutritional value. These undesirable characteristics are related to lipid peroxidation or peroxidation initiated by the action of lipoxygenase enzymes in the plant. Food antioxidants are inhibitors of lipid peroxidation and consequent food deterioration. On the other hand, in the human gastrointestinal tract and within the body tissues, oxidative damage to proteins and DNA is as important as damage to lipids. Oxidative DNA damage could be a major risk factor for the development of tumors, so that dietary antioxidants able to decrease such damage in vivo would be expected to have cancer prevention effects. Hence, antioxidants are defined as substances when present in foods at low concentrations compared with those of an oxidizable substrate markedly delay or prevent the oxidation of the substrate (Halliwell, 1999). FIGURE 2.4 — Biological antioxidant defense systems. All aerobic cells contain a spectrum of chemical and enzymatic antioxidants that work in concert to minimize undesirable oxidative reactions within cells.
20
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
The term oxidizable substrate encompasses almost everything (except water) found in foods and in living tissues and includes proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA molecules. An antioxidant may be able to protect one biological or food system but it may fail to do so in others. For example, antioxidant inhibitors of lipid peroxidation may not protect other molecular targets such as DNA and protein against oxidative damage and may sometimes aggravate such damage. This may not matter much in foods, because damage to DNA and proteins, unless extensive, will not normally alter the taste or texture of food or affect nutritional quality. However, essential amino acids, such as tryptophan and methionine are destroyed by certain reactive species and oxidative damage to sulfur containing amino acids can sometimes create offflavors. But in biological system, oxidative DNA and protein damage are of great importance in the cells of the human gastrointestinal tract and within the body. Oxidative DNA damage is a risk factor for cancer development, and protein damage by reactive species is involved in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants have become an indispensable group of food additives. The use of antioxidants dates back to the 1940s. Gum guaiac was the first antioxidant approved for the stabilization of animal fats, especially lard. Natural Antioxidants Antioxidants in food are important for four reasons. First, endogenous antioxidants may protect components of the food itself against oxidative damage. For example, spices rich in antioxidants have been used for centuries to delay oxidative deterioration of foods during storage or cooking. Second, dietary antioxidants may be absorbed into the human body and exert beneficial effects. For example, quercetin and catechins can be absorbed to some extent in humans and they and their metabolites can reach plasma concentrations in the range of 0.1 – 1 M. Such concentrations can, in vitro, delay the process of lipid peroxidation in liposomes, microsomes and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Third, food derived antioxidants could exert beneficial effects, without being absorbed, in the gastrointestinal tract itself. Fourth, there is great interest in plant extracts for therapeutic use as antiinflammatory, anti-ischemic, and antithrombotic agents. An extract of the ornamental tree Ginkgo biloba has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years: the extract has antioxidant properties in vitro, apparently largely from the flavonoids present, which include rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin.
ANTIOXIDANTS
21
Of the natural antioxidants, two important groups, the tocopherols and ascorbic acid, are highly effective in many food products. Due to concern over the safety of synthetic compounds, extensive work is being carried out to identify novel naturally occurring compounds as replacements for potentially toxic synthetic antioxidants. Natural antioxidants occurring in foods may be used as a component for food formulations in order to stabilize them or may be extracted and added to foods. As an example, oat and amaranth oils contain high levels of antioxidants such as tocopherols and squalene. These oils might be added to certain other oils in order to stabilize them. Furthermore, extracts of green tea, rosemary and sage might be used in a variety of foods in order to control oxidation. In addition, mixed tocopherols as well as combination of tocopherols with lecithin and ascorbic acid may be employed to retard oxidation of bulk oils, emulsions and other products. Chemical Classification Of Food Antioxidants 1. Phenols a. Tocopherol derivatives b. Flavonoid derivatives Flavanol – Epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate Flavanone – Naringin, taxifolin Flavonol – Kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin Flavone – Chrysin, apigenin Anthocyanidins – Malvidin, cyaniding, apigenidin Phenyl propanoids – Ferulic acid, caffeic acid, β-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid c. Gallic acid derivatives d.Cinnamic acid derivatives e. Coumarin derivatives f. Ellagic acid derivatives g.Tannin derivatives h.Phenoilc terpenoids i. Lignan derivatives j. Resins and polyphenols 2. β- Diketones 3. Nucleic acid bases 4. Amino acids, peptides and amines 5. Phospholipids 6. Ascorbic acid and reductones 7. Sulphur and selenium compounds
22
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Carotenoids Melanoidines Hydroquinones Organic acids Porphine compounds Protease inhibitors Terpenes Indoles Isothiocyanates
Classification Of Antioxidants Based On Their Function 1. Primary or chain breaking antioxidants (scavenger antioxidants): These antioxidants can neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the electron “stealing” reaction. The resultant antioxidants which become free radicals, because of one electron left in their outer shell, are relatively safe, stable and in normal circumstances insufficiently reactive to initiate any toxic effect, e.g., -tocopherol. 2. Secondary or preventive antioxidants: These antioxidants act through numerous possible mechanisms like: a) sequestration of transition metal ions which are not allowed to participate in metal catalyzed reactions; b) removal of peroxides by catalases and glutathione peroxidase, that can react with transition metal ions to produce ROS; c) removal of ROS, etc. These antioxidants which are also called as synergistic antioxidants can be broadly classified as oxygen scavengers and chelators. Oxygen scavengers such as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, sulfites and erythorbates react with free oxygen to remove it in a closed system. Chelators like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and phosphates are not antioxidants, but they are highly effective as synergists with both primary antioxidants and oxygen scavengers. An unshared pair of electrons in their molecular structure promotes the chelating action. They form stable complexes with prooxidant metals such as iron and copper, which promote initiation reactions and raise the energy of activation of the initiation reactions considerably. 3. Tertiary antioxidants: These antioxidants remove damaged biomolecules before they can accumulate and before their presence results in altered cell metabolism and viability. For example, methionine sulphaoxide reductase repairs damaged DNA, proteolytic enzyme system remove oxidized proteins and lipases, peroxidases and acyl transferases act on oxidized lipids.
23
ANTIOXIDANTS
Classification Of Antioxidants Based On The Site Of Synthesis Some antioxidants are synthesised within the cells themselves which are called as endogenous antioxidants and others are found in food referred to as natural antioxidants (Figure 2.5). FIGURE 2.5 — Examples of Endogenous Antioxidants and Natural Antioxidants Endogenous Antioxidants
Natural Antioxidants
Polyamines Melatonin Oestrogen Superoxide dismutase (SOD) Glutathione peroxidase Catalase Lipoic Acid Caeruloplasmin Albumin Lactoferrin Transferrin
Vitamin E Vitamin C Carotenoids Polyphenols Selenium Flavonoids
FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS Berries Small berries constitute an important source of potential healthpromoting phytochemicals. These include fruits of the Vaccinium, Ribes, Ribus and Fragaria genera. Examples of Vaccinium genus are lowbush and highbush blueberry, bilberry, cranberry and lingonberry. Examples of Rubus genus are blackberries, red and black raspberries. Gooseberries, jostaberries and currants belong to the Ribes genus and strawberry to the Fragaria genus. These fruits are rich sources of flavonoids and other phenolics that display potential health-promoting effects. For example, over 180 Vaccinum-based Pharmaceuticals have been introduced to the market. Grapes (Vitis vinifera L) are one of the world’s largest berry crops. Cranberries and grapes are discussed in detail in the following sections. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) The fruits of American cranberries, Vaccinium macrocarpon and European cranberries, Vaccinium oxycoccus have been associated with a variety of health benefits. There are reports of its use by American Indians to dress wounds and prevent inflammation. In the early 20th century, cranberries were thought to help relieve the symptoms of
24
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
urinary tract infections, or perhaps even prevent their occurrence. Cranberries possess a distinctive flavor and a bright red color. They are sold fresh or processed into sauce, concentrates, and juice. Chemical composition of cranberries: • Proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins make up the pigment of the leaves, and produce the color of the berries. More importantly, proanthocyanidins are responsible for the cranberry’s best-known medicinal effect, preventing bladder and urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial colonization. They may also help relieve diarrheal symptoms. • Organic acids, including quinic, malic, and citric acids. Quinic acid is considered the most important among these organic acids. These compounds, which are responsible for the sour taste of cranberries, acidify the urine and prevent kidney stones. • Vitamins and minerals. Cranberries are rich sources of vitamins including vitamin A, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. They also contain many essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, sulfur, iron, and iodide. These vitamins and minerals are strong antioxidants that enable cranberries to help protect the body against such infections as colds or influenza. Because of their high vitamin C content, cranberries were used in the past to prevent a vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy. • Cranberries are also a good source of fiber. Antioxidants in Cranberries Cranberry fruits serve as an excellent source of anthocyanins, flavonol glycosides, proanthocyanindins and phenolic acids. Cranberries contain about 1g/kg of fresh weight of phenolic acids predominantly as glycosides and esters. Twelve phenolic acids have been identified in cranberries (Figure 2.6). Sinapic, caffeic and p- coumaric acids are the most abundant bound phenolic acids and coumaric, 2,4dihydroxybenzoic and vanillic acids the predominant free phenolic acids found in cranberry. Resveratrol (0.25 mg/kg) has also been detected in cranberry fruit. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CRANBERRY Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) The term urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the presence of microorganisms in the urinary tract, including the bladder, prostate, collecting system, or kidneys. Common symptoms include frequent and urgent need to urinate, painful urination, cloudy urine, and lower back
ANTIOXIDANTS
25
pain. Escherichia coli is the most common urinary pathogen, accounting for 85% of UTIs. Other pathogenic bacteria (Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Proteus, or Klebsiella) can also be responsible. UTIs account for 9.6 million doctor visits annually. The cost of diagnostic work-up and treatment has been estimated at $100 per visit. The treatment of choice is an antibiotic, generally effective within three days. UTIs are one of the most common infections in females, more prevalent among women than men. Avorn et al (1994) conducted a 6-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 153 elderly, institutionalized women. Subjects consumed 10 ounces of either a low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (CJC) or a specially-prepared placebo drink that contained no cranberry, on a daily basis. Biomarkers assayed for urinary tract infections included bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria) and white blood cells in the urine (pyuria). They found that bacteriuria with pyuria was reduced by nearly 50% with consumption of CJC. Additionally, women in the test group with a positive urine culture in a given month had only 27% likelihood in comparison to the control group for having their urine remain positive in the following month. This trial also investigated the effect of drinking CJC or the placebo drink on urinary acidification. They found that the mean pH was actually lower in the placebo group, indicating that urinary acidification was not the mechanism for cranberry’s beneficial effect. Walker et al (1997) conducted an intervention trial using solid cranberry dietary supplements prepared from spray-dried cranberry juice. The study was a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study using a population of 19 sexually active women (mean age of 37) who consumed two 400 mg capsules of cranberry solids or placebo capsules daily for three months, with opposite treatment for the next three months. A statistically significant reduction in risk for urinary tract infections when taking the cranberry supplement was found with the 10 subjects who completed the study. Kontiokari et al (2001) conducted a randomized trial investigating the effect of either a cranberry-lingonberry juice beverage or a Lactobacillus GG drink (LGG) on the incidence of urinary tract infections. One hundred-and-fifty young, sexually active women (average age of 30) with a history of at least one symptomatic UTI participated. Subjects were randomly allocated into three groups of 50, and received either 50 ml of the cranberry beverage daily for six months, or 100 ml of the LGG drink five days per week for a year, or served as open controls.
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
FIGURE 2.6 — Phenolic Acids In Cranberries Phenolic acids
Structure
HOOC
H
OH o-Hydroxybenzoic acid
H H
COOH
OH
m-Hydroxybenzoic acid H H
COOH
OH
p-Hydroxybenzoic acid H
OH
O
p-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid O
HO
OH
HO
2,3-Dihydroxybenzoic acid O
HO HO OH
2,4- Dihydroxybenzoic acid
O
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ANTIOXIDANTS
FIGURE 2.6 — Phenolic Acids In Cranberries - Continued Phenolic acids
Structure OCH 3
COOH
OH
Vanillic acid H
OH
o-hydroxycinnamic acid OH
O
O OH
HO Caffeic acid
OH
HO
p-Coumaric acid
O
OH
HO
Ferulic acid
OH
O O
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
FIGURE 2.6 — Phenolic Acids In Cranberries - Continued Phenolic acids
Structure
O
HO
Sinapic acid
O
OH
O
HO OH
Resveratrol
OH
The outcomes measured were the first recurrence of symptomatic UTIs with positive confirmation by urine culture. At 6 and 12 months, the LGG drink showed no beneficial effect. At six months, eight (16%) of the women in the cranberry group and 18 (36%) in the control group had at least one recurrence. At 12 months, the cumulative occurrence of the first episode of recurrent UTI was still significantly different between the control and cranberry groups, even though the test group had stopped consuming the cranberry beverage group after six months. This outcome is significant in providing support for a hypothesis that consumption of the cranberry beverage in the first 6 months had changed the microbial flora in the gastrointestinal tract, and reduced the uropathogenic E. coli colonization in the gut. Potentially, the load of uropathogenic E. coli in the stool would be lowered, thereby reducing the external migration of these bacteria from the GI to the urinary tract, and reducing the chance of a UTI. Thus, cranberry may be acting
ANTIOXIDANTS
29
in both the gut (the source of most uropathogens) and in the bladder in preventing colonization of certain uropathogenic bacteria. Stothers (2002) presented a study investigating the effectiveness of either cranberry juice or cranberry tablets vs. placebo as a prophylaxis against UTIs. A prospectively randomized blinded one-year trial was conducted with 150 sexually active women, ages 21–72 with a history of at least two symptomatic UTIs. Both groups consuming cranberry juice and cranberry tablets showed significant decreases in the mean number of symptomatic UTIs compared with those consuming the placebo. Total antibiotic consumption was significantly decreased in the two cranberry groups as well. Mechanism Of Action Of Cranberries In Urinary Tract Infections Earlier it was thought that cranberry’s effect on acidification of the urine as the possible mechanism for cranberry’s antibacterial effect in the urinary tract, but this theory was not substantiated by other research (Avorn et al., 1994). For UTIs to occur, bacterial entry and proliferation must occur. Proliferation requires attachment to urinary tract mucosal surfaces. The latest research supports the hypothesis that cranberry juice acts to promote urinary tract health by inhibiting bacterial adherence to mucosal surfaces (Henig and Leahy, 2000; Leahy et al., 2001). These studies measured the ability of various bacteria to adhere to uroepithelial cell surfaces using in vitro techniques and evaluated this activity in both human and animal urine after subjects drank cranberry juice. Bacteria have different types of adhesions on the fimbriae and pili that attach to epithelial cells. Cranberry juice contains a relatively unique component that inhibits certain adhesions (P-fimbriae) of some uropathogenic strains of E. coli. Using bioassay-directed fractionation techniques, Howell et al (1998) identified proanthocyanidins (PACs, also known as condensed tannins) as the compounds in cranberries that are responsible for preventing P-fimbriated E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract. Vaccinium PACs are polymers of catechin and epicatechin. The higher molecular weight trimers and oligomers had the greatest anti-adhesion activity, while monomers and dimers had little. Structural characterization using NMR indicates that cranberry and blueberry PACs have a unique A-type linkage not found in other foods (e.g., tea, grapes, wine, and cocoa) which have the more common B-linkage (Foo et al., 2000a). Three A-linked cranberry PAC trimers have been shown to prevent adhesion of P-fimbriated E. coli to bladder cells in vitro (Foo et al., 2000b) (Figure 2.7). Questions remained as to
30
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. Recently, a study was completed in which extracts of purified cranberry PACs were fed to mice. The urine was found to exhibit anti-adhesion activity against P-fimbriated E. coli, providing the first in vivo evidence that cranberry PACs and/or metabolites can be absorbed into the blood, and into urine, thereby eliciting this anti-adhesion effect (Howell et al., 2001). This is also significant in suggesting bioavailability for other potential health benefits. FIGURE 2.7 — Chemical Structures Of Proanthocyanidins
While orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice cocktail exhibited anti-adhesion activity against type 1 fimbriated E. coli, containing a mannose-sensitive (MS) adhesion, only those juices from
ANTIOXIDANTS
31
the Vaccinium genus tested (cranberry and blueberry) contained the mannose-resistant (MR) adhesion inhibitor (Ofek et al., 1991). Oral Cavity Health Various bacteria appear to be major causative factors in the etiology of both dental caries and periodontal gum disease. Of the hundreds of bacteria and bacterial pairs that could comprise the dental plaque, Weiss et al (1997) isolated a wide variety of bacteria from the human gingival crevice, and used a coaggregation assay to measure both aggregation and the reversal of aggregation in the presence and absence of a selected cranberry fraction in vitro. Using this assay with over 80 pairs of the recovered bacteria, they reported that the isolated cranberry fraction was able to inhibit the coaggregation of 70% of the bacterial pairs tested when at least one was Gram negative. Also highly noteworthy was their finding that the fraction was able to actually reverse the coaggregation of 50% of those pairs. As an example, they showed that the cranberry fraction, but not apple juice, caused complete reversal of aggregation of S. oralis HI and F. nucleatum PK1594. The authors concluded that the cranberry fraction would be an excellent candidate for further animal and clinical studies to assess its ability to influence plaque development and the resultant effects on periodontal gum disease. Other Benefits In vitro and in vivo animal studies have found anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiplatelet aggregation, vasodilatory, and other effects of several of antioxidant compounds. Preliminary research on various proanthocyanidins suggests that they may act as antioxidants, and have cardioprotective and anticarcinogenic activities (Ho et al., 1999). Phenolic acids may contain antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer effects and activity. Ellagic acid has been shown to have a broad range of anticarcinogenic activity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown inhibition against a broad range of carcinogens in several different tissues (Barch et al., 1996). The newest research suggests that cranberries may also play another potential role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. A recent in vitro study investigated cranberry’s potential in inhibiting the adhesion of some strains of H. pylori to human mucosal cells (Burger et al., 2000). A cranberry fraction was found to inhibit adhesion of three strains of H. pylori that is mediated by a sialic acid-specific adhesion. Research is going on to determine cranberry’s activity against many other strains. Helicobacter pylori infections have been implicated as a major cause of gastric, duodenal, and peptic ulcers.
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
GRAPES Grapes belonging to the species Vitis vinifera L. are predominantly cultivated in Europe, while those belonging to species Vitis labrusca and Vitis rotundifolia are grown in North America (Mazza, 1995). Approximately 80% of the total crop is utilized for wine making; 13% is consumed as table grapes and 7% processed into juice and raisins. Antioxidants In Grapes The main phenolics in grapes are listed in Figure 2.8. Anthocyanins are the predominant phenolics of red table grape varieties, while flavanols are the main phenolics in white table grape varieties (Cantos et al., 2002). The total content of phenolics in some table grape varieties is presented in Figure 2.9. These phenolics contribute to the sensory quality of grape products. Pomace (skin and seeds), a by-product from processing grape to juice and wine, comprises about 13% of the amount of processed berries (Torres and Bobet, 2001) and may also contain stems when wines are made from nondestemmed crop. Grape seeds, stems and skins are a rich source of health-promoting flavonoids such as proanthocyanidins, flavonols and flavan-3-ols. Proanthocyanidins are the major polyphenols in grape seeds, stems and skins. Procyanidins are the predominant proanthocyanidins in grape seeds, while procyanidins and prodelphinidins are dominant in grape skins and stems (Souquet et al., 2000). The total contents of dimers, dimer gallates and trimers in seeds from grape cultivars grown in Ontario are 0.16 to 3.75 g of B2 equivalents, traces of 1.08 g of B2-3'-(9-gallate equivalents, and traces of 0.84 g of B2 equivalents/kg of seeds (Fuleki and da Silva, 1997). Approximately 55% of grape seed procyanidins are of polymeric type (degree of polymerization, DP > 5), while the ratios of polymeric procyanidins (DP > 4) to monomeric (catechin + epicatechin) are 5.2 to 8.9 (Peng et al., 2001). Grape seeds contain polymeric procyanidins from 33.2 to 50.7 g/kg in seeds or from 1.68 to 3.19 g/kg in berries. The mean degree of polymerization for proanthocyanidins isolated from the seeds of grapes ranges from 4.7 to 17.4. For those isolated from grape skin, it is between 9.3 and 73.8 and for those extracted from grape stems between 4.9 and 27.6 (Souquet et al., 2000). Other phenolics detected in whole grape berries, grape skins and stems include phenolic acids: caftaric acid (trans-caffeoyltartaric acid), coutaric acid (p-coumaryltartaric acid), trans-Fertaric acid (Figure 2.10), flavonols: quercetin 3-glucuronide, quercetin 3-glucoside, myricetin 3glucuronide, myricetin 3-glucuronide (Figure 2.11), and flavanonols:
33
ANTIOXIDANTS
astilbin (dihydroquercetin 3-rhamnoside), engeletin (dihydrokaempferol 3-rhamnoside) (Figure 2.12) (Souquet et al., 2000). FIGURE 2.8 — Main Phenolics Identified In Grapes Group
Phenolics
Phenolic acids
p-hydroxybenzoic, o-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic, gallic, cinnamic, p-coumaroylartaric (= coutaric), caffeoyltartaric (= caftaric), feruloylartaric (= ertaric), p-coumaroyl glucose, feruloylglucose, glucose ester of coutaric acid
Anthocyanins
Cyanidin 3-glucoside, cy 3-acetylglucoside, cy 3-p-coumaryl-glucoside; peonidin 3-glucoside; pn 3-acetylglucoside, pn 3-p-coumarylglucoside, pn 3-caffeylglucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, dp 3-acetylglucoside, dp 3-p-coumarylglycoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, pt 3-p-coumarylglucoside, malvidin 3-glucoside, mv 3-acetylglucoside, mv 3-p-coumaryglucoside, mv 3-caffeylglucoside
Flavonols
Kaempferol 3-glucoside, k 3-glucuronide, k 3-glucosylarabinoside, k 3-galactoside, quercetin3-glucoside, q 3-glucoronide, q 3-rutinoside, q 3-glucosylgalactoside, q 3-glucosylxyloside, iso-rhamnetic 3-glucoside
Flavan-3-ols and tannins
(+)catechin, (-)epicatechin, (+)gallocatechin, (-)epigallocatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, procyanidins Bl, B2, B3, B4, Cl, C2, polymeric forms of condensed tannins
Flavanonols
Dihydroquercetin 3-rhamnoside (= astilbin), dihydrokaempferol 3-rhamnoside (= engeletin)
FIGURE 2.9 — Total Phenolic Contents In Some White And Red Table Grape Varieties Phenolics
Red Globe (R)
Flame Crimson Napoleon Superior Dominga Moscatel (R) (R) (R) (W) (W) Italica (W)
225.4 8.4 61.3 40.4 115.3
361.2 47.6 53.8 109.1 150.7
Mg/Kg Fresh Weight Phenols1 Hydroxycinnamates2 Flavonols3 Flavan-3-ols4 Anthocyanins5
131.9 9.5 12.8 41.1 69.5
135.9 9.5 32.4 18.3 75.7
135.7 9.0 64.0 62.7 -
114.9 25.0 32.7 57.2 -
145.1 16.3 47.7 81.1 -
R = Red; W = white 1 Total phenols = total hydroxycinnamates + total flavonols + total flavan-3-ols + total anthocyanins 2 Total hydroxycinnamates expressed as chlorogenic acid equivalents 3 Total flavonols expressed as quercetin 3-rutinoside equivalents 4 Total flavan-3-ols expressed as catechin equivalents 5 Total anthocyanins expressed as cyanidins
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
FIGURE 2.10 — Chemical Structures Of Caftaric, Coutaric And trans-Fertaric Acids
ANTIOXIDANTS
FIGURE 2.11 — Chemical Structures Of Quercetin 3-Glucuronide, Quercetin 3-Glucoside and Myricetin 3-Glucuronide
35
36
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
FIGURE 2.12 — Chemical Structures Of Astilbin (dihydroquercetin 3rhamnoside) and Engeletin (dihydrokaempferol 3-rhamnoside)
ANTIOXIDANTS
37
Grape berries contain from 0.27 to 0.47 g/kg of total hydroxycinnamoyltartaric acids (HCAs). Caftaric acid (0.12 to 0.37 g/ kg) and trans-coutaric acid (55.3 to 93 mg/kg) are the predominant HCAs in berries, while cis-coutaric acid (11.8 to 21.0) and fertaric acids (1.7 to 16.8 mg/kg) are minor HCAs present (Vrhovsek 1998). Stilbenes such as trans- and cis-resveratrols (3,5,4'trihydroxystilbene), trans-and cis-piceids (3-O-β-D-glucosides of resveratrol), trans- and cis-astringins (3-O-β-D-glucosides of 3'hydroxyresveratrol), trans- and cis-resveratrolosides (4'-O-β-Dglucosides of resveratrol) pterostilbene (a dimethylated derivative of stilbene) are grapevine phytoalexins found in grape leaves and berries. Raisins are important processed grape products. Italy, France and the U.S. are the world’s largest producers of raisins. Karadeniz et al. (2000) evaluated the effect on the composition of phenolic in raisins of sun-drying grapes (sun-dried raisins), dipping grapes into hot water (87 to 93°C) for 15 to 20 s before drying at 71°C for 20 to 24 h (dipped raisins), and dipping grapes into hot water followed by 5- to 8-h treatment with sulfur dioxide and then drying at 63°C (golden raisins). Oxidized hydroxycinnamic acids, formed upon the action of polyphenoloxidases, were only found in sun-dried and dipped raisins. The loss of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols during processing of grapes to raisins is in the order of 90 and 62%, respectively; procyanidins are degraded completely (Karadeniz et al., 2000). Drying grape pomace may be an essential step in the utilization of this by-product for the production of pharmaceuticals. Therapeutic Effects of Grapes Antioxidants in grapes are believed to protect the body from certain cancers and heart disease. These exhibit antioxidant properties and wine is a major source of these nutrients. Resveratrol has anti-infective, antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties in humans. This compound helps battle cancer in various stages, from initiation to promotion to progression. Studies propose that eating resveratrol-rich foods may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. The compound’s antioxidant properties may also play a part in slowing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Resveratrol is water- and fat-soluble so it lends itself to a variety of applications. It’s believed to improve circulation, promote healing and help prevent wrinkles. Grapes’ antioxidant properties have been shown to strengthen blood vessels, boost immunity and inhibit allergies.
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
TOMATO The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the world’s major vegetables with 4.4 million hectares under production and 115 million tons produced worldwide in 2004 (FAOSTAT, 2004). Tomatoes are consumed both fresh and processed (in multiple forms) around the globe in many countries by many cultures and are available year round. Americans each eat more than 16 pounds of fresh tomatoes a year and consume the equivalent of 79 pounds in processed tomatoes annually. Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and lycopene. The chemical composition of tomato is given in Figure 2.13 and the range of lycopene content for several tomato products is shown in the Figure 2.14. FIGURE 2.13 — Chemical Composition Of The Tomato Constituent Moisture (%) Protein (%) Ash (%) Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g) Vitamin E (mg/100 g) b-carotene (mg/100 g)
-carotene
(mg/100 g) Phenolic (mg/100 g) Lycopene (mg/100 g) Lutein (mg/100 g) Phytoene (mg/100 g) Na (mg/kg) K (mg/kg) Ca (mg/kg) Mg (mg/kg) Fe (mg/kg) Cu (mg/kg) Zn (mg/kg) Mn (mg/kg) pH Brix degree Refractive index Acidity (%)
Range 93.1-94.2 0.7-1.0 0.40-0.52 16.0-24.2 0.80-1.22 0.30-0.52 0.04-1.61 8.4-17.0 0.90-9.30 0.04-0.10 0.49-2.80 102-186 2158-3192 38.4-58.0 63.3-96.1 0.44-2.58 0.19-0.71 0.67-1.01 0.45-0.67 4.06-4.22 4.50-6.62 1.3395-1.3427 0.48-0.56
39
ANTIOXIDANTS
FIGURE 2.14 — Lycopene Contents Of Common Tomato-based Foods (mg/g weight) Tomato products Fresh tomatoes Cooked tomatoes Tomato sauce Tomato paste Tomato soup (condensed) Tomato powder Tomato juice Pizza sauce Ketchup
Lycopene 8.8 – 42.0 37.0 62.0 54.0-1500.0 79.9 1126.0-1264.9 50.0-116.0 127.1 99.0-134.4
Antioxidants In Tomato Lycopene, the carotenoid pigment responsible for the red color, is the most distinctive compound present in tomatoes and has been recognized as the most effective antioxidant among the carotenoids (Figure 2.14). In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also contain other compounds which are recognized as antioxidants. The total flavonol content of tomatoes grown in different countries ranges from 1.3 to 36.4 mg of quercetin/kg of fresh weight (Dewanto et al., 2002). Quercetin conjugates are the predominant form of flavonols found in tomatoes, but smaller quantities of kaempferol conjugates and traces of free aglycons have also been detected. Flavonols of tomatoes are a mixture of quercetin 3-rhamnosylglucoside (rutin), quercetin 3-rhamnosyldiglucoside, kaempferol 3-rhamnosylglucoside and kaempferol 3rhamnosyldiglucoside. Presence of p-coumaric acid conjugate of rutin has also been reported. Of these, rutin is the major flavonol in tomatoes (Stewart et al., 2000). FIGURE 2.15 — Chemical Stucture Of Lycopene
Frying, boiling or microwaving removes 35 to 78% of quercetin conjugates originally present in tomatoes. These losses may be due to the degradation or extraction of flavonols from tomato by water. Tomato juice and puree are a rich source of flavonols. Processing tomatoes to juice and puree increases the content of free quercetin by up to 30%, an increase
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that may be brought about by enzymatic hydrolysis of quercetin conjugates. Tomato juice and puree contain 15.2 to 16.9 mg/L and 16.6 to 72.2 mg/kg of fresh weight of flavonols, respectively. On the other hand, canned tomatoes are a poor source of flavonols (Stewart et al., 2000). The unique quality about the composition of tomatoes and tomato products with respect to other fruits and vegetables is their high content of lycopene, the acyclic carotenoid containing 11 conjugated double bonds. There is a small amount of lycopene in just a few other foods such as watermelon, pink guava, pink grapefruit, strawberry, papaya but tomatoes and tomato products are the major sources in the diet. The lycopene content can vary greatly depending on the variety of the tomatoes considered and obviously on the type of processing method. Apart from lycopene, the tomato is also a good source of vitamin C, providing a significant contribution to dietary intake. Raw tomato contains more vitamin C than processed tomato, and there is a higher loss of the vitamin during the production of tomato concentrates than in tomato juice or whole canned tomatoes. Therapeutic Effects Of Tomatoes Lycopene and β-carotene have been shown to act as powerful antioxidants in humans. A diet containing moderate amounts of lycopene has been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers of the prostate and gastrointestinal tract (Rao and Agarwal, 2000). Increasing levels of dietary lycopene through the consumption of fresh tomatoes and tomato products has been recommended by many health experts. One 6-year, prospective, epidemiological study of approximately 47,000 men, the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS), concluded that 2 to 4 servings per week of raw tomatoes significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 26% compared to no servings per week. Additionally, eating tomato products such as pizza and tomato sauce 2–4 times per week significantly reduced the risk by 15% and 34%, respectively, compared to not eating these foods. The HPFS study period was extended an additional 6 years. The results supported the early findings, and concluded that tomato sauce consumption was associated with a 23% reduction in prostate cancer risk when two or more servings were compared with less than one serving per week. Subgroup analysis revealed an inverse association between serum lycopene concentration and prostate cancer risk, which was most evident in men older than 65 years and in those with no family history of prostate cancer. The authors concluded that tomato and lycopene intake may demonstrate stronger
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protection in cases of sporadic prostate cancer rather than in cases with a strong genetic component (Campbell et al., 2004). The antiproliferative effect of tomato polyphenol on LNCaP, a human prostate cancer cell line, and on Hepa1c1c7, a mouse hepatocyte cell line was studied by Campbell et al (2004). Polyphenols can be attached to a molecule of sugar, in which case they are in the “glycone” form. When the polyphenol is not attached to a molecule of sugar it is said to be in the “aglycone” form. Both cell lines were inhibited in a dosedependent manner (10–50 µmol/L) by the aglycone forms of quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin, but not as glycones. Interestingly, treating the cell lines with a combination of the aglycone polyphenols (25, 40 and 50 µmol/L total) produced greater inhibition than treating them with the aglycone polyphenols individually, suggesting a synergism exists between the polyphenols. The hypothesis that a synergism might exist between the compounds was tested by the same authors by studying the effects of tomato powder versus lycopene alone on a prostate cancer rat model. They fed rats diets of 10% tomato powder, 0.025% lycopene, 20% dietary energy restriction, or control rats allowed to eat ad libitum. Rats fed the tomato powder had a significant 26% decrease in prostate cancer-specific mortality, while the lycopene-fed rats had a nonsignificant 9% decrease in mortality. Rats on the caloric restricted diet had a decrease in prostate cancer-specific mortality by 32% compared with the rats fed unrestricted amounts of food. When they segmented their data into 45-week intervals, energy restriction diets decreased the risk of prostate cancer by 48% during the first 45 weeks, but had no effect after 45 weeks. Tomato powder and lycopene had a nonsignificant effect during the first 45 days, but decreased the risk of prostate cancer by 56% and 44%, respectively, after 45 weeks. Although the role of all carotenoids in humans has yet to be fully determined, 25 carotenoids and 9 metabolites have been identified and characterized in human serum; breast milk; and several organs, including the breast, lung, liver, cervix, colon, skin, and prostate. Of all the organs studied, the prostate contains the highest concentration of lycopene. Experimentation in vitro demonstrated that cis lycopene is absorbed more readily than all-trans-lycopene. The role of cis versus trans lycopene in human physiology has not yet been determined. In a trial of 32 men with diagnosed prostate cancer, supplementation with 30 g/d tomato sauce resulted in a tripling of total lycopene in the prostate. Two other studies concluded that dietary intervention and supplementation with 15 mg lycopene and smaller quantities of other tomato carotenoids, including phtyoene, phytofluene, -carotene, and
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-carotene twice daily positively altered serum markers of prostate cancer progression. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker of tumor activity, decreased in both trials, and tomato oleoresin supplementation altered biomarkers of cell growth and differentiation in the one study in which it is was tested. Cancer cells show a decrease in cellular differentiation, and are sometimes said to “revert back” to a more undifferentiated, embryonic-type cell. If tomato carotenoids can increase cellular differentiation, they may be important in the treatment of prostate cancer. The Mechanisms Accounting For Health Benefits Of Lycopene There are five mechanisms that researchers propose may account for the beneficial effects of tomato phytochemicals and their metabolites. These mechanisms may complement each other and have overlapping functions. Lycopene is the strongest antioxidant compared with other commonly consumed carotenoids. Decreased DNA damage has been reported in white blood cells after 15 days of supplementation with tomato and tomato juice. Second, lycopene alters the biotransformation of xenobiotics, which are pharmacologically, endocrinologically, or toxicologically active substances not produced by the body that must be metabolized to a different compound before being eliminated in the stool or urine. Xenobiotics are metabolized by two families of enzymes, called cytochrome P-450 enzymes, via two pathways, called phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. The study showed lycopene significantly induced phase I enzymes in a dose-dependent manner and doubled hepatic quinone reductase (QR), a phase II enzyme. Tomato flavonoids also affect these enzyme systems. Kaempferol and naringenin inhibit the cytochrome P450-IA enzyme, while quercetin inhibits this same enzyme while also increasing QR activity. Cooked tomatoes and lycopene alone alter hormone and growth factor signaling in prostate cells. This includes alterations in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IFG-1) activity. IFG-1 stimulates cellular proliferation and decreases apoptosis, which is a mechanism by which normal cell death happens. Cancer cells are said to be immortal—they proliferate indefinitely. Eating cooked tomatoes was associated with a 31.5% decrease in serum IGF-1 levels in a case-controlled study of 112 men. Beneficial alterations of IGF-1 concentrations or its ability to stimulate cell division have also been found in rats and in healthy men. An in vitro study showed lycopene and tomato polyphenols, including
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quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin, to interfere with IGF-1 signaling thus preventing the growth factor from stimulating cell proliferation. In a number of cancer cell lines, including breast cancer cells, endometrial cancer cells, and in normal prostate cells, lycopene halted cellular replication in vitro. Lastly, lycopene and its metabolites may help fight some cancers by increasing connexin 43 levels. Connexin 43 is a molecule involved in cell-to-cell communication, which is important in the regulation of uncontrolled, rapid cell growth. In a metastatic prostate cancer cell line (PC-3MM2), lycopene did not increase connexin 43; however, it did in another prostate cancer cell line (PC-3), a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), and oral cancer cells (KB-1). The inhibition of connexin 43 in these cell lines was associated with an inhibition of cell growth, suggesting that upregulation of connexin 43 may be important to the anticancer action of lycopene. Since a synergistic effect appears to exist between tomato phytochemicals, recommending the consumption of supplements made from whole tomatoes and/or the consumption of 2 to 4 or more servings per week of tomatoes and tomato products may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer and health care costs in our aging population. GARLIC Garlic has been called Russian penicillin. It belongs to the Lily family. Garlic is not just spice, herb or vegetable but a combination of all the three. Americans consume 160 µg/ml) to garlic extract (Sivam et al., 1997). TEA The tea plant Camellia sinensis is native to Southeast Asia but is currently cultivated in more than 30 countries around the world. Tea has been used as a daily beverage and crude medicine in China for thousands of years. Tea is consumed worldwide, although in
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greatly different amounts; it is generally accepted that, next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, with per capita consumption of about 120 ml per day. Of the total amount of tea produced and consumed in the world, 78% is black, 20% is green, and less than 2% is oolong tea. Black tea is consumed primarily in Western countries and in some Asian countries, whereas green tea is consumed primarily in China, Japan, India, and a few countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Oolong tea production and consumption are confined to southeastern China and Taiwan. Green, black, and oolong teas undergo different manufacturing processes. To produce green tea, freshly harvested leaves are rapidly steamed or pan-fried to inactivate enzymes, thereby preventing fermentation and producing a dry, stable product. For the production of black and oolong teas, the fresh leaves are allowed to wither until their moisture content is reduced to about 55% of the original leaf weight, which results in the concentration of polyphenols in the leaves. The withered leaves are then rolled and crushed, initiating fermentation of the polyphenols. During these processes, the catechins are converted to theaflavins and thearubigins. Oolong tea is prepared by firing the leaves shortly after rolling to terminate the oxidation and dry the leaves. Antioxidants in Tea The tea plant contains many kinds of polyphenols, catechins being particularly prolific. Catechins belong to those groups of compounds generically known as flavonoids, which have a C 6-C 3-C 6 carbon structure and are composed of two aromatic rings. Currently, the tea plant is known to contain seven kinds of major catechins and traces of various other catechin derivatives. They are divided into two classes: the free catechins, (+)-catechin, (+)-gallocatechin, (-)epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin; and the esterified or galloyl catechins, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-gallocatechin gallate (Figure 2.18). While the galloyl catechins are astringent with a bitter aftertaste, free catechins have far less astringency, leaving a slightly sweet aftertaste even at 0.1% aqueous solutions. These catechins are present in all parts of the tea plant; 15-30% are present in the tea shoots, and there is also a high content in the second and third leaves. Epicatechins are the main compounds in green tea, accounting for its characteristic color and flavor.
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FIGURE 2.18 — Antioxidants In Tea
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Therapeutic Effects of Consuming Tea a. Anticarcinogenic effect: The relatively low rates of cancer found in Asian populations that regularly consume green tea have recently instigated hundreds of scientific studies. The results of the research suggest, time and time again, that tea is linked to preventing cancer in humans, including bladder, breast, colon, esophagus, pancreas, rectum and stomach cancers. Much of the cancer-preventive effects of green tea are mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic constituent of green tea. One cup (240 ml) of brewed green tea contains up to 200 mg (EGCG). Many consumer products, including shampoos, creams, drinks, cosmetics, lollipops, and ice creams, have been supplemented with green tea extracts and are available in grocery stores and pharmacies. b. Antibacterial effect: Studies show the positive effects tea can have on oral health; scientific and medical findings show that tea fights the cavity-causing bacteria on teeth. Also, tea naturally contains fluoride, which protects teeth from cavities. c. Antiatherosclerotic effect: A group of studies suggests that heavy tea drinkers (those who drink two to three cups of either green or black tea daily) are 44 percent less likely than non-drinkers to die after having a heart attack. Also, the antioxidants in tea help prevent LDLs (“bad” cholesterol) from building up in the blood, making tea drinkers less likely to get heart disease (Mukamal et al., 2002). d. Anti-inflammatory and arthritis preventing effect: Recent studies report possible anti-inflammatory and arthritis-preventing effects of green tea. Case Western University scientists suggest green tea antioxidants postpone the beginning of and decrease in the severity of one type of arthritis in mice (Haqqi et al., 1999). e. Preventing weight gain: The antioxidant ECCG (epigallocatechin gallate) found in green tea helps the body burn fat. A study in Switzerland found that drinking the equivalent of two to three cups of green tea daily caused the participants to burn 80 extra calories each day, without increasing their heart rate and factoring out the tea’s caffeine content (Dulloo, 1999). f. Protection of liver: The research into the health benefits derived from drinking tea continues to expand. Some preliminary studies
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suggest that green tea helps protect the liver by triggering the immune system and by defusing the effects of harmful toxins such as alcohol and cigarette smoke. Other fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes, apples, pears, banana, citrus fruits, mango, passion fruits, pomegranate, star apple, carrot, onions, parsnip, potato, red beetroot, sweet potato, asparagus, celery, endive, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, avocado and pepper, beverages such as beer, coffee and cereals contain similar types of antioxidants. SYNTHETIC ANTIOXIDANTS Synthetic antioxidants are mainly phenolic, for example, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and the gallates. Polymeric antioxidants such as Anoxomer, Ionox-330, and Ionox-100, a derivative of BHT, have also been introduced, but they are not being used commercially. In general the use of primary antioxidants is limited to 100-200 ppm of BHA, BHT, or TBHQ or 200-500 ppm of the gallates for the stabilization of fats and oils. Commercially a number of ready-to-use formulations containing a food grade solvent (propylene glycol or glycerol monooleate), a synergist like citric acid, and one or more phenolic antioxidants are available. MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF ANTIOXIDANTS There are many mechanisms by which antioxidants protect food and human body including: • Scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radical species; • Decreasing the localised oxygen concentration thereby reducing molecular oxygen’s oxidation potential; • Metabolising lipid peroxides to non-radical products; • Chelating metal ions to prevent the generation of free radicals. Antioxidants exhibit specific benefits by limiting the free radical damages from: • Oxidising Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which may increase the risk of athersclerosis; • Promoting platelet adhesion, which can lead to thrombosis thereby increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke;
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• Damaging the cell’s DNA, which may lead to cancer; • Blocking the normal endothelial cell function and vasodilatation in response to nitric oxide, a potential mechanism for heart disease and cancer; • Triggering inflammation; • Impairing immune function. SUMMARY Autoxidation in food and biological systems has varied implications not only for human health and nutritional status but also for the vast area of food science and technology. Autoxidation of lipids and the generation of free radicals are natural phenomena in biological and food systems. However, when an excess of free radicals is formed, they can be responsible for the occurrence of many chronic diseases. The damaging effect of excessive free radicals can be prevented by dietary antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances when present in foods at low concentrations compared with those of an oxidizable substrate markedly delay or prevent the oxidation of the substrate. Antioxidants are classified as natural and synthetic antioxidants. They are also classified based on their chemical nature, function and site of synthesis. Sources of natural food antioxidants include most of the fruits and vegetables among which cranberries, grapes, and tomato are researched to a great extent. Apart from these garlic and tea are also rich in antioxidants. Cranberries are known to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections. It is a good source of anthocyanins, flavonol glycosides, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids. Grape antioxidants are thought to protect the body from some cancers and heart diseases. Lycopene, the pigment responsible for red color of tomato, has been recognized as the most effective antioxidant among the carotenoids. Garlic is a combination of spice, herb and vegetable with many functions. It contains many sulfur containing compounds among which allicin is the chief active ingredient. Garlic is known to have antimicrobial properties, cardiovascular effects and anticarcinogenic components. Tea is another herb that is known for health promoting properties due to its richness in antioxidants catechins. Synthetic antioxidants that are commonly used in food industries are mainly phenolic which include BHA, BHT and TBHQ.
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References Ames, B. N., Shigenaga, M. K. and Hagen, T. M. 1993. Oxidants, Antioxidants, and the Degenerative Diseases of the Aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA; 90:7915-22. Aust, S. D. and Svingen, B. A. 1982. In: Free Radicals in Biology (Pryor, W.A., ed.), vol. 5, pp. 1-28. Academic Press, New York, NY. Avorn, J., Monane, M., Gurwitz, J. H., Glynn, R. J., Choodnovskiy, I. and Lipsitz L. A. 1994. Reduction of Bacteriuria and Pyuria After Ingestion of Cranberry Juice The J. Am. Med. Assoc. 271(10): 751-754. Barch, D. H., Rundhaugen, L. M., Stoner, G. D., Pillay, N. S., and Rosche, W. A. 1996. Structure-Function Relationships of the Dietary Anticarcinogen Ellagic Acid. Carcinogenesis 17(2), 265. Burger, O., Ofek, I., Tabak, M., Weiss, E. I., Sharon, N. and Neeman, I. 2000. A High Molecular Mass Constituent of Cranberry Juice Inhibit Helicobacter pylori Adhesion to Human Gastric Mucus. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 29:295-301. Campbell J. K., Canene-Adams, K, Lindshield, B. L., Boileau, T. W. M., Clinton, S. K. and Erdman, Jr J. W. 2004. Tomato Phytochemicals and Prostate Cancer Risk. J. Nutr. 134:3486S-3492S. Cantos, E., Espin, J. C., and Tomas-Barberan, F. 2002. Varietal Differences Among Polyphenols Profiles of Seven Table Grape Cultivars Studied by LC-DAD-MS-MS. J Agric. Food Chem., 50:5691-5696. Cellini L., Di Campli E., Masuli M., Di Bartolomeo S. and Allocati N. 1996. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Garlic Extract (Allium sativum). FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 13:273-277. Dewanto, V., Wu, X., Adom, K. K., and Liu, R. H. 2002. Thermal Processing Enhances the Nutritional Value of Tomatoes by Increasing Total Antioxidant Activity. J. Agric. Food Chem. 50:3010-3014. Dewitt, J. C., Notermans, S., Gorin, N. and Kampelmacher, E. H. 1979. Effect of Garlic Oil or Onion Oil on Toxin Production by Clostridium botulinum in Meat Slurry. J. Food Prot. 42:222-224. Dulloo, A. G., Duret, C., Rohrer, D., Girardier, L., Mensi, N., Fathiu, M., Chantre, P., and Vandermander, J. 1999. Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract Rich in Catechin Polyphenols and Caffeine in Increasing 24-Hour Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation in Humans. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:1040-1045. FAOSTAT, 2004. Accessed at http://apps.fao.org/faostat/collections?version=ext&hasbulk=0&subset=agriculture. Feldberg R. S., Chang S. C., Kotik A. N., Nadler M., Neuwirth Z., Sundstrom D. C. and Thompson N. H. 1988. In Vitro Mechanism of Inhibition of Bacterial Growth by Allicin. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 32:1763-1768. Foo, L. Y., Lu, Y., Howell, A. B. and Vorsa, N. 2000a. The Structure of Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Which Inhibit Adherence of Uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia Coli in Vitro. Phytochem. 54(2):173-181. Foo, L. Y., Lu, Y., Howell, A. B. and Vorsa, N. 2000b. A-type Proanthocyanidin Trimers From Cranberry That Inhibit Adherence to Uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia Coli. J. Nat. Prod. Chem. 63(9):1225-1228. Fuleki, T. and da Silva, R. J. M. 1997. Catechin and Procyanidin Composition of Seeds From Grape Cultivars Grown in Ontario. J. Agric. Food Chem., 45:1156-1160. Halliwell, B. 1999. Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms: From the Beginning To The End (Of The Beginning). Free Radical Res. 31:261-272. Haqqi, T., Anthony, D. D., Gupta, S., Ahmad N, Kumar GK and Mukhtar H. 1999. Prevention of Collagen-induced Arthritis in Mice by a Polyphenolic Fraction Found in Green Tea. Immunol. 96(8): 4524-44529.
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Henig, Y. S. and Leahy, M. M. 2000. Cranberry Juice and Urinary-tract Health: Science Supports Folklore. Nutr. 16(7–8): 684–687. Ho, K.Y., Huang, J. S. Tsai, C. C., Lin, T. C., Hsu, Y. F., and Lin, C. C. 1999. Antioxidant Activity of Tannin Components From Vaccinium Vitis-idaea. L. J. Plumn. Pharmacol. 51(9), 1075. Howell, A. B., Leahy, M., Kurowska, E. and Guthrie, N. 2001. In Vivo Evidence That Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Inhibit Adherence of p-fimbriated E. coli Bacteria to Uroepithelial Cells. FASEB. J. 15:A284. Howell, A. B., Vorsa, N., Der Marderosian, A. and Foo, L. Y. 1998. Inhibition of The Adherence of p-fimbriated Escherichia coli to Uroepithelial-cell Surfaces by Proanthocyanidin Extracts From Cranberries. N Engl J Med. 339(15): 1085-1086. Hughes B. G. and Lawson L. D. 1991. Antimicrobial Effects of Allium Sativum L. (garlic), Allium Ampeloprasum (elephant garlic), and Allium Cepa (onion), Garlic Compounds and Commercial Garlic Supplement Products. Phytother. Res. 5:154-158. Jain, R. C. 1993. Antitubercular Activity of Garlic Oil. Indian Drugs 30:73-75 Karadeniz, F., Durst, R.W., and Wrolstad, R. E. 2000. Polyphenolic Composition of Raisins. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48:5343-5350. Koch, H. P. and Lawson L. D. (eds.). 1996. Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum L. and Related Species, 2nd ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins Publishing Co. Kontiokari, T., Sundqvist, K., Nuutinen, M., et al. 2001. Randomized Trial of CranberryLingonberry Juice and Lactobacillus GG Drink for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Women. Brit. Med. J. 322(7302): 1571–1573. Leahy, M., Roderick, R. and Brilliant, K. 2001. The Cranberry — Promising Health Benefits, Old and New. Nutr. Today 36(5): 254–65. Mazza, G. 1995. Anthocyanins in Grapes and Grape Products. CRC Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 35:341-371. Mukamal, K. J., Maclure, M., Muller, J. E., Sherwood, J. B. and Mittleman, M. A. 2002. Tea Consumption and Mortality After Acute Myocardial Infarction. Circulation. 105:2476-2481. Ofek, I., Goldhar, J., Zafiri, D., Lis, H., Adar, R. and Sharon, N. 1991. Anti-Escherichia Adhesin Activity of Cranberry and Blueberry Juices. N. Eng. J. Med. 324(22):1599. Peng, Z., Hayasaka, Y.( Hand, P. G., Sefton, M., Hoj, P., and Waters, E. J. 2001. Quantitative Analysis of Polymeric Procyanidins (Tannins) From Grape (Vitis vinifera) Seeds by Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49:26-31. Rao, A. V. and Agarwal, S. 2000. Role of Antioxidant Lycopene in Cancer and Heart Disease. J. Am. College Nutr. 19(5): 563-569. Reuter, H. D., Koch, H. P. and Lawson D. L. 1996. Therapeutic Effects and Applications of Garlic and its Preparations. In: Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Applications of Allium sativum L. and Related Species. 2nd ed. (Koch, H. P. & Lawson, D. L., eds.), pp. 135–212. William & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD. Sivam G. P., Lampe J. W., Ulness, B., Swanzy S. R. and Potter J. D. 1997. Helicobacter Pylori—in vitro Susceptibility to Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract. Nutr. Cancer 27:118-121. Souquet, J. M., Labarbe, B., Le Guerneve, C, Cheynier, V., and Moutounet, M. 2000. Phenolic Composition of Grape Stems. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48:1076-1080. Stewart, A. J., Bozonnet, S., Mullen, W., Jenkins, G. I., Lean, M. E. J., and Crozier, A. 2000. Occurrence of Flavonols in Tomatoes and Tomato-based Products. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48:2663-2669. Stothers, L. 2002. A Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Cost
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Effectiveness of Naturopathic Cranberry Products as Prophylaxis Against Urinary Tract Infection in Women. Can J Urol. 9:1558-1562. Torres, J. L. and Bobet, R. 2001. New Flavanol Derivatives From Grape (Vitis vinifera) Byproducts. Antioxidant Aminoethylthio-flavan-3-oI Conjugates From a Polymeric Waste Fraction Used as a Source of Flavanols. J. Agric. Food Chem. 49:4627-4634. Tynecka Z. and Gos Z. 1975. The Fungistatic Activity of Garlic (Allium sativum) in Vitro. Ann. Univ. Mariae Curie-Sklodowska Sect. D Med. 30:5-13. Vrhovsek, U. 1998. Extraction of Hydroxycinnamoyltartaric Acids From Berries of Different Grape Varieties. J. Agric. Food Chem. 46:4203-208. Walker, E. B., Barney, D. P., Mickelsen, J. N., et al. 1997. Cranberry Concentrate: UTI Prophylaxis. J Family Pract. 45:167–8 [letter]. Weiss, E. I., Lev-Dor, R., Kashman, Y., Goldhar, J., Sharon, N. and Ofek, I. 1998. Inhibiting Interspecies Coaggregation of Plaque Bacteria With a Cranberry Juice Constituent. JADA. 129:1719-1723. (Guo and Gokavi)
Chapter 3 DIETARY FIBER AND DIETARY FIBER RICH FOODS Introduction Dietary fiber (DF) has been consumed for centuries and most food labels in the supermarket now list dietary fiber. Even though fiber is not considered a nutrient, health professionals and nutritionists agree that fiber is required in sufficient amounts for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. DF is the edible parts of plants or analogous carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. The reductions in LDL-cholesterol, attenuating glycemic and insulin response, increasing stool bulk, and improving laxation have been associated with DF intake through the consumption of foods rich in this dietary component, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. DF consumption has established the basis for associating high-fiber diets in epidemiological studies with reduced risk of most of the major dietary problems in the U.S.A.; namely, obesity, coronary disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation, inflammatory bowel diseases like diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer (Jones, 2000). Despite the understanding of health benefits of DF and its association with reduced risk of many diseases, the intake remains low in many parts of the world, in particular in the U.S.A. One of the reasons for this may be the difficult challenge to increase fiber consumption in the diet. The fiber sources usually used in foods have not made high-fiber foods with acceptable sensory properties. A product development technologist who makes foods, using high fiber ingredients needs to realize that a product not only supply fiber, but also provide enhanced functional properties to make high-fiber foods taste better, thus encouraging continued intake of this type of product.
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Why is fiber important? What does fiber do? This chapter will answer these questions in detail. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide an overview of important oligosaccharides and polysaccharides that function as DF, to explain in detail their occurrence and structures and their various physiological effects and health implications, and also to describe the role high fiber ingredients play in food development. Definition Establishing a definition for dietary fiber has a long history. The term ‘dietary fiber’ was coined by Hipsley in 1953 and since then its definition has undergone several revisions. The history of the definition of DF is presented in Figure 3.1. While defining dietary fiber, it was intended to balance between nutritional knowledge and analytical method capabilities. While the physiologically based definitions most widely accepted have generally been accurate in defining the dietary fiber in foods, scientists and regulators have tended, in fact, to rely on analytical procedures as the definitional basis. As a result, incompatibility between theory and practice has resulted in confusion regarding the components that make up dietary fiber. In November 1998, the president of American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) International appointed a scientific review committee and assigned the task of reviewing, and if necessary, updating the definition of dietary fiber. The updated definition includes the same food components as the historical working definition used for almost 30 years. But the updated definition more clearly describes the makeup of DF and its physiological functionality. This definition typically includes the fiber components; nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) and resistant oligosaccharides (RO), lignin, substances associated with the NSP and lignin complex in plants, and other analogous carbohydrates, such as resistant starch (RS) and dextrins, and synthesized carbohydrate compounds, like polydextrose (Tungland and Meyer, 2002). Finally, dietary fiber is defined as the edible parts of the plant and analogous carbohydrate that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. It includes polysaccharides, lignin and associated plant substances. Dietary fiber exhibits one or more of the following: laxation (fecal bulking and softening; increased frequency; and/or regularity), blood cholesterol attenuation, and/or blood sugar regulation.
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FIGURE 3.1 — History Of Definition Of Dietary Fiber Over The Years Organization
Year
Definition
Hipsley
1953
Coined term “dietary fiber” as a shorthand term for nondigestable constituents making up the plant cell wall.
Trowell and others
1972-1976
Used Hipsley term in conjunction with a dietary fiber hypothesis related to health observations. The term was defined as: “consisting of the plant polysaccharides and lignin which are resistant to hydrolysis by digestive enzymes of man.”
Asp, Schweizer, Furda, Theander, Bakker, Soutgate and others
1976-1981
Developed methods directed at quantifying food components meeting definition
Prosky
1979
Began process of developing worldwide consensus on fiber definition and methodology for dietary fiber
Canadian Association of Official Analytical Chemists Workshop
1981
Consensus on fiber definition and analytical approach
Prosky, Asp, Furda, Schweizer, DeVries and Harland
1981 -1985
Validate consensus methodology in multinational collaborative studies
AOAC
1985
Official Method of Analysis 985.29, Total dietary Fiber in Foods-Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method, adopted, becoming de facto working definition for dietary fiber
Health and Welfare Canada
1985
Defined dietary fiber as: “the endogenous components of plant material in the diet which are resistant to digestion by enzymes produced by humans. They are predominately nonstarch polysaccharides and lignin and may include, in addition, associated substances.
Scientific community
1985-1988
Developed methodology and collaboratively studied these for various types of fiber.
US-FDA
1987
Defined dietary fiber as the material isolated by AOAC method 985.29
Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO)
1987
Defined dietary fiber as: the endogenous components of plant materials in the diet that are resistant to digestion by enzymes produced by humans
Health Canada
1988
Defined (dietary fiber) as: being the endogenous components of plant material in the diet which are resistant to digestion by enzymes produced by man: they are predominately nonstarch polysaccharides and lignin. The composition varies with the origin of the fiber, and includes soluble and insoluble substances. Defined (novel fiber or novel source) as: (1) a food that has been manufactured to be a source of dietary fiber, and has not traditionally been used for human consumption to any significant extent, or (2) had been chemically processed (oxidized), or (3) had been highly concentrated from its plant source.
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FIGURE 3.1 — History Of Definition Of Dietary Fiber Over The Years - Continued Germany
1989
Defined fiber as: substances of plant origin, that cannot be broken down to resorbable components by the body’s own enzymes in the small intestine. Included are essentially soluble and insoluble nonstarch polysaccharides (cellulose, pectin, hydrocolloids) and lignin and resistant starch. Substances like some sugar substitutes, organic acids, chitin and so on, which either are not or are incompletely absorbed in the small intestine, are not included.
Lee, Mongeau, Li, Theander and others
1988-1994
Various fiber methodologies fitting definition of dietary fiber developed, validated and brought to an Official Method status
Japan
1990
Dietary fiber defined as: material isolated by a modified method of AOAC 985.29
AOAC
1991
Official Method of Analysis 991.42, Insoluble Dietary Fiber in Foods and Food Products, Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method-Phosphate Buffer, adopted.
International Fiber Survey
1992
Reaffirms consensus on physiological dietary fiber definition.
Belgium
1992
Defined dietary fiber as: the components of food that are not normally broken down by the body’s own enzymes of humans
International Fiber fiber Survey
1993
Reaffirmed consensus on physiological dietary
Italy
1993
Defined dietary fiber as: the edible substance of vegetable origin which normally is not hydrolyzed by enzymes secreted by the human digestive system
AOAC International
1995
Workshop on definition of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber reaffirms consensus on physiological dietary fiber definition and inclusion components
FAO/WHO
1995
(Codex Alimertarius Commission) Defined dietary fiber as: the edible plant or animal material not hydrolyzed by the endogenous enzymes of the human digestive tract as determined by the agreed upon method. Approved AOAC methods 985.29 & 991.43.
China
1995
Defined dietary fiber as: the sum of food components that are not digested by intestinal enzymes and absorbed into the body
Denmark
1995
Defined dietary fiber as: the material isolated by AOAC methods 985.29 and 997.08 (fructan method)
Committee on Medical Aspects (UK)
1998
Defined dietary fiber as: nonstarch polysaccharide as measured by the Englyst method of Foods [Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA)]
Finland
1998
Defined dietary fiber as: part of the carbohydrate obtained using AOAC Methods 985.29 and AOAC 997.08.
definition and reaffirms inclusive components
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FIGURE 3.1 — History Of Definition Of Dietary Fiber Over The Years - Continued Norway
1998
Defined dietary fiber as: material isolated by AOAC Method 985.29 and inulin and oligofructose
AACC
1998
Assigns Scientific Committee to review and develop definition of Dietary Fiber
Sweden
1999
Defined dietary fiber as: edible material that cannot be broken down by human endogenous enzymes and determined with AOAC Methods 985.29 and/or 997.08 (fructan method)
Food Standards Agency (U.K.)
1999
Defined dietary fiber as: material isolated by AOAC methods 985.29 and 997.08 (fructan method)
AACC
2000
Defined dietary fiber as: the edible parts of plants or analogous carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. Dietary fiber includes polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lignin, and associated plant substances. Dietary fibers promote beneficial physiological effects including laxation, and/or blood cholesterol attenuation, and/or blood glucose attenuation.
Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA)
2001
Following the lines of the AACC definition, defined dietary fiber as: that fraction of the edible part of plants or their extracts, or analogous carbohydrates, that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine, usually with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. The term includes polysaccharides, oligosaccharides (DP > 2), and lignins. Dietary fiber promotes one or more of these beneficial physiological effects: laxation, reduction in blood cholesterol, and/or modulation of blood glucose. They accepted by use of AOAC methods 985.29 and 997.08 (fructan method) for labeling.
National Academy of Science (NAS)
2002
2002 Panel on the Definition of Dietary Fiber defined the dietary fiber complex to include dietary fiber consisting of nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants, functional fiber consisting of isolated, nondigestible carbohydrates which have beneficial physiological effects in humans, and total fiber as the sum of dietary fiber and functional fiber.
Chemistry Of Dietary Fiber The physical properties of dietary fiber are predominated by the shape (conformation) of the individual chains, and the way in which they interact with one another. Each dietary fiber molecule typically contains several thousand monosaccharide units which are often arranged in a linear sequence, like a very long string of beads, although more complex branched arrangements also occur. In contrast to globular
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proteins, polysaccharides normally have structures based on regular repeating sequences. The simplest arrangement is where all the monosaccharides are the same, and are linked together in the same way along the chain. Disaccharide repeating consequences (-A-B-A-B-) are also common, and larger repeating units (up to octasaccharide) can occur, particularly in polysaccharides produced by bacteria. The constituent monosaccharides have a ring structure, which can be either five-membered or six-membered, and are linked together by ‘glycosidic bonds’ with a shared oxygen atom between adjacent sugars. The polysaccharides of greatest practical importance, both as commercial hydrocolloids and as constituents of dietary fiber, are built up from six membered (pyranose) rings consisting of one oxygen atom and five carbon atoms, which are numbered sequentially from the ring oxygen as C-1 to C-5, and with a sixth carbon atom, numbered as C-6, lying outside the ring. As a consequence of the tetrahedral bonding arrangement of carbon, and the requirement to avoid steric clashes between adjacent groups, the pyranose ring is locked in a fixed, chairlike geometry, and the overall shape of the polysaccharide molecule is dictated by the torsional angles characterizing the relative orientation of neighboring sugars. These angles may be either fixed at the same values for equivalent linkages along the polymer chain, giving regular, ordered chain geometry, or constantly fluctuating, to give the disordered ‘random coil’ geometry typical of polysaccharide solutions. The chemical structures of different dietary fibers are given in Figures 3.2 and 3.3. Physical Properties Of Dietary Fiber When considering the action of cooking on cell wall structure and comparing cooked and raw plant foods, the different solubility characteristics of cell wall polysaccharides should be considered. Cell wall structures are degradable to varying degrees, depending on the structure and the conditions used. An important function of insoluble fibers is to increase lumenal viscosity in the intestine. It is not yet clear whether the soluble fibers in food have the same effect. Other polymeric components of the diet (proteins, gelatinized starch) and mucus glycoproteins liberated from the epithelia contribute to viscosity. Particulate materials present in chyme, such as insoluble fiber or hydrated plant tissues, also contribute to a lesser extent to overall viscosity. Digesta viscosity is highly sensitive to changes in ionic concentration that are due to intestinal secretion or absorption of aqueous fluids. Raw apples undergo little damage of cells upon ingestion
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69
FIGURE 3.2 — Chemical Structures Of Starch And Other Polysaccharides
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FIGURE 3.3 — Chemical Structures Of Polyfructans
and mastication. Gastric hydrochloric acid only solubilizes a small proportion of the pectin. Cooking the apples results in cell damage, and hence significant proportions of the middle lamellae pectic polysaccharides are solubilized. These make the digesta more viscous. Vegetables undergo structural change during cooking and mastication, e.g., cellular disintegration. The cells in the intact carrot are each bounded by an intact cell wall; after cooking most, if not all, the cell walls have been ruptured and the cell contents lost. The grinding of
DIETARY FIBER
71
foods before cooking and ingestion may also have pronounced effects on fiber action. Cell walls may be disrupted, and the reduced particle size of some fiber preparations such as wheat bran may be less biologically effective. The effects of other cooking processes, e.g., Maillard reactions, are not known. Controlled drying of a heated starch gel can produce any of the different X-ray diffraction patterns, depending on the temperature. On cooling, gelatinized starchy foods will retrograde. During retrogradation, solubility of the starch molecule decreases and so does its susceptibility to hydrolysis by acid and enzymes. Chain length and linearity are important factors affecting retrogradation. The longer the starch chains, the greater the number of interchain hydrogen bonds formed (Dobbing, 1989). Classification Of Dietary Fiber Several different classification systems have been used to classify the components of dietary fiber: based on their role in the plant, based on the type of polysaccharide, based on their simulated gastrointestinal solubility, based on the site of digestion, and based on products of digestion and physiological classification. However, none is entirely satisfactory, as the limits can not be absolutely defined. The most widely used classification for dietary fiber has been to differentiate dietary components on their solubility in a buffer at a defined pH, and/or their fermentability in an in vitro system using an aqueous enzyme solution representative of human alimentary enzymes. However, there is still debate regarding the most appropriate means to classify dietary fiber. Since most fiber types are at least partially fermented, it is suggested that it may be most appropriate to refer to them as partially or poorly fermented and well fermented. Classification Based On Solubility Based on solubility, dietary fiber is classified into two types – soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. This includes gums, mucilages, pectin and some hemicelluloses. These fibers are found in all types of peas and beans like lentils, split peas, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and lima beans, as well as oats, barley, and some fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, and carrots. Fiber from psyllium seed is also in this group. For people with diabetes, eating foods that contain soluble fiber can help control or lower the level of sugar in their blood and decrease insulin needs; and, studies have shown that including one or two servings of beans, oats, psyllium, or other sources of soluble fiber help
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lower fasting blood sugar levels. It may also help lower blood cholesterol levels, especially LDL-cholesterol or the “bad” cholesterol. Fiber decreases blood cholesterol by binding to bile acids, which are made of cholesterol, in the gastrointestinal tract and carrying them out of the body as waste. Researchers have found that soluble fibers in beans, psyllium fiber, oats, and oat bran help lower blood cholesterol levels in many groups of people. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Cellulose, lignin, and the rest of the hemicelluloses, are all insoluble fibers. These fibers provide structure to plants. Whole grains, wheat and corn fiber, and many vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, and whole potatoes are good sources of insoluble fiber. The skins of fruits and vegetables are also good sources of insoluble fiber. And, wheat bran is a good source of insoluble fiber, which is why it is added to many dry breakfast cereals. Insoluble fiber, also known as “roughage”, aids digestion by trapping water in the colon. The water that is trapped by insoluble fiber keeps the stool soft and bulky. This promotes regularity and prevents constipation. Wheat bran, for example is high in insoluble fiber, and also helps prevent two kinds of intestinal diseases, diverticulosis and hemorrhoids. Classification Based On Fermentability Fibers that are well fermented include pectin, guar gum, acacia (gum arabic), inulin, polydextrose, and oligosaccharides. The less wellfermented types include cellulose, wheat bran, corn bran, oat hull fiber, and some resistant starches. The fiber types based on fermentability are listed in Figure 3.4. Generally, well fermented fibers are soluble in water, while partially or poorly fermented fibers are insoluble. Classification Based On The Way The Monomeric Units Present Indigestible polysaccharides (fiber components) consist of all nonstarchy polysaccharides (NSP) resistant to digestion in the small intestine and fermentable in the large intestine. These polysaccharides are typically long polymeric carbohydrate chains containing up to several hundred thousand monomeric units. The polysaccharides differ by the number and type of monomeric units linked together, the order in the chain, the types of linkages between the various monomers, the presence of branch points in the backbone of the molecule, and those having acidic groups present (for example, uronic acids in pectins). Examples of these NSP compounds are cellulose with beta-glycosidic bonds, nonglucose sugars (hemicelluloses such as arabinoxylans and arabinogalactans), sugar acids (pectins), gums, and mucilages. Resistant
DIETARY FIBER
73
FIGURE 3.4 — Classification Of Fiber Components Based On Fermentability Characteristic
Fiber component
Main food source
Partial or low fermentation
Cellulose
Plants (vegetables, sugar beet, various brans) Cereal grains Woody plants Plant Fibers Fungi, yeasts, invertebrates Plants (corn, potatoes, grains, legumes, bananas) Bacterial fermentation
Hemicellulose Lignin Cutin/suberin/other plant waxes Chitin and chitosan, collagen Resistant starches Curdlan Well fermented
β-glucans Pectins Gums
Inulin Oligosaccharides/analogues
Animal origin
Grains (oat, barley, rye) Fruits, vegetables, legumes, sugar beet, potato Leguminous seed plants (guar, locust bean), seaweed extracts (carrageenan, alginates), plant extracts (gum acacia, gum karaya, gum tragacanth), microbial gums (xanthan, gellan) Chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, onions, wheat Various plants and synthetically produced (polydextrose, resistant maltodextrin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, lactulose) Chondroitin
oligosaccharides, such as the fructans [inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)] (Figure 3.4) are characterized as carbohydrates with a relatively low degree of polymerization (DP), as compared to the NSP. FOS differ from fructopolysaccharides (inulin) only in chain length. The strict definition of an oligosaccharide is a chain of monomeric units with a DP of 3-10. Lignin is a phenylpropane polymer, and not a carbohydrate that is covalently bound to the fibrous polysaccharides (cellulose) of plant cell walls. Lignin has a heterogeneous composition ranging from 1 or 2 units to many phenyl propanes that are cyclically linked. It is likely these two characteristics have established the basis for it being included as a dietary fiber. Another group of compounds, found in several physiological definitions, the analogous carbohydrate(s), refer to compounds that are
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analogous to those of naturally-occurring dietary fibers. These compounds demonstrate the physiological properties of the respective materials for which they are analogous to, but are not obtained by eating the whole or part of the native originating plant, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. They can be produced during food processing by chemical and/or physical processes, or by purposeful synthesis or isolation as a concentrated form from the native plant. These “analogous” carbohydrates can include, but are not limited to, those isolated from Crustacea and single-cell organisms, polydextrose, resistant maltodextrins and starch, and the modified celluloses. Resistant starch (RS) is defined as the sum of starch and starch products of starch degradation that is not broken down by human enzymes in the small intestine of healthy individuals. A classification of these starches based on the origin of their resistance to digestion has been proposed by Englyst et al (1992). Resistant starch is not a homogenous entity, but rather the resistance is dependent on a number of natural or processing phenomena which make up the subcategories RS1, 2, 3, and 4. RS1 relates to resistance conferred due to physical entrapment of starch, as found in partly milled grains or chewed cereals, seeds, or legumes. RS2 includes starch granules that are highly resistant to digestion by alpha-amylase until gelatinized. This form is typically found in raw or uncooked potato, banana (particularly when green), and high amylose maize starch. RS3 relates to the retrograded starch polymers from food processing of the above mentioned sources. RS4 includes chemically modified, commercially produced resistant starches that are likely degraded by amylases to alcohol soluble fractions and are used in many baby food applications. RS may have the similar health benefits as dietary fiber. Also included in the fiber component list are the associated plant substances, such as waxes and cutin. These components are found as waxy layers at the surface of the cell walls, made up of highly hydrophobic, long chain hydroxy aliphatic fatty acids. Suberin, another one of these associated substances, even though not fully characterized, is speculated to be a highly branched, crosslinked molecule containing polyfunctional phenolics, polyfunctional hydroxyacids, and dicarboxylic acids, having ester linkages to the plant cell walls. Analysis Of Dietary Fiber Adoption of the proposed definition for regulatory, research, and nutrition purposes will result in little change of analytical methodology, food labels, or food databases from the current situation. While several
DIETARY FIBER
75
methods have been developed for analyzing dietary fiber, two primary methods are now used for content labeling: enzymatic gravimetric methods (for example, the AOAC procedure), and enzymatic chemical methods (for example, the Englyst and Southgate procedures). The AOAC procedures primarily measure NSP, lignin, and a portion of RS, as does the Southgate method, while RS and lignin are not measured by the Englyst method. Due to method limitations of these primary methods, other, more specific, methods must be used to measure other components of dietary fiber, such as inulin, FOS, RS, and lignin. Current methodologies will continue to accurately quantitate the amount of fiber in the majority of foods, the exception being those foods containing a significant amount of dietary fiber which is soluble in a solvent mixture of 4 parts alcohol and 1 part water. This exceptionally soluble dietary fiber has heretofore been excluded from the quantity of dietary fiber reported on food labels and entered into database(s) for analytical, as opposed to definitional, reasons. Additional methods, or adjustments to current methods, which assure inclusion of the exceptionally soluble dietary fiber, will increase the reported dietary fiber level of a few foods, particularly foods high in fructans such as onions and leeks. Methods accurately fitting the definition will minimize regulatory confusion and result in accurate nutrition labeling of food products. Method Requirements Adoption of the definition for dietary fiber, i.e. “Dietary fiber is the remnants of the edible part of plants and analogous carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine with complete or partial fermentation in the human large intestine. It includes polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lignin and associated plant substances. Dietary fibers exhibit one or more of either laxation (fecal bulking and softening; increased frequency; and/or regularity), blood cholesterol attenuation, and/or blood glucose attenuation,” will result in relatively few method changes or changes in food labels or food databases. Analytically inclusive components fitting this definition include cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, gums, mucilages, oligosaccharides, pectins, waxes, cutin, and suberin. Analytical methodology useful for food labeling needs to effectively quantitate all of these components, while excluding all other food components. The analytical method also must quantitate the dietary fiber using a set of standardized conditions which will convert the food to the state of the food as it is most likely to be consumed. That is, the method should not
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quantitate “resistant starch” as dietary fiber merely because the starch is resistant to digestion because it is ungelatinized as it is found in the food product as labeled and sold, when there is a chance it will be cooked prior to consumption. Thus, a starch gelatinization step is necessary in any method developed for dietary fiber analysis as is a sample digestion step with enzymes that simulate the human digestion system to the closest extent possible in the laboratory. Applicable Methods In the 1981 definition, “Dietary Fiber consists of the remnants of edible plant cells, polysaccharides, lignin and associated substances resistant to (hydrolysis) digestion by the alimentary enzymes of humans” as in the proposed definition, dietary fiber is the remnants of the edible parts of plants resistant to digestion in the human small intestine. This resistance to digestion was, and remains, the key focus of the analytical method requirements. The first Official Method of Analysis developed based on the 1981 consensus definition was AOAC 985.29. This method is based on the premise of resistance to digestion. Human digestive enzymes are known to digest fats, proteins, and starch. Using 985.29, the food samples are defatted, then heated to gelatinize the starch (the primary form of starch in foods as consumed), then subjected to enzymatic digestion by protease, amylase, and amyloglucosidase (glucoamylase) to remove the digestible components of the food. The residues are quantitated, and adjusted for protein and ash to assure against a protein contribution from the enzymes, and assure that inorganic materials present in the sample are not quantitated as dietary fiber. The enzymes utilized for starch and protein digestion are required to completely digest representative starch and proteins. The method and the enzymes must also pass a purity of activity test to assure against extraneous enzymatic activity, i.e. to assure that the method does not destroy, and the enzymes do not digest any of the dietary fiber components listed above. Substrates to use to assure against extraneous enzymatic activity are listed in the referenced table and section. Other AOAC Official Methods of Analysis and AACC Approved Methods of Analysis adopted since that time have the same or similar method performance requirements, and are listed in Figure 3.5. Additional Methods Requirements Since the time of the adoption of the consensus definition in 1981, and the adoption of Official Method of Analysis 985.29 in 1985, dietary fiber research has expanded dramatically. This expanded knowledge
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FIGURE 3.5 — Official And Approved Methods For Dietary Fiber Analysis AOAC Official Method of Analysis
AACC Approved Method of Analysis
Designation
Title
Designation
Title
AOAC 985.29
Total Dietary Fiber in Foods Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method
AACC 32-05
Total Dietary Fiber
AOAC 991.42
Insoluble Dietary Fiber in Foods and Food Products Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method, Phosphate Buffer
AACC 32-20
Insoluble Dietary Fiber
AOAC 991.43
Total, Soluble, and Insoluble Dietary Fiber in Foods Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method, MES-Tris Buffer
AACC 32-07
Determination of Soluble, Insoluble and Total Dietary Fiber in Foods and Food Products
AOAC 992.16
Total Dietary Fiber, Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method
AACC 32-06
Total Dietary Fiber Rapid Gravimetric Method
AOAC 993.19
Soluble Dietary Fiber in Food and Food Products, Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method (Phosphate Buffer)
AOAC 993.21
Total Dietary Fiber in Foods and Food Products with 40 = 87% DP < 5 = 100%
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) root
35.7-47.6
Dandelion greens (Taraxacum officinale) Raw Cooked
12.0-15.0 8.1-10.1
Garlic (Aliium sativum) Raw Dried
9.0-16.0 20.3-36.1
DP < 40 = 83% (DP 2-65) DP > 40 = 17%
DP > 5 = 75%
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) 16.0-20.0
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) Raw
Chain Length
DP < 40 = 94% (DP 2-50) DP > 40 = 6% DP 12 is most frequent
3-10
Onion (Allium cepa) Raw Raw-dried Cooked
1.1-7.5 4.7-31.9 0.8-5.3
DP 2-12
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Bran – raw Flour – baked Flour – boiled
1.0-4.0 1.0-3.8 0.2-0.6
Rye - Baked
0.5-0.9
DP < 5 = 50%
DP ➞ Degree of polymerization. Adapted from Van Loo et al. (1995).
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123
refined by using technologies from the sugar and starch industries (e.g., ion exchangers), and then evaporated and spray dried (Figure 4.6). Chicory oligofructose is obtained by partial enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin, eventually followed by spray drying. Hydrolysis is catalyzed either by exo-inulinase (EC 3.2.1.80), by the combined action of exoand endo-inulinases, or solely by endoinulinase (EC 3.2.1.7). Although the best source of these enzymes is Kluyveromyces fragilis that produces only an exo-inulinase, most inulin-hydrolyzing enzymes of yeast origin have both exo- and endoinulinase activity (Uchiyama, 1993). The enzymes used for the commercial production of fructose and oligofructose come from Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus ficuum. The long-chain inulin or inulin HP is produced by using physical separation techniques to eliminate all oligomers with a DP < 10. The product known as Synergy 1 is obtained by mixing 30:70 (w/w) oligofructose and inulin HP. Other products are also made from inulin by intermolecular (depolymerizing) fructosyl-transferases (from Arthobacter globiformis, Arthobacter urefaciens, and pseudomonas) like DFA’s (difructose dianhydrides) and cyclic forms of difructose. Cyclofructans are also produced using an extracellular enzyme of Bacillus circulans. This enzyme forms mainly cycloinulohexaose (CFR-6), but also small amounts of cycloinuloheptaose and -octaose by an intramolecular transfructosylation reaction. Physicochemical and technological properties of chicory inulin, oligofructose, and their derivatives in powder form are presented in Figure 4.7 and their food applications are presented in Figure 4.8. Fructooligosaccharides are classified as prebiotics since they have the ability to selectively promote the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria (such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) at the expense of the putrefactive bacteria (such as bacteroides, clostridia, and other coliforms). Bifidobacteria produce acetic and lactic acids, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. FOS facilitates the absorption of calcium, and possibly magnesium also, and may lower the risk of osteoporosis. They also suppress the activity of cancer causing enzymes in the large bowel. Because of these health benefits, these carbohydrates are being added to many processed foods. Sources Of Prebiotics Common food sources of prebiotics include whole grains, oatmeal, flaxseed, barley, dandelion greens, spinach, collard greens, chard, kale, mustard greens, berries, fruits and legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, white beans, black beans, etc), chicory, onion, leek, garlic, artichoke and asparagus. Yacon, which looks like a potato,
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FIGURE 4.6 — Inulin Production Process
PREBIOTICS
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FIGURE 4.7 — Physicochemical And Technological Properties Of Chicory Inulin, Oligofructose, And Their Derivatives In Powder Form Inulin
Inulin HP Oligofructose
Chemistry
GpyFn DP 2-60
GpyFn DP 10-60
GpyFn and FpyFn DP 2-7
DP av Content (% dry matter) Dry matter (%) Sugars (% dry matter) pH (10% in H2O) Ash (% dry matter) Heavy metals (% dry matter) Color Taste
12 92 95 8 5-7 pH 7 Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin K Vitamin E Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Folic Acid Biotin a
S S S S U U S S S U S
U U S S S S S S U S
S U U S U U U S S S S
Air/ Oxygen
Light
Heat
Maximum Cooking Losses (%)
U U S U U U S S U U S
U U U U U S U U U U S
U U S U U U U U S U U
40 40 5 55 100 80 75 40 10 100 60
S = stable; U = Unstable
Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision, growth and development, immune functions and reproduction. Vitamin A deficiency results in various disorders. The most common one is the dryness of the conjunctiva and later of the cornea (xerophthalmia) also the epithelial tissues such as skin and the mucous membranes lining the internal body surfaces. Vitamin A deficiency leads to night blindness and continued deficiency eventually results in loss of sight. Deficiency of vitamin A may also result in defective bone and teeth formation. Vitamin A deficiency is a common problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries due to famine or shortages of vitamin A-rich foods. In the United States it is found among the urban poor, the elderly, alcoholics, and patients with malabsorption.
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Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA): The RDA is the measured amount of an essential nutrient that is needed on a daily average intake in the diet to meet the needs of almost all healthy people. The United States federal government (FDA) sets these levels. However, Japan has been leading the rest of the world in the research and development of functional foods and their functional claims. The RDA’s of the United States and Japan are different and so are their nutrient functional claims especially of the vitamins and minerals. Japan has more health claims for vitamins and minerals than the United States (discussed later). Following the lead of the United Sates FDA registration statement for dietary supplements, many European countries have established their own standards. The RDA for vitamin A in the United States is 1,000 retinol equivalents (RE) for boys and men and 800 RE for girls over 12 and adult women. No increase in intake is recommended during pregnancy; however, the RDA is increased by 500 RE during the first six months of lactation. Vitamin A is also measured in international units (IU). IU are defined by the relationship of 1 IU = 0.3 µg of all-trans-retinol or 0.6 µg of β-carotene. Preformed vitamin A (vitamin A acetate and palmitate) has well recognized toxicity when consumed at levels of 25,000 IU/d or higher. Food sources: Dietary sources of vitamin A include organ meats such as liver. Fish oils, butter, eggs, whole milk, fortified low fat milk, margarine and other dairy products are good sources of vitamin A. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, butter squash, dandelion greens and cantaloupe, mangoes and turnip greens are also good sources. Provitamin A is found throughout the plant kingdom such as carrots and broccoli which supply carotenoids that can be converted into vitamin A by the body. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The primary commercial forms of vitamin A are acetate (C22H32O2) and palmitate (C36H60O2) esters used by pharmaceutical and food industries. These ester forms of vitamin A, greatly stabilize the food products in relation to oxidation. In developed countries vitamin A fortification includes milk, dairy products, margarine, fat spreads and breakfast cereals. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims of vitamin A in the United States; however, Japan has the following: (1) Vitamin A helps maintain vision at night (2) helps to maintain healthy skin and mucosal membranes. Vitamin D Chemistry: Vitamin D was discovered in the 1930s following the discovery of rickets, a well known disease resulting from the deficiency
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of this vitamin. Vitamin D exists in several forms. However, only ergocalciferol (vitamin D 2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ) are biologically active (Figure 6.3). The biologically active form of vitamin D is a steroid hormone and is prepared from respective 5,7-diene sterols. The A, B, C, and D rings of the vitamin are derived from the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring structure with cholesterol serving as the parent compound. Furthermore, vitamin D is classified as a seco-steroid. Seco-steroids are those in which one of the rings has been broken, in vitamin D, the 9,10 carbon-carbon bond of ring B is broken, and it is indicated by the inclusion of “9,10-seco” in the nomenclature. Thus the IUPAC-IUB name for vitamin D2 is 9,10seco(5Z,7E)-5,7,10(19), 22-ergostatetraene-3β-ol and for vitamin D3, it is 9,10-seco(5Z,7E)-5,7,10(19)cholestatriene-3β-ol. Vitamins D4, D5, and D6 have also been prepared chemically, but they have a much lower biological activity. FIGURE 6.3 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin D2 and D3
All vitamin D compounds are closely allied to that of the classical steroid hormones (e.g. cortisol, estradiol, progesterone etc.) and possess a common triene structure showing a characteristic broad UV spectrum with maximum absorption at 265 nm and a minimum of 228 nm. The triene system of vitamin D makes it labile to light-induced isomerization. In addition, it is easily protonated resulting into isotachy-sterol, which is devoid of biological activity. Vitamin D3 can be produced photo
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chemically by the action of sunlight or ultraviolet light from the precursor sterol 7-dehydrocholesterol which is present in the epidermis or skin of most higher animals and humans. The chief structural prerequisite of pro-vitamin D compounds which are abundant in plant and animal tissues is to contain a delta 5,7-diene conjugated system. The conjugated double bond system in this specific location of the molecule allows the absorption of light at certain wavelengths in the UV range initiating a complex series of transformations that ultimately results in the formation of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 concentration in animal tissue is dependant on dietary intake and exposure of the animal to sunlight. Humans receive most of their vitamin D requirement through sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is stable in the absence of light, water, acidity and low temperature. The vitamin stands alkalinity and saponification and is less susceptible to oxidative loses. Vitamin D3 is more stable than vitamin D2. Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin D is the principal regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body. It is particularly important in skeletal development and bone mineralization. The active form of vitamin D is 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D or 1,25(OH2)D. The vitamin D hormone 1, 25 (OH2)D mediates its actions via binding to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) which are principally located in the nuclei of target cells. 1,25(OH2)D enhances the efficiency of calcium absorption and to a lesser extent phosphorus absorption, from the small intestine. Vitamin D supplementation usually repairs conditions caused by poor dietary intake. Vitamin D helps ensure that the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bone. Laboratory studies also show that vitamin D helps control cancer cells from growing and dividing (Holick et al., 2004). Prolonged deficiency of vitamin D results in changes in the bones of children and adults and possible hearing loss with aging. In addition, the lack of vitamin D promotes rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults) where bones are malformed and weak from poor calcium and phosphorus deposition. Osteoporosis is due to a poor dietary vitamin D and calcium intake. Hearing loss from vitamin D deficiency may progress as the adult ages due to increased porosity of the cochlea bone in the inner ear. RDA: RDA ranges from 5 µg (200 IU)/d for adults, 10 µg (400 IU)/d for children, pregnant and lactating women may prevent osteomalacia in the absence of sunlight. However, more is needed to help prevent osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Total-body sun exposure easily provides the equivalent of 250 µg (1000 IU) of vitamin D/d suggesting a physiological limit (Vieth, 1996).
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Food sources: Food sources of vitamin D are very limited in nature but easily and cheaply synthesized. However, vitamin D is found naturally in animals and animal products in small amounts. Fruit and nuts contain no vitamin D at all. The richest sources include: fortified foods and beverages like milk, soy drinks and margarine. Fish liver oil, and egg yolks naturally contain vitamin D. Chemical forms of vitamin D as functional ingredients: Vitamin D3 (C27H44O) also known as cholecalciferol is the primary synthetic form of vitamin D used for food fortification and in pharmaceuticals. Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of vitamin D. In the United States milk is fortified with 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per quart. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims of vitamin D in the United States, however, Japan has the following health claims: (1) Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium in the intestine (2) It helps in development of bone. Vitamin E Chemistry: Vitamin E was discovered by Evan and Bishop in 1922, as food factor “X” which is necessary for the reproductive system and prevention of fetal death (Friedrich et al., 1988). In 1924 this new substance was named vitamin E and then tocopherol from the Greek term tocos which means “to birth” and “phero” which means “providing power.” Vitamin E exits in eight different forms and each form has its own biological activity. The parent compound is 2-methyl-2 (4',8',12'trimethyltridecyl)-chroman-6-ol. The homologues of vitamin E existing in nature are -, b-, - and -tocopherol and -, b-, - and -tocotrienol characterized by a saturated side chain consisting of three isoprenoid units (Figure 6.5, Figure 6.4). The difference in chemical structure between -, b-, - and -comes from differences in the position of methyl groups located on the the chroman nucleus. Furthermore, the difference between tocotrienols and tocopherols originates from whether double bonds exist in the side chain. The four tocopherol homologues have 16carbon phytol side chain, whereas, tocotrienols have three double bonds on the side chain. The asymmetric carbon (chiral center) at 2' of the chroman ring and 4',8' carbons of the side chain are the main cause for its various isomeric forms. The chemical structure differs distinctively between the natural and synthetic forms. Synthetic vitamin E consists of a mixture of d- and l-form which are optical isomers of each other. Natural vitamin E consists of only the d-form (RRR-) and, therefore, it is easy to distinguish natural vitamin E from the synthetic one. The dl-
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-tocopherol, which is the synthetic form of -tocopherol contains equal amounts of eight stereoisomers. The tocotrienols have lower bioactivity and thus lower nutritional value than the tocopherols. The most widespread and most active tocopherol is the form and is called RRR-tocopherol. Vitamin E is sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, alkali pH, and various metals (iron and copper). Under an oxygen free environment, tocoferols and tocotrienols are stable in heat and alkali conditions. Refining of edible oil results in some losses of vitamin E activity. However, refining removes pro-oxidant from the oil and makes the oil more stable towards oxidation. FIGURE 6.4 — Types Of Tocopherols And Tocotrienols. Trivial Name
Chemical Name
Abbreviation
Substitution R1
Tocol -Tocopherol β-Tocopherol
5,7,8-Trimethyltocol 5,8-Dimethyltocol
- T β- T
-Tocopherol -Tocopherol
7,8-Dimethyltocol 8-Methyltocol
-T -T
Tocotrienol -Tocotrienol β-Tocotrienol
5,7,8-Trimethyltocotrienol 5,8-Dimethyltocotrienol
- T3 β- T3
-Tocotrienol -Tocotrienol
7,8-Dimethyltocotrienol
-T3 -T3
8-Methyltocotrienol
R2
H H CH3 CH3 CH3 H
R3 H CH3 CH3
H
CH3
CH3
H
H
CH3
H H CH3 CH3 CH3 H
H CH3 CH3
H
CH3
CH3
H
H
CH3
FIGURE 6.5 — Chemical Structure Of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
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Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidative agent which stops major fat soluble-chain reactions in the blood and tissue including protecting the unsaturated fatty acids, protein and DNA from oxidation, and it stabilizes the structure of the biomembrane by eliminating free radicals. Vitamin E also plays an important role in cell signal transduction. It may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease (Lonn and Yusuf, 1997). Evidence indicates that oxidative changes to LDL promote blockages in coronary arteries that may lead to heart attacks. Vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (Jialal and Fuller, 1995). Vitamin E also may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack. Observational studies have associated lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intake. Vitamin E is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Cataracts are abnormal growths in the lens of the eye causing cloudy vision. They also increase the risk of disability and blindness in aging adults. Observational studies have also found that lens clarity, which is used to diagnose cataracts was better in regular users of vitamin E supplements and in persons with higher blood levels of vitamin E (Leske et al., 1998). Vitamin E deficiency is a very rare problem that results in damage to nerves and is almost always due to factors other than lack of dietary intake. Malabsorption results from pancreatic and liver abnormalities that lower fat absorption, abnormalities of the intestinal cell and length of the intestine. Vitamin E deficiency may cause cystic fibrosis (affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands and male fertility), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and cholestasis (bile-flow obstruction). Premature infants may be at risk for vitamin E deficiency because they are born with low tissue levels of the vitamin, and they have a poorly developed capacity for absorbing dietary fats. Vitamin E deficiency in humans results in ataxia (poor muscle coordination with shaky movements), decreased sensation to vibration, and lack of reflexes and paralysis of eye muscles. RDA: The RDA for vitamin E was previously 8 mg/d for women and 10 mg/d for men. The RDA was revised by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine in 2000, (Figure 6.6). This new recommendation was based largely on the results of studies done in the 1950s in men fed vitamin E deficient diets. The latest RDA for vitamin E continues to be based on the prevention of deficiency symptoms rather than on health promotion and the prevention of chronic disease.
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FIGURE 6.6 — RDA For RRR- tocopherol. Life Stage Infants Infants Children Children Children Adolescents Adults Pregnancy Breastfeeding
Age
Males (mg/day)
Females (mg/day)
0-6 months 7-12 months 1-3 years 4-8 years 9-13 years 14-18 years 19 years and older All ages All ages
4 5 6 7 11 15 15 -
4 5 6 7 11 15 15 15 19
Food sources: Vitamin E is a plant product and widely distributed in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals which are common food sources in the United States. All eight forms of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) occur naturally in foods, but in varying amounts. Vegetable oils are the major sources with good concentrations of the vitamin. For example, a tablespoon of wheat germ oil supplies 20.4 mg, while a tablespoon of sunflower oil (over 60% linoleic acid) has 5.6 mg (USDA 2004). Similarly, one tablespoon of safflower oil (70% oleic acid) supplies 4.6 mg of -tocopherol while a tablespoon of corn oil (salad or vegetable oil) has 1.9 mg. Almonds are the most concentrated nut source with 13.5 mg in a one-third cup serving. Peanuts (dry roasted, 1 oz) have 2.2 mg. Ready-to-eat fortified cereals provide from 7 to 17 mg. Salad and cooking oils, margarine, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and shortening provide approximately 27% of the vitamin E in the U.S. diet. Animal fats, such as butter and lard, contain lower levels of the vitamin. Fish, eggs, and beef contain relatively low levels of the vitamin, with about 1 mg per 100 g food. Vitamin E is available in the acetate and free tocopherol forms as oil for use in soft gelatin capsules. Vitamin E acetate has a variety of applications in the fortification of beverages and dry premixes. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The following chemical forms of vitamin E are commonly used as function ingredients: D--tocopherol, DL--tocopherol, D--tocopheryl acetate, D--tocopheryl succinate. Nutrient functional claims: Japan has the following health claims for vitamin E: (1) Vitamin E helps protect oxidation of fat in the body (2) It helps to maintain healthy cells (3) Vitamin E intake may prevent hardening of arteries and oxidation of LDL in the blood. Consumption of E may reduce the risk of certain cancers, however, the FDA has
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determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive. Vitamin K Chemistry: Vitamin K was first isolated from alfalfa by Henrik Dam, a Danish biochemist and named vitamin K or a coagulation vitamin. Normally vitamin K is produced by bacteria in the intestines. However, its first synthesis was carried out by Doisy in 1939 and both Dam and Doisy received Nobel prizes for their work on the discovery of vitamin K and its synthesis. Vitamin K is a group name for a number of related compounds which have in common a methylated napthoquinone ring structure, which vary in the aliphatic side chain attached at the 3-position. Phylloquinone, is the most common form of vitamin K (also known as vitamin K1, Figure 6.7) and contains in its side chain four isoprenoid residues one of which is unsaturated. Vitamin K1 is produced by plants, whereas, vitamin K2 also called menaquinone, can be synthesized by bacteria in the intestine. Vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetic form of this vitamin which is man made. Menaquinones have side chains composed of a variable number of unsaturated isoprenoid residues. Generally they are designated as MK-n, where n specifies the number of isoprenoids. Hydrogenation of plant oils containing vitamin K1 gets converted into another form dihydro-vitamin K1 (dK) whose biological activity is not yet known. Vitamin K is soluble in lipid, ether, and other non-polar organic solvents. Newborns are often vitamin K deficient because they do not have bacteria that produce the vitamin in the gut. Vitamin K is stable to oxidation in most food processing processes. However, it is unstable to light and in alkaline condition which prohibits them from saponification and extraction procedures. Reducing agents also destroy the biological activity of vitamin K1. Isomerization of trans bond into cis causes problems since the cis form possesses no biological activities. FIGURE 6.7 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin K1
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Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin K is used by the body to control blood clotting and is essential for synthesizing the liver protein that controls the clotting. Vitamin K is also involved in bone formation and repair. In the intestines it assists in converting glucose to glycogen which can then be stored in the liver. Deficiencies of vitamin K have been linked to: heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria (blood in the urine), nosebleeds, gum bleeding and eye hemorrhages etc. Birth defects linked directly to vitamin K deficiencies includes underdevelopment of the nose, mouth and mid face, shortened fingers, cupped ears, flat nasal bridges etc. RDA: 0-12 months,10-20 µg/d, 1-10 years, 15-60 µg/d, 11-18 years, 100 µg/d, 18 years and plus,100 µg/d. Food sources: The predominant dietary form of vitamin K (phylloquinone; K1) occurs primarily in green leafy vegetables and in certain plant oils including soybean, canola and cottonseed. A substantial amount is also found in cheese and liver. It is also found in asparagus, coffee, bacon and green tea. Among the fast foods, including chicken products, hamburgers, burritos and nachos the K1 and dK contents ranged from 0.4 to 23.4 and non-detected (ND)-69.1 µg/100g, respectively. Crackers and potato chips had wide ranges in K1 (1.4-24.3 µg/100g) and dK content (ND-102 µg/100g) (Weizmann et al., 2004). The vitamin K content of nuts and fruits in the US diet has recently been investigated. With the exception of pine nuts and cashews, which contain 53.9 and 34.8 µg/100 gram per nut, respectively, nuts are not an important dietary source of vitamin K. Some berries and green fruits are the exception (Dismore et al., 2003). Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Phylloquinone (K1, C31H46O2) is synthesized commercially for use in infant formula, medical foods and pharmaceuticals. Several stabilized forms of menadione (K3, C11H8O2) are also available such as menadione sodium bisulfate and menadione dimethyl-pyrimidinol bisulfite. These chemical forms are water soluble and are more stable to the processing condition compared to the free menadione. Nutrient functional claims: Neither Japan nor the United States has approved health claims of vitamin K. WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS Vitamin C Chemistry: Vitamin C is also called L-ascorbic acid. In 1747, Scottish naval surgeon James Lind discovered that a nutrient (now known to be
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vitamin C) in citrus foods prevented scurvy. Later, it was rediscovered by Norwegian scientists, A. Hoist and T. Froelich. Vitamin C was the first vitamin to be artificially synthesized in 1935, a process invented by Dr. Tadeusz Reichstein, of the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich. Vitamin C is an enolic form of 3-oxo-L-gulofuranolactone (Figure 6.8) and an antioxidant vitamin. It efficiently scavenges O2-, OH, peroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen. It can be chemically produced from glucose as well as extracted from plant sources such as rose hips, blackcurrants or citrus fruits such as oranges and vegetables, such as, berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens. It occurs as a white or slightly yellow crystal or powder with a slight acidic taste. Vitamin C is sparingly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene. At higher pH (7.4) most of the vitamin C (99.95%) is present as ascorbate(donar antioxidant) form thus the antioxidant chemistry of vitamin C represents the chemistry of ascorbate. Vitamin C is the least stable of vitamins and is very sensitive to oxygen. Its potency can be lost through exposure to light, heat and air which stimulate the activity of oxidative enzymes. FIGURE 6.8 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin C
Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin C has various physiological functions. It is necessary for the prevention of scurvy. It inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen) and is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries). It decreases glycosylation of albumin which can significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. It can protect biomembranes and
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LDL from peroxidative damage. Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of vitamin C correlates with a reduction in cancer incidence especially cancer of the stomach and esophagus. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, listlessness, fatigue and weakness. RDA: Adults (male and female) need 100 mg/d, pregnant women 110 mg/d, lactating women, 140 mg/d, infants (0-5 yrs) 40 mg/d. The tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) are 2000 mg/d and lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) is 3,000 mg/d. For Japan no LOAEL has been established. It is known that smoking reduces the plasma/leukocyte of vitamin C level, therefore, heavy smokers are recommended to take twice the vitamin C intake of non-smokers. Food sources: Good sources of vitamin C are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, green leafy vegetables, red peppers, chilis, watercress, parsley, blackcurrants, strawberries, kiwi fruit, guavas, and citrus fruit. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The following chemical forms are used as functional ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbyl palmitate, sodium L-ascorbate and calcium L-ascorbate. As an antioxidant (ascorbyl palmitate) is often used to prevent the formation of rancidity in stored lipid products and the phenolic browning of commodities such as dehydrated potatoes. It is also used as a flour improver in the Chorleywood bread process, where its oxidation product (dehydroascorbic acid) modifies the availability of glutathione in dough development, thereby shortening the period of fermentation. Nutrient functional claims: Vitamin C has an antioxidative effect and helps in protecting against oxidative agents at cellular level. Like vitamin E, vitamin C is not approved by FDA for claiming to reduce certain types of cancer. Japan has the following health claims: (1) Vitamin C may aid collagen and carnitine synthesis (2) May promote absorption of iron (3) Vitamin C is useful for preventing heart disease and useful for keeping the eyes healthy. Vitamin B1 Chemistry: Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine, thiamin (no “e” at the end) and aneurin, isolated and characterized in 1926. However, thiamine is the currently accepted name for this vitamin in the United States whereas in Europe especially in the United Kingdom, aneurin is still widely used. The chemical name for vitamin B1 is 3-[(4'-amino2'-methyl-5'-pyrimidinyl)methyl]- 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl thiazole. Other forms of vitamin B 1 are thiamine monophosphate (TMP),
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thiamine diphosphate or thiamine pyrophophate (TPP) and thiamine triphosphate (TTP). The free form of thiamin occurs mainly in plasma whereas the coenzyme thiamine diphosphate (TDP) predominates intracellularly. All forms exist in animal and plant tissues. Thiamine consists of a pyrimidine ring and a thiazole ring connected by a one carbon link (Figure 6.9). The nitrogen in the thiazole ring has a charge of +1 and serves as an important electron link in thiamine pyrophosphate mediated reactions. Vitamin B1 is one of the most unstable vitamins. It is sensitive to heat, alkali, oxygen and radiation. Thiamine is least stable when the pH approaches neutral. Maximum stability in solution is between pH 2.0 to 4.0. Baking, pasteurization, or boiling of foods fortified with thiamine can reduce its content by up to 50 percent. The stability of thiamine during storage greatly depends on the moisture content of the food. FIGURE 6.9 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin B1
Thiamine (base free) 3-[(4' amino-2'-methyl-5'pyrimidinyl)methyl)]5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-thiazole
Functions and deficiencies: Thiamin is important for the normal functioning of nerves. It is necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which affects several brain functions including memory. It is vital for normal development, growth, reproduction, healthy skin, hair, blood production and immune function. Deficiency of vitamin B1 usually causes weight loss, cardiac abnormalities, and neuromuscular disorders. The thiamine deficiency syndrome in humans is beri-beri, most common in parts of Southeast Asia where polished rice was a dietary staple. Beri-beri is characterized by anorexia (loss of
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appetite) with subsequent weight loss, enlargement of the heart muscle weakness and foot and wrist droop. There are three main types of beriberi (1) dry beri-beri (muscle wasting with heart involvement, hypotension, sodium retention and pulmonary edema); (2) wet beriberi (also edematous or cardiac) and (3) infantile beri-beri. Dry beriberi usually inflicts older adults and affects mainly the peripheral nerves with little cardiac involvement. It is characterized by atrophy and peripheral neuritis of the legs and paraplegia. In contrast wet beriberi displays substantial cardiac involvement especially tachycardia (rapid heart beat) in addition to peripheral neuropathy. Edema progresses from the feet upwards to the heart causing congestive heart failure in severe cases. Infantile beri-beri is characterized by vomiting, convulsions, abdominal distention and anorexia. Another thiamine deficiency disease is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome seen most often in alcoholics after long periods of alcohol intake. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a severe deficiency characterized by mental disorder, including confusion, hallucinosis and psychosis. RDA: Babies 0 to 1 years need 0.2 mg/d, children 1 to 3 years 0.4 mg/ d, children 4 to 6 years 0.6 mg/d, children 7 to 9 years 0.8 mg/d, children 10 to 12 years, males 1.3 mg/d and women 1.1 mg/d. Food sources: The best source of vitamin B1 includes asparagus, romaine lettuce, mushrooms, spinach, sunflower seeds, pork, tuna, green peas, tomatoes, eggplant and Brussels sprouts. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Thiamine hydrochloride (C 12 H 18 ON 4 SCl 2 ) and thiamine mononitrate (C12H17O4N5S) are commercially produced chemical forms used in pharmaceuticals and for functional food fortification. These two forms of thiamine differ in solubility, the later being used in dry blends, multivitamins, dry products and is less hydroscopic. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims by the FDA. However, Japan has the following health claims: Vitamin B1 helps to produce energy from carbohydrate and helps to maintain healthy skin and mucosal membranes. Vitamin B6 Chemistry: In 1934, Paul György a Hungarian-born physician, identified vitamin B6 as a curative factor for a dermatitis in rats and proposed the name vitamin B6. A few years later, György and several co-workers, and Richard Kuhn finally isolated the crystalline form from rice bran and duly named it vitamin B6 (or pyridoxine) (Figure 6.10). The chemical structure was determined in 1939 and synthesized by
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Harris and Karl Folkers. Vitamin B6 exists in six major chemical forms: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM), and their phosphate derivatives: pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxine 5'phosphate (PNP), and pridoxamine 5'-phospate (PMP). PLP is the active coenzyme form, and has the most importance in human metabolism. PN, PL, and PM are metabolically interconvertible and considered to be biologically active. PN is more stable than PL and PM. The stability of vitamin B6 greatly depends on the type of thermal processing. pH, light and temperature are main factors for its degradation. However, all forms are stable in acidic solutions if protected from light. PN is more stable than PL and PM. PM is the least stable. Processing and cooking conditions cause variable losses. For example high losses of B6 occur during sterilization of liquid infant formula, in contrast B6 in enriched flour and corn meal is resistant to baking temperatures. FIGURE 6.10 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin B6
Functions and deficiencies: Pyridoxine is normally stored as pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), the coenzyme form of the vitamin. It is needed for metabolism of amino acids, cellular metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat formation of neurotransmitters and production of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3). Pyridoxine is the cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to norepinephrine. It facilitates the conversion of amino acids from one to another and is necessary for the normal synthesis of hemoglobin and the normal function and growth of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency
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is rare, however, marginal vitamin B6 status is relatively common. Vitamin B6 deficiency can occur in individuals with poor quality diets that are deficient in many nutrients. Symptoms occur during later stages of deficiency when intake has been very low for an extended time. Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include dermatitis, glossitis (a sore tongue), depression, confusion, and convulsions. Vitamin B6 deficiency also can cause anemia. RDA: Men: 2 mg/d; Women: 1.6 mg/d; Pregnant women: 2.2 mg/d. Food sources: Vitamin B6 is usually bound to protein, pyridoxol being the prominent form in plants and pyridoxamine in animal products. Major dietary sources of pyridoxine include: chicken, liver, yeast extract, fish (tuna, trout, herring, salmon), nuts, and whole grains. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Pyridoxine hydrochloride (PN . HCl, C 8 H 12 ClO 3 ) is the commonly available commercial form used for food fortification. The PN.HCl salt is a white crystalline powder with a salty taste. PN.HCL is soluble in water, alcohol and propylene glycol and sparingly soluble in acetone and insoluble in diethyl ether and chloroform. However, pyradoxal hydrochloride . (C8H9NO3 HCl)) and pyridoxamine hydrochloride (C8H12ClNO3) are also being used for food fortification but are less stable. Nutrient functional claims: Dietary supplementation of vitamin B6, when a person maintains a well balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of vascular disease. However, FDA evaluated this claim and found it inconclusive. Japan has the following approved claims of vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps to produce energy from protein and maintain healthy skin and mucosal membranes similar to vitamin B1. Vitamin B12 Chemistry: Vitamin B12 is the largest and most complex of all the vitamins. It is available in several forms and is a collective name for cobalt-containing corrinoids with the biological activity of cyanocobalamin (CNCbl). Vitamin B12 is the only known bio-molecule with a stable carbon-metal bond. The core of the molecule is a corrin ring with various attached side groups. The ring consists of 4 pyrolle subunits, joined on opposite sides by a C-CH3 methylene link on one side by a C-H methylene link and with the two of the pyrroles joined directly. It is thus structurally similar to heme except it has one less methene bridge and has cobalt in place of iron (Figure 6.11). The most common form is CNCbl which is tasteless, odorless with good water solubility. In CNCbl, the β-position of the cobalt atom is occupied by a
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-
cyano-ligand (CN ) which can also be occupied by OH , NO2 and SO3 to form hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) nitrocobalamin (NO 2 Cbl) and deoxyadenosul (SO3CBl). Vitamin B12 is stable to heat but is sensitive to light, oxygen, acid and alkali and considered to be stable under most food processing operations. It is fairly stable at pH 4-6, even at higher temperatures. CNCBl is the most stable form of the vitamin. FIGURE 6.11 — Chemical Structure Of Vitamin B12
Functions and deficiencies: Vitamin B12 is needed for normal functioning of the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. Stomach acid and enzymes free vitamin B12 from food allowing it to bind to other proteins known as R protein. In the alkaline environment of the small intestine, R proteins are degraded by pancreatic enzymes freeing vitamin B12 to bind to intrinsic factor (IF), a protein secreted by specialized cells in the stomach. Receptors on the surface of the small intestine take up the IF-B12 complex only in the presence of calcium,
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which is also supplied by the pancreas. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may show after a prolonged period of poor dietary intake or inadequate secretion of intrinsic factor. The classic deficiency symptom of vitamin B12 is pernicious anemia which evolves through abnormal absorption of vitamin B12 resulting from inadequate digestion, lack of binding factors (Ca++) etc. The sign includes neurological involvement resulting from demyelination of the spinal cord, brain, optic and peripheral nerves. General symptoms include glossitis, weakness, loss of weight, lose of appetite, memory impairment and hallucinations. It can also cause impaired mental function that in the elderly mimics Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency is thought to be quite common in the elderly and is a major cause of depression in this age group. In addition to anemia and nervous system symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency can also result in a smooth beefy red tongue and diarrhea. RDA: Vitamin B12 is necessary in only very small quantities. The RDA is 2 µg/d for adults, 2.2 µg/d for pregnant women and 2.6 µg/d during lactation. Vegetarian diets can produce deficiency, however, 1 to 5 µg/d may provide necessary requirement. Food sources: The richest food sources include liver, kidney, spleen, sea foods, eggs and dairy products. Fermented soy products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12 at a lower level. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) and hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) are the well known chemical forms of vitamin B12 available for food fortification and for medical uses. CNCbl is a tasteless, odorless and red crystalline substance with good water solubility. It has a better stability than OHCBl. Nutrient functional claims: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of vascular disease. This claim has not been approved by the FDA, and the FDA found the evidence in support of the above claim is inclusive. However, Japan has the following approved claim: Vitamin B12 aids in red blood cell formation. Folic Acid Chemistry: Folic acid and folate are interchangeable terms. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is found naturally in some foods. The term is used as a generic name (pteroylglutamate) with a series of derivatives with folic acid activity. The name folic acid was derived from the Latin word “folium” for leaf (Mitchell et al., 1941). Other names for folic acid are folacin, vitamin BC, vitamin B9 and Lactobacillus casei factor. The IUPAC name of folic acid is 2-amino-4-
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hydroxy-6-methyleneaminobenzoyl-L-glutamic acid pteridine and the parent compound is pteroic acid, 4-[(pteridin-6-ylmethyl)amino]benzoic acid (Figure 6.12). The foliates compounds are based on pteroic acid skeleton conjugated with one or more L-glutamate units linked through the -carboxyl of the amino acid. The salts and the acyl group derived from the acid are named pteroates and pteroyl, respectively. Although folic acid is not found in nature, it is the common and quite stable synthetic form used for food fortification and for formulation of pharmaceuticals. The reduced form of folic acid are dihydrofolate (H2 folate) and tetrahydrofolate (H4 folate), the later being the active coenzyme form of the vitamin. The stereochemistry of foliates is very complicated due to the number and diversity of biologically active forms. The variations in structure occurs due to the oxidation state of the pteridine ring, the non-carbon moiety carried by the specific folate and the number of conjugated glutamate residues on the specific folate. For these reasons the IUPAC-IUB commission on biochemical nomenclature has set certain rules for a systematic nomenclatures of the folate chemistry (Blakley, 1987). For example, pteroic acid conjugated with one or more L-glutamate units are named pteroylglutamate, pteroyldiglutamate, etc. The name “pteroylmonoglutamate” should not be used (IUPAC-IUB recommendation). Folic acid in food is unstable and considerable losses occur during short storage and cooking. However, it is stable to 100°C when protected from light at pH 5.0 to 12.0. The stability of folic acid is greater than naturally occurring folates in most foods. Folate is stable in dry products and in the absence of light and oxygen. Presence of ++ metal (F ) can increase folate loss (Day et al., 1983). FIGURE 6.12 — Chemical Structure Of Folic Acid
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Functions and deficiencies: Folic acid helps to prevent several major birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs). It is also necessary for cell replication and growth as well as the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Folate helps prevent alterations to DNA that can lead to cancer. Both adults and children require folate to build normal red blood cells and prevent anemia. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 improves vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease (Chambers et al., 2000). The evidence in vitro demonstrate that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the main circulation metabolies of folic acid can increase nitric oxide production and directly scavenge super oxide radicals. These properties may account for some of its cardiovascular effects (Moat et al., 2004). While most folic acid studies have focused on heart health, some recent findings suggest that folic acid either has antidepressant properties or can act as an augmenting mediator for standard antidepressant treatment. Evidence suggests that elderly depressed patients have lower levels of folate than their non-depressed cohorts. Supplementing with folate may thus reduce the incidence of depression in the elderly people (Alpet et al., 2003). Folate deficiency is a common cause of anemia. The signs of folic acid deficiency can be subtle such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss as well as weakness, a sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, and irritability. Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the United States, largely owing to its association with excessive alcohol intake. RDA: Lactating women need 400 µg/d and men 200 µg/d. Food sources: There are many food sources containing folic acid including the green leafy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), beans, liver, yeast extract, whole grains, egg yolk, milk and milk products, oranges and orange juice, beets and whole meal bread. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Folic acid or pteroylmonoglutamic acid (C19H19N7O6) are commonly used names. The synthetic form is used for food fortification and pharmaceutical formulation. Nutrient functional claims: The FDA has approved health claims of folic acid and has ordered mandatory fortification with folic acid for cereal grain products in order to reduce the neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs are serious defects of the spine (spina bifida) and brain (anencephaly) affecting large numbers of pregnancies each year in the United States. 0.8 mg folic acid as a dietary supplement may be more effective in reducing the risk of NTDs. However, Japan has several health claims including NTDs. A few are listed here: (1) folic acid keeps blood homocystein concentration normal and may reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis (2) folic acid may keep the heart healthy (3) folic acid
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may keep the metabolism of monoamine normal and maintain healthy neural/psychiatric status etc. Biotin Chemistry: Biotin acts as a coenzyme by assisting in making fatty acids and the oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates. The chemical structure is cis-hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno [3,4-d] imidazole-4pentanoic acid. There are at least eight stereoisomers of biotin but only d (+) is biologically active (Figure 6.13). The bicyclic ring structure contains an uredo ring which is fused to a tetrahydrothiophene with a valeric acid side chain. Biotin is one of the safest vitamins which utilizes protein, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B12 in the body. Biotin synthesis occurs mostly in the microflora, however, it was also isolated and crystallized from egg yolk. There is no known toxicity of biotin vitamin. The sulfur atom in biotin is prone to oxidation and provides a primary route for loss of biotin in processed foods. Biotin solution is quite stable at pH 4.0 to 9.0 and is commonly extracted by autoclaving biological samples in 2 N or 6 N sulfuric acid for two hours. UV light exposure also leads to loss of biotin activity. FIGURE 6.13 — Chemical Structure Of Biotin
Functions and deficiencies: In humans, biotin is involved in important metabolic pathways such as gluconogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism. Biotin regulates the catabolic enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase at the posttranscriptional level,
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whereas, the holo-carboxylase synthetase is regulated at the transcriptional level. Biotin functions as a cofactor that aids in the transfer of CO2 groups to various target macromolecules. Although biotin deficiency is very rare, however, the first symptoms to develop in biotin deficiency are associated with the dry skin and hair losses (alopecia). Others include dry scaly dermatitis, rashes and an increase in serum cholesterol and bile pigments. Although human deficiency of biotin is rare, it may occur if raw eggs are consumed for a long period of time. RDA: Although biotin is necessary for the body, only exceedingly small quantities are needed. The RDA has not been set for biotin. The estimated safe and adequate daily intake for adults is 30 to 100 mg. Food sources: Good sources of biotin include egg yolks, kidney, liver, tomatoes, and yeast. Vegetables such as lettuce, green peppers, cauliflower contain higher amounts of biotin. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standard is d-biotin. The food and pharmaceutical industries use the crystalline biotin with diluents such as dicalcium phosphate to aid in dispersibility and ease of binding. Nutrient functional claims: No health claims are approved by the FDA. However, Japan has approved the claim that biotin helps maintain healthy skin and mucosal membranes. MINERALS Minerals are found in rocks, metals, soil and water, though they may be in slightly different forms. While each mineral plays a unique role, collectively they support the body’s enzyme systems and keep blood and other body fluids balanced and healthy. Minerals also help regulate blood pressure and heart muscle contraction, heal wounds and conduct nerve impulses. A minimum of at least 60 trace minerals has been demonstrated to be vital to health and well-being. Macrominerals that are needed in relatively large amounts include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur; and trace minerals that are needed in smaller amounts consist of iron, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, molybdenum and manganese. Although the body can not produce any minerals of its own, minerals are found in a large variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, meats and dairy products.
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Macrominerals Calcium Chemistry: Calcium was first isolated in its metallic form by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808 through the electrolysis of a mixture of calcium oxide and mercury oxide. It is a bivalent cation found in bones, teeth and body tissues. More than 99% of the body’s calcium is found in bones. The total amount of calcium in the body is about 1,500g. It is abundant in the skeleton and considered essential because of its importance in building and maintaining bones. In addition, calcium found in plasma and cells is important for regulatory mechanisms such as chemical and electric neuromuscular transmission systems, cellular secretion and blood coagulation. The amount of calcium in the human body is regulated by parathyroid hormone. Low calcium intake triggers parathyroid hormone which then send signals for bone breaking and ultimately releases calcium into the blood stream. Diets with adequate calcium intake produce less parathyroid hormone and thus help in restoring more calcium in the bones. Calcium is best absorbed when it is taken with food at a dose not exceeding 500 milligrams. High calcium intake (> 2000 mg/d) may cause constipation and kidney stones and may inhibit zinc and iron absorption. Functions and deficiencies: Calcium is used for building bones and teeth and in maintaining bone strength. The major deficiency symptoms of calcium are skeletal abnormalities. Osteomalacia, osteoporosis and rickets may all be caused by calcium deficiency. RDA: The daily intake levels set by the Consensus Development Conference of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland are given below. Infants, up to age 6 months need 400 mg/d, infants, ages 6 to 11 months 600 mg/d, children, ages 1 to 10 years 800 to 12,00 mg/d, adolescents and young adults, ages 11 to 24 years 1,200 to 1,500 mg/d, men, ages 25 to 65 1,000 mg/d, pregnant and nursing women 1,200 to 1,500 mg and men and women over age 65 years 1,500 mg/d. Food sources: Milk and dairy products such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and cheeses, are primary sources of calcium. In addition, a variety of other foods are excellent sources of calcium such as dark green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, turnip greens etc.). Foods with added calcium such as fortified orange juice, corn tortillas processed with lime can be a good source of calcium. Salmon and sardines with bones are also good sources of calcium.
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Chemical forms as functional ingredient: Calcium lactate (D-, DL-), calcium gluconate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium chloride, calcium citrate and calcium glycerophosphate, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are used as food additives. Nutrient functional claims: The FDA has approved the health claim of calcium that a healthy diet with enough calcium helps maintain good bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Similarly, Japan also has approved health claims of calcium such as calcium is necessary for the development of bone and teeth. Phosphorus (P) Chemistry: Phosphorus is a multivalent, nonmetal of the nitrogen group and commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks and in all living cells. Due its important role in biological processes, phosphorous is one of the most dispersed elements in nature. It is highly reactive and never found as a free element in nature. It emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen. The most important commercial use of phosphorus is in the production of fertilizers. It is also widely used in explosives, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste, and detergents. Functions and deficiencies: Phosphorus is of vital importance in the growth and health of plants and animals. It is an important constituent of teeth and bones. As triphosphate adenosine (ATP) and other organic phosphates play an indispensable role in biological reactions. All the biological mechanisms use phosphorus as orthophosphate form or as polyphosphate which by hydrolysis becomes orthophosphate. Examples of these processes are photosynthesis, fermentation, and metabolism, etc. In living animals, phosphorus is also a constituent element of the nervous tissues as well as of the cellular plasma. Phosphorus deficiency can result in anorexia, impaired growth, osteomalacia, skeletal demineralization, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory insufficiency, increased erythrocyte, lymphocyte dysfunction and nervous system disorders. Phosphate salts are used in the treatment of phosphorus deficiency. RDA: The RDA for phosphorus is based on the maintenance of normal serum phosphate levels in adults. The following RDA is recommended: infants 0-12 months 100-275 mg/d, children 1-13 years 460-1250 mg/d, adults (19 years and older) 700 mg/d, breast feeding mom 1250 mg/d. Food sources: It is found in most foods, especially asparagus, bran, corn, dairy products, eggs, fish, dried fruit, garlic, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, meats, poultry, salmon, soda. Wheat bran and whole grains are
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particularly rich sources of phosphorus. Phosphorus is also a component of many polyphosphate food additives, and is present in most soft drinks as phosphoric acid. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Trisodium phosphate is used as a food additive, phosphoric acid used in soft drinks, and mono-calcium phosphate is employed in baking powder. Nutrient functional claims: Neither the United States nor Japan has approved any health claims of phosphorous. Magnesium (Mg) Chemistry: Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element and constitutes about 2% of the earth’s crust by weight. It is the third most common element and is dissolved in seawater as a positive ion and is found in the terrestrial crust in magnesite form (MgCO3), dolomite (CaCO3, MgCO3) and many common silicates, as asbestos, talc and olivine. In 1808, Sir Humphrey Davy isolated the metal and called it “magnium”. At the time, the terms “magnesium” and “manganese” were used to denominate the manganese, obtained from the mineral pyrolusite. Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. In the body magnesium serves several important metabolic functions including an important role in enzymatic catalysis reactions involving the phosphate group, which are associated to the energy transfer and the stimulus at the muscular level. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles. In plants the photosynthetic activity is based on the activity of chlorophyll, whose pigments have a rich composition of magnesium. Functions and deficiencies: Magnesium possesses a tremendous healing effect on a wide range of diseases. The relationship between serum magnesium levels and the risk of coronary heart disease has been found to have an inverse correlation (Ford, 1999). Also studies have found an inverse correlation between serum magnesium levels and blood pressure. Similarly, there is evidence that a positive correlation between the intake of dietary magnesium and increased bone mineral density (Tucker et al. 1999). Magnesium deficiency can cause numerous psychological changes, including depression. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are nonspecific and include poor attention, memory loss, fear, restlessness, insomnia, cramps and dizziness. The lack of magnesium in the human body can induce diarrhea or vomiting as well as hyperirritability or a slight tissue calcification. In extreme cases, this deficiency causes tremors, disorientation or even convulsions eventually leading to death.
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RDA: The RDA for men is 350 mg/d, women 280 mg/d. Dietary surveys have shown that many Americans fail to achieve the recommended dietary allowance for magnesium. As a result, subtle magnesium deficiency may be common in the United States. Food sources: Although magnesium is present in many foods, it usually occurs in small amounts. Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and beans provide magnesium. Nuts, seeds and some whole grains are also good sources of magnesium. Water can also provide magnesium but the amount varies according to the water supply. Using “hard” water consumption to estimate magnesium intake from water may lead to underestimate total magnesium intake and its variability. Following are some foods and the amount of magnesium in them: spinach (1/2 cup) = 80 mg, peanut butter (2 tablespoons) = 50 mg, blackeyed peas (1/2 cup) = 45 mg, milk, low fat (1 cup) = 40 mg. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Magnesium is used as magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium salt and magnesium yeast etc. In Japan magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate have limitations in their use as food additives. Magnesium for food fortification is used as magnesium acetate, magnesium lactate, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycerophosphate and magnesium protein hydrolysate. Nutrient functional claims: Japan has approved health claims of magnesium such as keeping the heart healthy, reducing high blood pressure, and reducing stress etc. However, there are no approved health claims of magnesium in the United States. Sodium (Na) Chemistry: Sodium was first isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy, who made it by the electrolysis of dry molten sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The symbol “Na” came from the neo-Latin name for a common sodium compound named natrium, derived from the Greek nitron, a kind of natural salt. Sodium is a soft, waxy, silvery metal and is abundant in natural compounds. It is highly reactive, burns with a yellow flame, reacts violently with water and oxidizes in air. Sodium makes up about 2.6% of the weight of the Earth’s crust, making it the fourth most abundant element. Sodium chloride or common salt is the most common compound of sodium, however, sodium occurs in many other minerals such as amphibole, cryolite, halite, soda niter, zeolite etc. Sodium compounds are important to the chemical, glass, metal, paper, petroleum, soap and textile industries.
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Functions and deficiencies: Sodium is the primary electrolyte that regulates the extracellular fluid levels in the body. Sodium is essential for hydration. In addition to maintaining water balance, sodium is necessary for osmotic equilibrium, acid-base balance and regulation of plasma volume, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. A sodium deficiency frequently results during treatment with drugs called diuretics since they cause loss of sodium from the body. Diuretics can lead to sodium deficiency, resulting in low plasma sodium levels. RDA: Total daily sodium intake should not exceed 2400 mg/d. The RDA for sodium for adults (both men and women) is 500 mg/d, children 400 mg/d, and infants 120-200 mg/d. Food sources: Sodium is found naturally in many foods and is added to the prepared foods as sodium salt. Good sources of sodium are cheeses, most meat especially ham and bacon, canned soups, canned vegetables, baked goods, pickles, and sauces etc. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The sodium compounds that are most important to the food industry are common salt (NaCl), baking soda (NaHCO3), food grade caustic soda (NaOH), di- and tri-sodium phosphates, sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite, sodium lactate and sodium malate. Nutrient functional claims: The FDA has approved the health claims of sodium intake. For example, diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, foods must meet criteria for low sodium. Potassium (K) Chemistry: Potassium was discovered in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy, who derived the metal from caustic potash (KOH). Potassium was the first metal that was isolated by electrolysis. The name “potassium” came from the word potash. Potassium is a soft silverywhite metallic alkali metal that occurs naturally bound to other elements in seawater and many minerals. It oxidizes rapidly in air, and is very reactive especially in water, and it resembles sodium chemically. With a density less than that of water, potassium is the second lightest metal after lithium. It is a soft solid that can easily be cut with a knife. When in water, it may catch fire. Potassium makes up about 2.40% of the weight of the earth’s crust and is the seventh most abundant element. Functions and deficiencies: Potassium assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses as well
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as releasing energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism. A shortage of potassium can cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia. Deficiency of potassium results in hypokalemia which refers to possessing abnormally low plasma potassium concentration. Hypokalemia is most commonly due to excessive loss of potassium from prolonged vomiting, use of some diuretics or due to metabolism disturbances. The symptoms of hypokalemia are related to alterations in membrane potential and cellular metabolism. They include fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps and intestinal paralysis which may lead to bloating, constipation and abdominal pain. Severe hypokalemia may result in muscular paralysis or abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias) that can be fatal. RDA: The RDA of potassium for an adult is 4.7 g/d. For children ages 1 to 3, it is 3.0 g/d, for children ages 4-8, 3.8 g/d and for children ages 9 to 13, 4.0 g/d. Food sources: Potassium is found in potatoes, dried fruits, bananas, legumes, raw vegetables, avocados, citrus fruits and mushrooms. It is found also in lean meat, milk and fish. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Potassium metabisulfite, potassium acetate (preservative), potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium benzoate, potassium gluconate are commonly used in the food industry. Nutrient functional claims: No health claims have been made either by the United States or Japan. Sulfur (S) Chemistry: Sulfur is a non-metallic element that occurs in both combined and free states and is distributed widely over the earth’s surface. It is tasteless, odorless, and insoluble in water, and often occurs in yellow crystals or masses. It is one of the most abundant elements found in a pure crystalline form. It displays three allotropic forms: orthorhombic, monoclinic and amorphous. The orthorhombic form is the most stable form of sulfur. Monoclinic sulfur exists between the temperatures of 96°C and 119°C and reverts back to the orthorhombic form when cooled. Functions and deficiencies: As a part of amino acids, sulfur performs a number of functions in enzyme reactions and protein synthesis. It is necessary for formation of collagen. Sulfur is also present in keratin, which is necessary for the maintenance of the skin, hair and nails helping to give strength, shape and hardness to these protein tissues. Sulfur as cystine and methionine is a part of other important
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body chemicals such as insulin, which helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism and heparin (an anticoagulant). There is minimal risk of sulfur deficiency/toxicity in the body. No clearly defined symptoms exist with either state. Sulfur deficiency is more common when foods are grown in sulfur-depleted soil, with low-protein diets or with a lack of intestinal bacteria though none of these seems to cause any problems in regard to sulfur functions and metabolism. RDA: Sulfur is so widely available from foods, water and air that there is no established RDA for this element. Our needs are usually easily met through diet. About 850 mg/d, are thought to be needed for basic turnover of sulfur in the body. Food sources: Sulfur residue foods are commonly recognized by their characteristic spicy, heating effect such as garlic, onions, mustard, and horseradish. The following are sulfur residue foods: red hot peppers, radishes, mustard leaves, cabbage etc. Apart from vegetables, sulfur is also readily available in protein foods-meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and milk. Egg yolks are one of the better sources of sulfur. Chemical forms used as functional ingredients: Sulphur dioxide and sulfite are used as fruit preservatives. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims either by Japan or the United States. Trace Minerals Iron (Fe) Chemistry: It is ranked after aluminium, making it the second most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust. Iron plays a vital role in many enzymes involved in oxidation and amino acid metabolism (examples: per-oxidase, catalase, hydroxylases); hence, it is an essential ingredient of the daily diet. Iron comes in two forms: heme-iron which is found in red meats and is better-absorbed (20-30%) than non-heme iron, which is found in enriched cereals, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce. The absorption of iron is much less from liver (6.3%) and fish (5.9%). In humans, the major amount of iron is in the porphyrin complexes hemoglobolin (blood) and myglobin (muscle tissue) and in various heme containing enzymes. The remainder is stored in the soluble form, ferritin, and insoluble non-reactive form hemosiderin. Humans get most of their iron needs from the heme iron source. In the brain, iron is present as heme and non-heme iron. The human body normally contains 3 to 4 g of iron, more than half of which is utilized to form hemoglobin which transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The body’s iron balance
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varies mainly according to dietary intake, as losses from the body are generally small. Women lose iron during menstruation and pregnancy. Functions and deficiencies: Iron is incorporated in a number of body constituents, such as cytochromes, myoglobin and hemoglobin. Ribonucleotide reductase is an iron-dependent enzyme that is required for DNA synthesis (Fairbanks, 1999). Thus, iron is required for a number of vital functions, including growth, reproduction, healing and immune function. Iron may improve learning ability and growth. Lack of iron causes iron deficiency anemia (IDA) which occurs when the blood does not have enough red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. IDA is the most common type in children. This happens when the body does not have enough iron in it to make red blood cells. IDA can occur at any age, but most often it is seen in toddlers and adolescent females. Infants, toddlers and adolescents all have high iron needs because they are growing relatively fast compared with other times in their lives. While infants tend to get enough iron with breast milk and iron-fortified formula, toddlers often have diets with very little iron-rich foods. RDA: The RDA has been set at 15 mg/d for women of 19 to 50 years of age and 10 mg/d for men 25 to 50 years of age. Food sources: Meat, especially red meat and organ meats are the richest sources. Shellfish, tuna, salmon, and eggs (egg yolks) are also good sources of iron. Other sources include whole wheat products, nuts, dried fruits, like raisins, and dark leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli etc. It is unlikely that iron toxicity can develop from an increased dietary intake of iron alone. However, iron supplements can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dark-colored stools and abdominal pain. Chemical form as functional ingredient: Ferric chloride/citrate/ sulphate/carbonate, sodium ferrous citrate, ferrous lactate/ pyrophoispahte, and ferrous ascorbate are the compounds used as food ingredients. Nutrient functional claims: Japan has approved health claims of iron as being necessary for red blood cell formation and the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Zinc (Zn) Chemistry: Zinc is a metallic chemical element, which is less abundant in nature; however, it has great commercial importance. Zinc has a white color with a bluish tinge and a high resistance to atmospheric corrosion. The melting point of zinc is 419°C. It is used principally for galvanizing iron, but is also important in the preparation
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of certain alloys, e.g., brass. It is brittle and crystalline at ordinary temperatures, but when heated to between 110°C and 150°C it becomes ductile and malleable which then can be rolled into sheets. It is a fairly reactive metal. Zinc compounds are numerous and are widely used. Zinc is essential to the growth of many kinds of organisms, both plant and animal. It is a constituent of insulin, which is used in the treatment of diabetes. Also zinc is a constituent of many enzymes that permit chemical reactions to proceed at normal rates. In addition it is involved in the transmission and expression of genetic information and in protein synthesis. Zinc has the least toxicity among the essential trace elements in the body. Functions and deficiencies: Zinc has a range of functions. It plays a crucial role in growth and cell division where it is required for protein and DNA synthesis, in insulin activity, and in the metabolism of the ovaries and testes. As a component of many enzymes, zinc is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Deficiency of zinc is associated with short stature, anemia, increased pigmentation of skin (hyperpigmentation), an enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), impaired gonadal function (hypogonadism), impaired wound healing, and immune deficiency. In addition zinc deficiency causes significant delay in growth and dysfunction of sexual glands. Zinc deficiency in agricultural soils is also a major problem affecting both crop yield and quality. Severe soil zinc deficiency can cause complete crop failure. Losses of up to 30% can occur in the yield of cereal grains in crops such as wheat, rice and maize as a result of even mild deficiencies. RDA: The RDA is as follows: adults 15-30 mg/d, pregnant women 15 mg/d, infants 5 mg/d, male children over 10, 15 mg/d and female children over 10, 12 mg/d. Food sources: Food sources of zinc include meat, liver, seafood, eggs, nuts, and cereal grains. In general, meat, eggs and dairy products contain more zinc than plants. Liver is a particularly rich source of zinc and high zinc levels are also found in wheat, rye, yeast and oysters. White sugar and citrus fruits have some of the lowest zinc levels. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: The following zinc compounds are used as functional ingredients: zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc glucuronate, zinc lactate, zinc citrate and zinc carbonate. Nutrient functional claims: Japan has the following approved health claims of zinc: It may help to maintain normal growth of infants, may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and may reduce the risk of reproductive function failure. The United States has none.
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Selenium (Se) Chemistry: Selenium was discovered by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1817, who found the element associated with tellurium. This is a toxic nonmetal that is chemically related to sulfur and tellurium. It occurs in several different forms but one of these is a stable gray metal like form that conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells. This element is found in sulfide ores such as pyrite. Selenium is an essential micronutrient in all known forms of life. It is a component of the unusual amino acid selenocystein. Functions and deficiencies: Selenium acts as an antioxidant and protects cells against damage by eliminating free radicals and other antioxidant enzymes. It binds with toxic substances such as arsenic, cadmium and mercury to make them less harmful. In humans, like other animals, selenium supplementation has appeared to offer some anticancer protection. Selenium deficiency in western regions of China has been found to be associated with Keshan diseases, a cardiomyopathy found only in the People’s Republic of China (Keshan Disease Research Group, 1979). The addition of selenium to salt significantly reduced the incidence of liver cancer in a Chinese population. It was shown that five years of supplementation with selenium, vitamin E, and carotene significantly reduced the incidence of stomach and esophageal cancer in a Chinese population. Epidemiological and animal experiments suggest that low selenium intakes and low plasma selenium concentrations increase the risk of coronary heart disease. There are no clear symptoms of selenium deficiency. However, it can occur in patients with severely compromised intestinal function or those undergoing total parenteral nutrition. Lake of selenium can result in the degeneration of skeletal muscles. RDA: A small amount is needed to maintain good heath. 55 µg/d for women and 70 µg/d for men is recommended. More than 400 µg/d can lead to toxicity (selenosis). Food sources: Brazil nuts are the riches source of selenium. It is also found in whole-grain cereals, fish, lobster, meat and dairy products. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Selenomethionine. Nutrient function claims: There are no approved health claims by Japan or the United States. Chromium (Cr) Chemistry: Chromium was discovered by Louis-Nicholas Vauquelin while experimenting with a material known as Siberian red lead, also known as the mineral crocoite (PbCrO4), in 1797. He produced chromium
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oxide (CrO3) by mixing crocoite with hydrochloric acid (HCl). Today, chromium is primarily obtained by heating the mineral chromite (FeCr2O4) in the presence of aluminum or silicon. Chromium is a bluewhite metal that is hard, brittle and very corrosion resistant. Chromium can be polished to form a very shiny surface and is often plated to other metals to form a protective and attractive covering. Chromium is added to steel to harden it and to form stainless steel, a steel alloy that contains at least 10% chromium. Other chromium-steel alloys are used to make armor plate, safes, ball bearings and cutting tools. Functions and deficiencies: Chromium metabolizes carbohydrate and helps to raise HDL cholesterol which may prevent high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Signs of chromium deficiency include diabetes-like symptoms of high blood cholesterol and problems with insulin levels. RDA: There are none. 50 to 200 µg/d is suggested. Food sources: It is found in brewer’s yeast, broccoli, ham, grape juice, and whole wheat grains. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, chromium niacin amino acid and chromium nicotinate are also used as food additives. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims by Japan or the United States. Copper (Cu) Chemistry: People discovered methods for extracting copper from ore at least 7,000 years ago. The Roman Empire obtained most of its copper from the island of Cyprus, which is where copper’s name originated. Today, copper is primarily obtained from the ores cuprite (CuO2), tenorite (CuO), malachite (CuO3·Cu(OH)2), chalcocite (Cu2S), covellite (CuS) and bornite (Cu6FeS4). Large deposits of copper ore are located in the United States, Chile, Zambia, Zaire, Peru and Canada. Copper is used in large amounts by the electrical industry in the form of wire and is second only to silver in electrical conductance. It resists corrosion from the air, moisture and seawater, therefore, it has been widely used in coins. Hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4·H2O), also known as blue vitrol, is the best known copper compound. It is used as an agricultural poison, as an algicide in water purification and as a blue pigment for inks. Cupric chloride (CuCl2), another copper compound, is used to fix dyes to fabrics. Functions and deficiencies: Copper plays an important role in the production of neurochemicals in the brain and in the function of muscles, nerves and the immune system. It helps in the cross-linkage
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of collagen and elastin the two important connective tissues which are used throughout the body. It builds bones, red blood cells and hemoglobin, and metabolizes iron. Deficiency of copper is uncommon, but is sometimes found in combination with iron deficiency especially with iron deficiency anemia. Fatigue, paleness, skin sores, edema, slowed growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea and dermatitis can be the symptoms of copper insufficiency. RDA: None; 2 to 3 mg/d is the suggested amount. Copper is toxic in large amounts (likely to cause vomiting). Food sources: It is found in shellfish, nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, beans, whole grains, and mushrooms. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Copper gluconate, copper sulfate, cupric acetate. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims either by Japan or the United States. Fluoride Chemistry: Fluoride is the form of fluorine that normally exists in nature. Fluoride is added to most drinking water supplies. It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace amounts in the body. Fluoride is important for the integrity of bones and teeth. About 99% of the fluoride in the body is in the hard tissues. Fluoride is consumed in optimal amounts from water and food. It is in toothpastes, mouth rinses, and professionally applied office treatments. Functions and deficiencies: Fluoride increases tooth mineralization and bone density, and reduces the risk and prevalence of dental caries (decay). Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased incidence of dental caries and unstable bones and teeth. RDA: Adults need 1.5 to 4 mg/d, children up to six months, 0.1 to 0.5 mg/d, ages six to 11 months, 0.2 to I mg/d and ages one to three years, 0.5 to 1.5 gm/d. Food sources: It can be found in fluoridated water, tea, coffee, soybeans, marine fish with bones such as canned salmon and mackerel, Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Sodium fluoride, sodium fluorophosphate and hexafluorosilicic acid are commonly used as food additives. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims by Japan or the Uinted States. Iodine (I) Chemistry: Iodine was discovered by the French chemist Barnard Courtois in 1811, which he isolated from treating seaweed ash with
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sulphuric acid while recovering sodium and potassium compounds. Iodine is an insoluble element and is a required trace element for living organisms. Chemically, iodine is the least reactive of the halogens and the most electropositive metallic halogen. It is primarily used in medicine, photography and in dyes. Iodine is a bluish-black, lustrous solid that sublimes at standard temperatures into a blue-violet gas that has an irritating odor. Iodine dissolves easily in chloroform, carbon tetrachloride or carbon disulfide to form purple solutions. The deep blue color with starch solution is characteristic of the free element. Functions and deficiencies: Iodine is part of thyroxin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that controls the body’s rate of physical and mental development. Adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is crucial to normal fetal development. Lack of iodine can cause a goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland). Iodine is added to salt (iodized salt) to prevent these diseases. RDA: Trace amounts of iodine are required by the human body. The RDA is 150 µg/d. Food sources: Iodized salts, lobster, shellfish, sea kelp, seaweed, mushrooms, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach (cooked) and turnip greens are its food sources. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Potassium iodide(KI) is added to table salt to make it iodized. Potassium iodate for food fortification is another form. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved functional claims either by Japan or the United States. Molybdenum (Mo) Chemistry: Molybdenum is a silvery-white, hard, transition metal. Scheele discovered it in 1778. Molybdenum is used in alloys, electrodes and catalysts. It is an essential trace mineral in animal and human nutrition which is not found in free state. The pure metal is very hard and has one of the highest melting points of all pure elements (m.p. 2623°C). Functions and deficiencies: It functions as a cofactor for a number of enzymes that catalyze important chemical transformations in the global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. Thus, molybdenum-dependent enzymes are not only required for the health of the people, but for the health of its ecosystems as well. In spite of its low abundance, molybdenum deficiency in humans has been observed. For example, patients suffering from longterm total parenteral nutrition (TPN) condition develop a syndrome characterized by hypouricemia, hypermethioninemia, low urinary sulfate
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excretion, tachycardia, tachypnea and mental and visual disturbances. These symptoms are improved when molybdenum in the form of ammonium molybdate, is added to the TPN. The deleterious effects of molybdenum deficiency are primarily due to the accumulation of sulfite coming from the catabolism of L-cysteine. Sulfite is toxic to the nervous system and molybdenum is necessary for its metabolism to a nontoxic form. However, the dietary molybdenum deficiency has never been observed in healthy people. RDA: 150-500 mg/d is the recommendation. Food sources: It is found in legumes, whole-grain cereals, liver, kidney and dairy products. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Tetrathiomolybdate, ammonium molybdate are normally used as food additives. Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims by Japan or the United States Manganese (Mn) Chemistry: Manganese was isolated by Gahn in 1774 after reducing the dioxide MnO2, the mineral pyrolusite with charcoal. Manganese is a grey-white metal, resembling iron and is very brittle, is fusible with difficulty and is easily oxidized. It becomes ferromagnetic (a material with high magnetic permeability) only after special treatment. Functions and deficiencies: Manganese is an essential trace nutrient for all forms of life. It is involved in reproductive processes, sex hormone formation and is essential for normal brain function and bone development. The classes of enzymes that have manganese cofactors are very broad such as oxidoreductase, transferases, hydrolyases, lyases, isomerases, ligases, lectins and integrins. Manganese deficiency has been observed in a number of animal species. Signs of manganese deficiency include impaired growth, impaired reproductive function, skeletal abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance and altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In humans, demonstration of a manganese deficiency syndrome has been less clear. Women fed a manganese-poor diet developed mildly abnormal glucose tolerance in response to an intravenous infusion of glucose. RDA: 2.5-7 mg/day is recommended. Food sources: It is found in canned pineapple juice, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grains, seeds, nuts, cocoa, tea, oats and rice. Chemical forms as functional ingredients: Manganese chloride, manganese gluconate, manganese glycerophosphate, manganese sulfate are the manganese salts used in functional foods.
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Nutrient functional claims: There are no approved health claims either by Japan or the the United States. SUMMARY Vitamins are noncaloric, organic nutrients that are essential for life. Although we need only small amounts of vitamins, the roles they play both independently and synergistically are life-giving. They are integral helpers in all cell functions. Extra vitamins will not treat anxiety, depression or lack of adequate rest, bad interpersonal relationships or unhappiness. Most people can do their best by eating well and exercising regularly. Persons at risk may require an additional supplement of vitamins and minerals; however, one shouldn’t exceed the recommended daily values. As science continues to uncover the many roles for all of these vitamins and minerals, scientists are also finding exciting solutions to several disorders that may be successfully treated by using these nutrients. Unless we begin replacing these minerals early on in life, we put ourselves at risk for many diseases of mineral deficiency that are becoming more and more prevalent in society today. One should keep in mind that excessive intake of these ingredients may either lead to illness directly or indirectly because of the competitive nature between mineral levels in the body. REFERENCES Alpet, M.M. Silva, R.R., and Pouget, E.R. 2003. Prediction of treatment response in geriatric depression from baseline folate level: interaction with an SSRI or a tricyclic antidepressant. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol, 23(3):309-13. Blakley, R.L., 1987. IUPAC-IUB joint commission on biochemical nomenclature (JCBN). Nomanclature and symbols for folic acid and related compounds. Recommendations 1986. Eur. J. Biochem. 168, 251. Chambers, J.C., Ueland, P.M., and Obeid, O.A. 2000. Improved vascular endothelial function after oral B vitamins: An effect mediated through reduced concentrations of free plasmahomocystein. Circulation, 102(20):2479-83. Day, B.P.F., and Gregory, J.F. 111. 1983. Thermal stability of folic acid and 5methyltetrahydrofolic acid in liquid model food systems. J. Food Sci. 48, 581. Dismore, M.L., Haytowitz, D.B., Gebhardt, S.E., Peterson, J.W., Booth, S.L. 2003. Vitamin K content of nuts and fruits in the US diet. J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 103:16501652. Ellenbogen, L., and Cooper, B.A., Vitamin B12, in Handbook of Vitamins, 2nd ed., Machlin, L.J., Ed., Marcel Dekker, New York, 1991, chap.13. Fairbanks, V.F. Iron in Medicine and Nutrition. In: Shils, M., Olson, J.A, Shike, M.R AC, eds. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1999:223-239. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine.Vitamin E. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 2000:186-283. (National Academy Press).
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Ford, E.S. 1999. Serum magnesium and ischaemic heart disease: Findings from a national sample of US adults. Int. J. Epidem. 28:654-651. Gregory, J.F. 111 and Kirk, J.R. 1977. Interaction of pyridoxal and pyridoxal phosphate with peptides in a model food system during thermal processing. J. Food Sci, 42, 1554. Gregory, J.F. 111., Ink, S.L., and Sartain, D.B. J.R. 1986. Degradation and binding to food proteins of vitamin B6 compounds during thermal processing. J. Food Sci., 51, 1345, 1986. Holick, M.F. 2004. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 79:362-71. Jialal, I., and Fuller, C.J. 1995. Effect of Vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene on LDL. Oxidation and atherosclerosis. Can. J. Cardiol, 11 Suppl. G:97G-103G. Keshan Disease Research Group. 1979. Epidemiological studies on the etiological relationships of selenium and Keshan disease. Clin. Med. J. 92:477-482. Leske, M.M., Chylack, L.T. Jr., He, Q., Wu, S.Y., Schoenfeld E, Friend, J., and Wolfe, J. 1998. Antioxidant vitamins and nuclear opacities: The longitudinal study of cataract. Ophthalmology, 105:831-6. Lonn, E.M., and Yusuf, S. 1997. Is there a role for antioxidant vitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease? An update on epidemiological and clinical trials data. Can. J. Cardiol, 13:957-65. Mitchell, H.K., Snell, E.E., and Williums, R.J. 1941. The concentration of folic acid. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 63:2284. Moat, S.J., Lang, D., and McDowell, I.F. 2004. Folate, homocystein, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease. J. Nutr. Biohem. 15(2):64:79. Leklem, J.E. Vitamin B6. In: Shils, M.E, Olson, J.A, Shike, M. Ross AC, ed. Modern, Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999: 413-421. Piironen, V., Syväoja, E.L., Varo, P., Salminen, K., and Koivistoinen, P. 1985. Tocopherols and tocotrienols in Finnish foods:meat and meat products. J. Agric. Food Chem., 33, 1215-1218. The heart outcomes prevention evaluation study investigators. 2000. Vitamin E supplementation and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. N. Engl. Med. 342:154-60. Tucker, K.L., Hannan, M.T., Chen, H., Cupples, L.A., Wilson, P.W.F and Kiel, D.P. Am. J. Clin.Nutr. 69:727736. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services. 2004. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16-1. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp. Vieth, Reinhold. 1999. Vitamin D supplementation, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and Safety. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 69:842-26. Weizmann, N., Peterson, J.W., Haytowitz, D., Pehrsson, P.R., de Jesus, V.P., and Booth, S.L. 2004. Vitamin K content of fast foods and snack foods in the US diet. J. Food Comp. and Anal. 17:379-384. (Guo, M. R., Alam, M.)
CHAPTER 7
SOY FOOD PRODUCTS AND THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], a native of China, has been used in various forms as one of the most important sources of dietary protein and oil. So this little old bean has been called “yellow jewel”, “great treasure”, “nature’s miracle protein”, and “meat of the field”. Most recently, in the Western world, the soybean has been touted as a possible weapon against chronic diseases. Soybean, combines in one crop both the dominant world supply of edible vegetable oil, and the dominant supply of high-protein feed supplements for livestock. Other fractions and derivatives of the seed have substantial economic importance in a wide range of industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural products (Figure 7.1). History Of The Soybean The soybean first emerged as a domestic crop in the eastern half of North China, around the 11th century B.C. of Zhou dynasty. The soybean, then known as ‘shu’ is repeatedly mentioned in later records and was considered one of the five sacred grains along with rice, wheat, barley, and millet essential for Chinese civilization. Later, ‘shu’ was found inscribed on tortoise shells from the Shang dynasty (from about the 16th to the 11th century B.C.). Soybean seeds have been discovered several times in relics unearthed in archaeological studies. In 1959, large amounts of yellow seeded soybeans weighing 18-20 g and dating back 2300 years were found in Shanxi Province. Soybean cultivation spread into Japan, Korea, and throughout Asia from China. The soybean was first introduced to Europe in about 1712 by a German botanist, Engelbert Kaempfer, out of curiosity. Later Carl von Linne, a Swedish botanist, gave a genetic name Glycine max, to soybeans. Glycine
FIGURE 7.1 — Utilization Of Soybean Products
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is a Greek word meaning “sweet”, and it applies to all the groundnut species of legumes. The word max means “large,” referring to the large nodules on the soybean plant. The early introduction of soybeans into the United States dates back to the mid-eighteenth century. A gentleman named Samuel Bowen sailed on a British ship and reached Canton, China in 1759, and he stayed there for several years. In 1764, Bowen immigrated to Savannah, Georgia, and apparently brought soybean samples with him. The soybean was planted in the local plantation the next year. However, the large-scale official introduction did not occur until the early 1900s. By the late 1920s, William Morse brought in a number of new varieties mostly from China. He played a main role in forming the American Soybean Association and became its first president. Meanwhile, there were breakthroughs in harvesting and processing and as a result large scale production had begun. Until 1954 China led the world in soybean production and export. After 1954, The United States became the world leader (Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3). FIGURE 7.2 — World Soybean Production 2003 In Million Metric Tons
FIGURE 7.3 — Annual Soybean Production In The United States And The Whole World (Soya Bluebook 2004)
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Morphology Of Soybean The soybean is a papilionoid legume (family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae), and a member of the tribe Phaseoleae, subtribe Glycininae. The soybean plant is a branched, non-frost tolerant, annual about one meter above ground level and two meters below ground level. The stem tissues are mostly primary, although the basal and more mature portions of the stems develop secondary vascular tissues during later development. The foliage leaves are alternate, pinnately trifoliolate, with pulvini, stipels, and stipules. The soybean flower is a standard papilionaceous flower with calyx of five united sepals; zygomorphic corolla of carina, alae, and vexillum; androecium of ten diadelphous 9+1 stamens; and gynoecium of a single carpel. Two to four seeds develop in the pods. The seeds have two large cotyledons and scant endosperm. The mature seeds are made of three basic parts: the seed coat, the embryo, and one or more food storage structures. Chemical Composition Of The Soybean Dry soybeans are constituted of 60% of oil and protein together. Among cereal and other legumes, soybeans have the highest protein content (around 40%); other legumes have protein content between 20% and 30%, whereas cereals have protein content in the range of 8-15%. They also contain 20% lipids, the second highest content among all other legumes. The remaining dry matter is composed of 35% carbohydrates and 5% ash (Figure 7.4). Other valuable components found in soybeans include phospholipids (0.2-0.6%), phenolic acids (0.03%), isoflavones (0.2% in flour), saponins (0.5% in flour), phytic acid (1.7% in flour), and vitamins. FIGURE 7.4 — Chemical Composition Of Soybeans Chemical composition (% dry matter) Protein Lipid Phospholipids Carbohydrate Soluble Sucrose Raffinose Stachyose Insoluble Ash
Soybean 40 20 0.2-0.6 35 13.2 2.5-8.2 0.1-0.9 1.4-4.1 21.8 5.0
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PROTEIN Soybeans contain approximately 40% protein on dry weight basis. Soybean proteins are classified based on different criteria such as biological function in plants and solubility patterns. Classification Of Soy Proteins Based On Biological Function Metabolic proteins: Metabolic proteins include enzymatic and structural proteins. They play a role in normal cellular activities, including the synthesis of the storage proteins. Examples include hemagglutinin, trypsin inhibitors, and lipoxygenases. Storage proteins: Storage proteins are synthesized during soybean seed development together with reserves of oils. Following seed germination they provide a source of nitrogen and carbon skeletons for the developing seedling. Storage proteins constitute 80% of total protein in soybean. Examples of storage proteins are glycinin and conglycinin which will be discussed in detail in a later section because they constitute a major portion of the total protein in the soybean. Classification Based On Solubility Pattern Albumins: Albumins are soluble in water. Globulins: Globulins are soluble in a salt solution. Most soy protein is globulin. Globulins in most legume species are further classified into two distinct types: legumin and vicilin. Legumins have larger molecular size, less solubility in salt solutions, and higher thermal stability compared with vicilins. They constitute a major part of the seed globulins. In soybeans, legumins and vicilins are commonly known as glycinin and conglycinin, respectively. These common names are apparently derived from the genus name of the soybean plant, Glycine. Classification Based On Sedimentation Coefficient As each protein is associated with other proteins, there is no assurance that a single pure protein would be extracted based on difference in solubility. A more precise means of identifying proteins has been based on sedimentation coefficients using ultracentrifugation to separate seed proteins. Soy protein exhibits four fractions after centrifugation which are designated as 2, 7, 11, and 15S. Here S stands for Svedburg unit. It is computed as the rate of sedimentation per unit field of centrifugal strength based on the equation S=(dc/dt) w2c where as c is the distance from the centre of centrifuge, t is time, and w is angular velocity. The value for S ranges between 1 and 200, with a unit of 10-13 sec.
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2S fraction: This accounts for about 20% of the extractable protein and includes the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors and cytochrome c. 7S fraction: This accounts for 35% of the extractable protein and consists of conglycinin, -amylase, lipoxygenase and hemagglutinin. 11S fraction: This fraction is the soybean glycinin and accounts for 35% of extractable protein. 15S fraction: This is thought to be a polymer of glycinin and accounts for about 10% of extractable protein. However, this classification based on sedimentation coefficient is only for the purpose of classification and identification. By no means do they imply that sedimentation constants are always these exact whole numbers among different studies. In fact, these constants as well as separation patterns of different fractions depend largely on conditions of buffer composition, pH, and other factors. Glycinin and Conglycinin: These are two major soybean globulins which differ in both nutritional quality and functional properties. The 11S globulin contains 3-4 times more methionine and cysteine per unit protein than 7S protein. The 11S protein becomes more valuable from a nutritional point of view because soybean protein in total is deficient in these sulphur containing amino acids. The two globulins also show considerable differences in key functional properties, including gelling ability, thermal stability, and emulsifying capacity. In general, the 11S protein has a better gel formation ability than the 7S globulin. On the other hand, the 7S protein has a greater emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability than 11S globulin. Furthermore, the presence or absence of the A5A4B3 subunit in glycinin has been shown to exert significant effects on the gelling properties of soymilk and tofu gel hardness; it is easier to make nigari tofu with a smoother and more uniform gel using the soymilk lacking the subunit. Both 11S and 7S proteins form gels when induced by heat and/or a coagulant as in tofu making. In the heat-induced gel formation, the 7S gels were harder than 11S gels when heated at 80°C for 30 min. However, the denaturation temperature of 7S protein is lower than that of 11S. In other words, the 11S fraction requires a higher heating temperature to form a gel than 7S. In the presence of calcium sulfate, 11S protein coagulates faster and forms larger aggregates than the 7S fraction. More important is that the 11S gel is harder than the 7S gel. It also has a higher water-holding capacity and higher tensile values, expands more
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on heating, and is more sensitive to the softening effect of phytic acid, as compared with the 7S gel. Relationships between the structure of a protein and its functional properties include; • Heat instability of the constituent subunits of protein, such as glycinin, is related to the heat-induced gel-forming ability. • Hydrophobicity is an important factor in the emulsifying properties. • The surface properties of a protein depend on the conformational stability—the more unstable, the higher the emulsifying properties. Disulfide linkages play an important role in the formation of heatinduced gel. The number and topology of free sulfhydryl residue are closely related to heat-induced gel-forming ability and the properties of gel but not to its emulsifying properties. Trypsin Inhibitors Trypsin inhibitors are protease inhibitors which when added to a mixture of protease (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin) and a substrate, bind to the enzyme and produce a decrease in rate of substrate cleavage. Trypsin inhibitors isolated from soybean are of two types: the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (TI) and the Bowman-Birk (BB) inhibitor. They are associated with the storage proteins in the seed. The Kunitz inhibitor was first isolated and crystallized by Kunitz by extracting soybeans with water and precipitating the inhibitor with alcohol. It has a molecular weight between 20 and 25 kDa, with a specificity directed primarily toward trypsin. The inhibitor was shown to combine tightly with trypsin in a stoichiometric fashion i.e., 1 mole of the inhibitor inactivates 1 mole of trypsin. The amino acid sequence shows it has 181 amino acid residues and two disulfide bonds, with a reactive site at residues Arg63 and Ile64. The soybean BB inhibitor was first isolated by extracting beans with 60% alcohol solution and precipitating the inhibitor with acetone. It is an acetone insoluble fraction in contrast to the alcohol-insoluble Kunitz inhibitor. It has a molecular weight of about 8 kDa. The amino acid sequence showed that it is a single polypeptide chain of 71 amino acids including seven disulfide bonds. The BB inhibitor is capable of inhibiting both the trypsin and chymotrypsin at independent reactive sites, the trypsin reactive site being at residues Lys 16 and Ser 17 and the chymotrypsin reactive site being at Leu44 and Ser45. The conformation (secondary structure) of BB inhibitor has 61% β-sheet, 38% unordered form, 1% β-turn, and 0% -helical form suggesting that it has a stable conformation even after disulfide bonds are broken by heating.
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Lectin The lectins, also known as hemagglutinins are proteins that possess a specific affinity for certain sugar molecules. Since carbohydrate moieties exist in most animal cell membranes, they may attach themselves to these so-called receptor groups if the specific structure of the latter is suitable. As indicated by their names, hemagglutinins or lectins can be characterized and detected by their action on red blood cells: the ability to agglutinate the blood cells. Lectins are characterized by a relatively high content of 4hydroxyproline. Their ability to agglutinate cells results from their ability to bind specifically to saccharides on the cell membranes and act as bridges between cells. Because of this feature, lectins have provided a new tool for cell biologists to investigate the architecture of cell surfaces. Seed lectins are primarily localized in the protein bodies of the cotyledon cells. Soy lectin settles down with the 7S fraction during ultracentrifugation indicating it has sedimentation coefficient of 7S. It is a glycoprotein containing 5 glucosamine and 37 mannose residues per mole and has a molecular weight of approximately 120 kDa with four identical subunits each of which has a molecular weight of 30 kDa. Lunasin Lunasin is a unique 43 amino acid soybean peptide, whose carboxyl end contains nine ASP (D) residues, an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) cell adhesion motif, and a helix with structural homology to a conserved region of chromatin binding proteins. Lipoxygenases Lipoxygenase is an iron-containing dioxygenase that catalyzes the oxidation of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids, producing conjugated unsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides. The iron atom in lipoxygenases is essential for enzymatic activity due to its reduction potential for the reaction. The enzyme also has an ability to form free radicals, which can attack other constituents. Soybean lipoxygenase is the most studied, and four types of the enzyme have been isolated and identified as L-1, L-2, L-3a and L-3b. All isozymes are monomeric proteins with a molecular weight in the range of 100,000 and contain one atom of tightly bound nonheme iron per molecule. L-1, the best characterized enzyme among the isozymes, differs from the others in being heat stable, having a pH optimum of approximately 9, and preferring anionic substrates e.g., linoleic and linolenic acids. L-2 and L-3 are less heat stable, prefer esterified
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substrates and have optimal pH close to neutrality. With linoleate as a substrate, the isozymes also differ in their product regiospecificity; L-1 shows a preference for the 13 position as the site for hydroperoxidation, whereas, L-2 and L-3 use either position 9 or 13. FAT Soybean contains about 20% fat which is mainly in the form of triglycerides, in an organelle known as oil bodies or lipid bodies or spherosomes or oleosomes or lipid-containing vesicles. Triglycerides Triglycerides constitute more than 99% of refined soybean oil. Any given natural fat or oil has a unique fatty acid composition regardless of its origin. Most fatty acids in soybean are unsaturated like many other oils of plant origin. The highest percentage of fatty acids in soybean oil is linoleic acid (53.2%), followed in a decreasing order by oleic (23.4%), palmitic (11.0%), linolenic (7.8%), and stearic acid (4.0%). It also contains some minor fatty acids, including arachidic (0.3%), behenic (0.1%), palmitoleic (0.1%) and myristic acid (0.1%). There is a large genetic variation in the fatty acid composition of soybean oil, mainly resulting from plant breeding. Lipids exhibit a difference in physical properties as well as oxidative stability during storage and food application due to a difference in their fatty acid composition. One of the physical properties, such as melting point, is higher for the fats containing fatty acids with greater chain length. Oils containing a high percentage of saturated fatty acids have a high melting point, giving a semisolid or solid appearance, whereas, those containing a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids have a low melting point, thus giving a liquid appearance as in the case of soybean oil. The presence of a double bond in unsaturated fatty acid also makes it susceptible to oxidation, leading to the development of an off flavor. The more double bonds present, the less stable the fatty acid. The chemical stability of soybean oil has been a problem because it contains relatively high proportions of both linoleic and linolenic acids which contain 2 and 3 double bonds, respectively. To increase the melting point as well as the oxidative stability of soy oil, hydrogenation becomes necessary. Another quality factor is the distribution of fatty acids at the glycerol molecule of a triglyceride. The orderly fatty acid distribution in soybean oil as well as other fats and oils can be altered to a random pattern by an industrial process known as interesterification. A general chemical
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interesterification involves heating oil to drive away water residue, mixing the oil with a catalyst, normally sodium methylate or sodium ethylate, breaking the emulsion after completion of the reaction, and separating and drying the oil layer. Although it does not change the fatty acid composition, interesterification generally increases crystallization tendencies (melting point) of fats and oils. Phospholipids Phospholipids together with proteins are building blocks of biological membranes. Hence, they invariably occur in all foods of animal and plant origin. Phospholipids constitute 1-3% of crude soybean oil. Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) is a major component constituting about 35-40% of the total phospholipids and the rest being about 25% phosphatidylethanolamine, about 15% phosphatidyl inositol, 5-10% phosphatidic acid and the rest is a composite of all the minor phospholipids compounds. Phospholipids contain glycerol, two fatty acids, a phosphate and a basic component. Phosphatidic acid, the parent molecule of phospholipids, is formed by the joining of 3-glycerol-phosphate and a diglyceride; then the base (choline or other) is linked to the phosphate group of phosphatidic acid to form phosphatidyl choline (or other phospholipids). The other phospholipids have structures like phosphatidylcholine’s except for the difference in their base: choline versus serine, ethanolamine, or inositol. Free Fatty Acids Soybean oil contains about 0.3-0.7% free fatty acids which are formed when the enzyme lipase in the soybean acts on the fatty acids in the triglyceride molecule. Plant Sterols Plant sterols represent a class of non-nutrient molecules that are consumed in large amounts because of their ubiquitous presence in plant cell membranes, but they have no known function. Their major benefit to mankind is indirect as their consumption from plant foods increases, the intake of cholesterol decreases because of the reduced consumption of animal products (for the information about health benefits of plant sterols, see Chapter 2). Refined soybean oil contains plant sterols namely βsitosterol, campestrol, and stigmasterol, which constitute almost 100% of the membrane sterols of soybeans, serve a role in plants much like that of cholesterol in animal membranes. These sterols are in the ratio of 2.5:1:1, in which the total sterols represent 221 mg/100 g of oil.
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CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates constitute about 35% of the dry weight of soybeans which make them the second largest component in soybeans. The major components are polysaccharides (amyloses and amylopectins) and indigestible fiber, but the flatulence-producing disaccharides raffinose and stachyose also exist in soybeans. Soluble Carbohydrates Soybeans contain trace amounts of monosaccharides, such as glucose and arabinose, and measurable amounts of di- and oligosaccharides, with sucrose in the range of 2.5-8.2%; raffinose 0.1-0.9%; and stachyose 1.4-4.1%. Oligosaccharides in soybeans are nonreducing sugars, containing fructose, glucose, and galactose as two or more units, linked by β-fructosidic and -galactosidic linkages. Insoluble Carbohydrates The insoluble carbohydrates in soybeans include cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and trace amounts of starch. They are structural components found mainly in cell walls. The seed coat makes up about 8% of the whole soybean by dry weight and contains about 86% complex carbohydrates. Therefore, it contributes a noticeable amount of insoluble carbohydrates to the whole bean. Soy cell walls contain about 30% pectins, 50% hemicellulose and 20% cellulose. Therefore, most soybean carbohydrates fall into a category known as dietary fiber. MINERALS Soybeans have an ash content of approximately 5%. The oxygen content of the ash accounts for much of its weight since the major forms of minerals in ash are sulfates, phosphates, and carbonates. Among the major mineral components in soybeans, potassium is found in the highest concentration, followed by phosphorous, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, chloride and sodium. The contents of these minerals range from 0.2 to 2.1 g/100 g on average values (dry weight basis). The minor minerals present in soybeans and soy products include silicon, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, molybdenum, fluorine, chromium, selenium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury and iodine. The contents of these minor minerals range from 0.001 mg/100g to 14 mg/100 g. Like other components, minerals in soybeans are also influenced by agronomical conditions and genetic variation.
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PHENOLIC ACIDS The term ‘phenolic acids’ covers a large group of organic molecules found naturally in soybean and its derivative products but only in small quantities of approximately 1-10 mg/100 g. The phenolic acids, simple molecules such as the organic solvent benzoic acid, are included in the broad class of polyphenols because of diverse phenol groups within them. Also, typically each of these phenol groups contains one and sometimes two hydroxyl groups, which increase their solubility in aqueous solutions. They are also found in the soybean spatially associated with proteins. All of the phenolic molecules are thought to be derived from amino acid phenylalanine. Isoflavones The basic structural feature of flavonoid compounds is the flavone nucleus, which comprises two benzene rings (A and B) linked through a heterocyclic pyrane C ring (Figure 7.5). The position of the benzenoid B ring divides the flavonoid class into flavonoids (2position) and isoflavonoids (3-position). The primary isoflavones of soybeans are genistein (4’,5,7-trihydroxy-isoflavone) and daidzein (4’,7-dihydroxyisoflavone), and their respective beta-glycosides, genistin and diadzin (sugars being attached at the 7 position of the A ring). Typically, there is more genist(e)in than diadz(e)in in soybeans and soyfoods. There is also a small amount of other isoflavones, glycitein (7,4’-dihydroxy-6-methoxyisoflavone) and its glycoside glycitin. In total there are 12 different soybean isoflavone isomers; in addition to the six described above, each of the isoflavone glycosides can have attached, an acetyl or malonyl group at carbon 6 of the glucose molecule. In non-fermented soyfoods, the isoflavones appear mostly as the conjugate, whereas, in fermented soy products such as miso, the aglycones dominate. In addition to the isoflavones in soybeans, the intestinal microflora can convert diadzein into several different isoflavonoid products, including equol (7-hydroxyisoflavan), dihydrodaidzein and O-desmethyl-angolensin. The majority of isoflavones is associated with proteins. Soybeans and soy products contain roughly 1-3 mg isoflavones per gram protein, one serving of traditional soyfoods (i.e., ½ a cup of tofu or 1 cup of soymilk) containing about 30 mg isoflavones, expressed as the aglycone form.
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FIGURE 7.5 — Structure Of The Primary Isoflavones In Soybeans
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Saponins Saponins are compounds consisting of triterpenoidal or steroidal aglycones with various carbohydrate moieties that are found in many plants. Soy saponins have been purified and classified by their structure into 3 groups: A, B, and E. Because of the presence of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, saponins are excellent emulsifiers and foaming agents, and provide functional roles in foods. The ability of saponins to form emulsions in the intestine have lead to the investigation into their role for lowering serum cholesterol in humans. Phytic Acid Phytic acid, also known as myo-inositol hexaphosphate, is abundant in soybeans and soy products, especially soy flour. The common phytic acid is a hexaphosphate. Other inositol phosphates may contain from one to five phosphate groups on the inositol ring. Each of these phosphate groups is capable of binding one monovalent or divalent cation, but typically the number of cations bound is less only three to five cations per phytic acid. The phytate content of soybean ranges from 1.00-1.47% on a dry matter basis. This value represents 51.4-57.1% of the total phosphorous in seeds. VITAMINS Soybeans contain both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The water-soluble vitamins present in soybeans mainly include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. The whole soy flour contains 6.26 to 6.85 mg/g and 0.92 to 1.19 mg/g of thiamin and riboflavin, respectively. The oil-soluble vitamins present in soybeans are vitamins A and E, with no vitamins D and K. Vitamin A exists mainly as the provitamin β-carotene but its content is negligible in mature seeds but measurable in immature and germinated seeds. Tocopherols (Vitamin E) play an important role as the major fat soluble antioxidants that protect our bodies against free radical damage. Of the four different forms, alpha tocopherol is the most potent and has the greatest nutritional and biological value. Crude soy oil contains 9-12 mg of -tocopherol/g, 74-102 mg of -tocopherol/g, and 24-30 mg of -tocopherol/g. In fact, tocopherol is considered as an important constituent of soy oil partly because it is the most effective natural antioxidant and partly because it is good for human nutrition.
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Nutritional And Physiological Functions Of The Soybean The nutrients of soybean discussed above have one or more physiological functions. The most studied nutrients in relation to health are soy protein and isoflavones. NUTRITIONAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Soy Protein The quality of soybean proteins has actually been undervalued until recently, because the protein efficiency ratio was based upon the growth of laboratory rats. A new official method, the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) method for evaluating protein quality adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was used to evaluate the protein quality of soybean. Results showed that soybean proteins have a PDCAAS of 1.0, indicating that it is able to meet the protein needs of children and adults when consumed as the sole source of protein at the recommended level protein intake of 0.6 g/kg body weight. It is now concluded that the quality of soybean proteins is comparable to that of animal protein sources such as milk and beef. In addition to playing a role as traditional nutrients, soy proteins were found to have a hypocholesterolemic effect in the later half of the 1970s. The serum cholesterol is lowered markedly when the animal proteins in the diet are exchanged with soy proteins. Since then numerous investigations on this effect of soy protein have been carried out. Lovati et al., 1992 found that soybean storage proteins possess the hypocholesterolemic effect, because the plasma total cholesterol of the rats fed casein-cholesterol diets was reduced by 35 and 34% by the administration of purely isolated β-conglycinin and glycinin, respectively. In a meta-analysis of 38 separate studies involving 743 subjects, the consumption of soy protein resulted in significant reduction in total cholesterol (9.3%), LDL cholesterol (12.9%), and triglycerides (10.5%), with a small but insignificant increase (2.4%) in HDL cholesterol (Anderson et al., 1995). In linear regression analysis, the threshold level of soy intake, at which the effects on blood lipids became significant, was 25 g. Thus, soy protein represents a safe, viable, and practical nonpharmacologic approach to lowering cholesterol. The exact mechanism by which soy protein reduces cholesterol is not yet known
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clearly. But some studies suggest that cholesterol absorption and/or bile acid reabsorption is impaired when soybean proteins are fed, while others propose that changes in endocrine status such as alteration in insulin to glucagon ratio and thyroid hormone concentrations are responsible. In addition to the cholesterol-lowering effects, soybean proteins suppress the lipogenic enzyme gene expression in the livers of genetically fatty rats, indicating that dietary soybean proteins are useful for the reduction of body fats. Peptide Fragments From Soybean Proteins Peptide fragments from soybean proteins are found to have hypocholesterolemic, anticarcinogenic, hypotensive, immunostimulating and/or antioxidant effects (Figure 7.6). The hydrophobic peptide fragments which appeared through the proteinase digestion of soybean proteins are responsible for their plasma-cholesterol lowering action. Since the hydrophobic peptides bind well to bile acids, the fecal excretion of bile acids is increased. Consequently, the bile acid synthesis in the liver is stimulated, resulting in the reduction of serum cholesterol. Soybean protein digests have the highest hydrophobicity among commonly used food protein sources and give the lowest cholesterol level. Major hydrophobic peptides to bind to bile acids are A1a and A2, which are the acidic peptides of glycinin subunits, A1aB1b and A2B1a, respectively (Minami et al., 1990). The region comprising residues 114-161 (48 amino acid residues) represents the most hydrophobic area of the A 1a subunit. This hydrophobic region is also highly conserved in the A2 subunit. Most recently, Yoshikawa et al (2000) found that Leu-Pro-Tyr-Pro-Arg, the low molecular weight peptide fragment derived from soybean glycinin, also reduced serum cholesterol in mice after oral administration. This may be a different mechanism from that of high molecular weight fraction, because there was no increase in the excretion of the fecal cholesterol and bile acids. It is known that bile acid is an intrinsic promoter of colon cancer. Azuma et al (2000) found that high molecular weight fraction (HMF) described above suppresses the tumorigenesis in the liver and colon in rats through the inhibitory effect on the reabsorption of bile acids in the intestine. Another low molecular weight peptide fragment Met-LeuPro-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Pro-Tyr derived from soybean proteins has anticarcinogenic properties Kim et al (2000).
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FIGURE 7.6 — Physiologically Active Peptide Fragments From Soybean Proteins* Peptide fragments
Physiological activity
Protein source
High molecular weight fraction
Hypocholesterolemic and anticarcinogenic
Soybean proteins
LPYPR
Hypocholesterolemic
Soybean glycinin
MLPSYSPY
Anticarcinogenic
Soybean proteins
Peptide fraction
Hypotensive through ACEinhibition
Soybean proteins
MITLAIPVNKPGR
Phagocytosis-stimulating
β-conglycinin -subunit
MITLAIPVN
Phagocytosis-stimulating
β-conglycinin -subunit
MITL
Phagocytosis-stimulating and protection from hair loss
β-conglycinin -subunit
HCQRPR
Phagocytosis-stimulating
Glycinin A1a-subunit
QRPR
Phagocytosis-stimulating
Glycinin A1a-subunit
VNPHDHQN
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
LVNPHDHQN
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
LLPHH
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
LLPHHADADY
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
VIPAGYP
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
LQSGDALRVPSGTTYY
Antioxidant
β-conglycinin
*Fukushima, 2004
Immunostimulating peptides are expected to improve senile immunodeficiency. Yoshikawa et al (2000) isolated a peptide stimulating phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes from soybean proteins. It is Met-Ile-Thr-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Val-Asn-Lys-Pro-Gly-Arg which was derived from the subunit of β-conglycinin and named soymetide. Soymetide-4, the tetrapeptide at the amino terminus, that is, Met-Ile-Thr-Leu, is the shortest peptide stimulating phagocytosis. Soymetide-9 (Met-Ile-Thr-Leu-Ala-Ile-Pro-Val-Asn) is the most active in stimulating phagocytosis in vitro. Besides these, soymetide-4 prevents hair loss induced by a cancer chemotherapy agent. The peptides derived from soybean glycinin A1a subunit, Gln-Arg-Pro-Arg and His-Cys-GlnArg-Pro-Arg, also stimulated phagocytic activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but their activities are weaker than those of soymetide described above. Chen et al (1995) isolated six antioxidative peptides against peroxidation of linoleic acid from the protease hydrolysates of soybean β-conglycinin. They are 1) Val-AsnPro-His-Asp-His-Gln-Asn, 2) Leu-Val-Asn-Pro-His-Asp-His-Gln-Asn, 3) Leu-Leu-Pro-His-His, 4) Leu-Leu-Pro-His-His-Ala-Asp-Ala-Asp-Tyr, 5)
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Val-Ile-Pro-Ala-Gly-Tyr-Pro and 6) Leu-Gln-Ser-Gly-Asp-Ala-Leu-ArgVal-Pro-Ser-Gly-Thr-Thr-Tyr-Tyr. These peptides are characterized by the hydrophobic amino acids such as valine or leucine at the N-terminal positions and proline, histidine, or tyrosine in the sequences. Yokomizo et al (2002) also isolated four antioxidative peptides from the protease hydrolysates of the water-insoluble residues of soybeans. The amino acid sequences were 1) Ala-Tyr, 2) Ser-Asp-Phe, 3) Ala-Asp-Phe and 4) Gly-Tyr-Tyr. These peptides possess aromatic amino acid at the Cterminal end. Gly-Tyr-Tyr has the strongest antioxidative activity among these four peptides, which is nearly equal to that of carnosine. It should be noted that the molecular weights of these four peptides are much lower than those of the other antioxidative peptides previously isolated from soybean proteins (Chen et al., 1995). Minor Components Some minor components may also have important physiological functions (Figure 7.7). Although most of these minor components are not proteins, they coexist more or less with soy protein products as a food ingredient. Hitherto, these minor components, such as isoflavones, saponins, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, lectin, etc., were thought to be antinutritional factors, but now they are recognized to have preventative effects on cancer. Among these, isoflavones (mainly genistein and diadzein) are particularly noteworthy, because soybeans are the only significant dietary source of these compounds. Isoflavones seem to have not only anticarcinogenic activities, but also preventative effects on osteoporosis and the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. FIGURE 7.7 — Physiological Functions Of Minor Components Of Soybeans* Minor Components
Physiological Functions
Isoflavones
Anticarcinogenic activities, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, prevention of osteoporosis, antioxidant activities, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms.
Saponins
Anticarcinogenic activities, hypocholesterolemic effects, inhibition of platelet aggregation, HIV preventing effects (group B saponin), and antioxidant activities (DDMP saponin)
Phytosterol
Anticarcinogenic activities
Phytic acid
Anticarcinogenic activities
Lectin (Hemagglutinin)
Activation of lymphocytes (T cell) and aggregating action of tumor cells
Nicotianamine
Inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzymes
Protease inhibitors
Anticarcinogenic activities
*Fukushima, 2004
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ROLE OF SOY PRODUCTS IN PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. Diet has a major impact on several modifiable risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension and obesity for heart disease. It has been known for ~60 years that replacement of animal protein in the diet with soy protein reduces hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis. The increased level of research intensity over the past 10-12 years has resulted from evidence that soy consumption might improve cardiovascular health. Dietary soy protein has well-documented beneficial effects on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. The effects in human subjects are reductions in LDL cholesterol of ~13%; reductions in plasma triglycerides of ~10%; and increases in HDL cholesterol, greater in some subjects than others, with average increases of ~2% (Anderson et al., 1995). These beneficial effects of soy protein on plasma lipoprotein concentrations culminated recently in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a health claim that “25 g of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease”. Mechanisms Of Cholesterol Reduction By Soy Components Several components of soy have been implicated in lowering cholesterol: trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, saponins and soy protein. 1. Trypsin Inhibitors All soy products are heat treated, which destroys most of the activity of trypsin inhibitors. Small amounts of heat stable Bowman-Birk inhibitor may exert a hypocholesterolemic effect by increasing the secretion of cholecystokinin. This would then stimulate bile acid synthesis from cholesterol and thus help to eliminate cholesterol through the gastrointestinal tract (Erdman, 2000). 2. Phytic Acid Phytic acid, myoinositol hexaphosphate, is found in all nonfermented soy protein products and is very stable during heating. Phytic acid chelates zinc strongly in the intestinal tract, thus decreasing its absorption. A copper deficiency or a high ratio of zinc to copper results in a rise in blood cholesterol. The hypothesis advanced is that soy foods contain both copper and phytic acid and, therefore, may lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the ratio of zinc to copper (Zhou and Erdman, 1995).
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3. Saponins These compounds may contribute to cholesterol lowering by increasing bile excretion (Sidhu and Oakenfull, 1986). 4. Soy Protein Effects Early researchers noted in animal studies that the amino acids lysine and methionine tend to raise cholesterol levels, whereas arginine has the opposite effect (Kurowska and Carroll, 1994). Soy protein, compared with animal protein sources, has a higher ratio of arginine to lysine and methionine. Interestingly, animal studies found that a mixture of L-amino acids equivalent to the pattern of soy protein had an intermediate cholesterol-lowering effect that was not as pronounced as that of hydrolyzed whole soy protein (Tasker and Potter, 1993). Thus, some other component in the whole soy protein may have a beneficial effect beyond that of the protein alone. The higher arginine-to-lysine ratio of soy protein may decrease insulin and glucagon secretion, which would then inhibit lipogenesis. Soybean contains 2 types of storage proteins, the globulins 11S and 7S. Cell culture studies suggest that these globulins stimulate LDL receptor activity (Lovati et al., 1992). On the basis of several clinical studies, it is suggested that consumption of soy protein upregulates LDL receptors in humans. Soy protein treated with proteases forms 2 distinct fractions: an insoluble high-molecular-weight fraction and a soluble low-molecularweight fraction. The insoluble fraction when fed to rats, lowered blood cholesterol levels by increasing fecal excretion of sterols. The theory that soy protein lowers cholesterol by enhanced bile excretion has been explored extensively. Cholesterol lost from the body in the form of bile shifts the liver toward providing more cholesterol for increased bile acid synthesis and increases LDL receptor activity. Thus, the end result is increased LDL removal from the blood. 5. Isoflavones Isoflavones have weak estrogenic effects in both animals and humans. The beneficial effects of estrogen include lower LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol. Phytoestrogens presumably work in a similar manner, although less potent. Soy protein containing isoflavones lowered cholesterol significantly more than soy protein without isoflavones in humans (Crouse et al., 1999). Soy protein with isoflavones (20% of diet) also inhibits formation of atherosclerotic lesions in primates (Anthony et al., 1997). Genistein is known to inhibit tyrosine kinase, an enzyme involved in the cascade of events leading to formation of thrombi and lesions. Isoflavones also act as antioxidants and can inhibit LDL oxidation (Kapiotis et al., 1997).
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Soyfoods And Cancer The theory that phytoestrogen could have a protective effect against cancer due to their similarity in structure to estrogen was first postulated in the 1980s. Soy isoflavones bind to mammalian estrogen receptors (ER) and generate estrogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. It is generally accepted that these compounds have low binding affinity for both ER alpha and beta but preferentially bind to ER-β. There are a number of hormone-related risk factors for breast cancer; for example, early onset of menarche, late onset of menopause, delayed age of first pregnancy and elevated free oestradiol concentrations in post-menopausal women. In addition, environmental factors, especially diet, are also thought to play a major role in cancer risk. This is mainly due to the fact that breast cancer incidence is much higher in Western populations in comparison with Asian populations, a finding which has been associated with the consumption of a traditional low fat, highfiber, high-soy diet among Asian populations. These studies suggest that early exposure to phytoestrogen is extremely important in order to gain from their cancer preventive effects. Wu et al (1996) found increased tofu consumption being associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in a case-control study of pre- and post-menopausal Asian American women. In a soya-feeding (154+8.4 mg total isoflavones consumed/d) intervention study, circulating levels of 17β-estradiol were found to be reduced by 25% in premenopausal women, implicating a protective effect against breast cancer (Lu et al., 2000). What has become increasingly apparent is that the time of exposure to the test compound is of the utmost importance. For example, rats treated with genistein neonatally or prepubertally have a longer latency before the appearance of chemically induced mammary tumors and a marked reduction in tumor number whereas rats treated after 35 days of age have smaller alterations in breast cancer risk (Barnes, 1997). These findings suggest that early exposure to soybean products is vital in breast cancer prevention and may explain why protection against breast cancer is lost in Asian immigrants after a few generations. It is postulated that genistein may exert its chemoprotective effects in animal models by enhancing mammary cell maturation and lobularalveolar development, thus reducing cell proliferation in the mammary gland. 1. Possible mechanisms of effects of phytoestrogen on breast cancer Mechanisms of action of phytoestrogen appear to be of two types.
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One is estrogen-dependent and the other is estrogen-independent. Estrogen-dependent mechanisms are: • Estrogen receptor - and β-mediated mechanisms • Effects on endogenous hormones and growth factors • pS2 expression Estrogen-independent mechanisms are: • Protein tyrosine kinase and topo-isomerase II inhibition • Free radical scavenging • Role in metastasis 2. Effects of isoflavones on cancer development Proliferation Many in vitro studies have examined the effects of phytoestrogens on the proliferation of both Estrogen receptor (+) (mainly MCF-7) and Estrogen receptor (-) breast cancer cell lines. Genistein exerts biphasic effects on the proliferation of Estrogen receptor (+) cell lines, stimulating growth at concentrations up to 10 M and potently inhibiting cell proliferation at >10 M (Le Bail et al., 2000). Zava and Duwe (1997) have shown that stimulation of the Estrogen receptor (+) cell lines MCF-7 and T47D by genistein and equol correlates with the binding affinities of these compounds to the Estrogen receptor. These studies suggest differential mechanisms of action for phytoestrogens on cell proliferation; at low concentrations they appear to act via an Estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism whereas at higher concentrations a different mechanism of action is exerted on the cells as both Estrogen receptor (+) and Estrogen receptor (-) cell growth is inhibited. Cell Cycle And Apoptosis Genistein reduces the risk of breast cancer by influencing the cell cycle and apoptosis. Genistein at concentration of 10 M causes a reversible G2/M arrest in MCF-7 cell cycle progression whereas doses > 50 M result in a marked fall in S-phase cell percentage associated with a persistent arrest in the G2/M phase. In addition, exposure of MCF-7 cells to genistein for >48 h induced apoptosis. Genistein blocks G2/M cell-cycle progression in non-neoplastic human mammary epithelial cells. G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by genistein in breast cancer cells is associated with an increased expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21WAF/CIP1 followed by an increase in apoptosis. Thus, the anti-tumor effects genistein may be modulated by the compound’s ability to arrest two critical points in the control of the cell cycle and by the induction of apoptosis (Frey et al., 2001).
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Invasion And Metastasis The development of clinical metastasis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from cancer. Metastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread via the bloodstream, or lymph system. An important step in metastasis is tumor invasion and any agent that can inhibit this process may have potential therapeutic value. Genistein has been shown to inhibit the invasion of MCF-7 cells and also the estrogen receptor (-) cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 (Shao et al., 1998). Scholar and Toews (1994) have postulated that the ability of genistein to inhibit tumor cell invasion is due to its potent inhibitory action on tyrosine kinases and have supported this theory with preliminary studies which demonstrate that other tyrosine kinase inhibitors for example, methyl 2,5-dihydroxy-cinnamate and herbimycin, also inhibit tumor invasion. Angiogenesis Angiogenesis refers to the process by which new blood vessels are formed within the body. When tissues need more oxygen, for example, they release molecules that encourage blood vessels to grow. The ability to inhibit angiogenesis and turn off the blood supply to tumors could potentially lead to a new generation of cancer therapies. Tumors require a blood supply to develop and grow. They take over existing blood vessels and stimulate the production of new vessels from these; a process termed angiogenesis. Phytoestrogens can inhibit angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. Fotsis et al (1995) have shown that genistein can inhibit the proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells at half-maximal concentrations of 5 and 150 M, respectively. The ability of genistein to inhibit capillary formation in vivo has been demonstrated in both mouse xenografts of various cancer cells (Zhou et al., 1998) and in animal models of experimentally induced angiogenesis (Hayashi et al., 1997). In rats, genistein administered as an eye drop (5 mg/ml), prevented extensive neovascularisation of the cornea induced by chemical cauterization (Hayashi et al., 1997). These findings may explain one of the mechanisms of action by which phytoestrogens exert their protective effects against cancer metastasis, as the angiogenic process is a key mechanism in tumor growth, progression and metastatic dissemination. 3. Free-radical scavenging effects The antioxidative effects of soy were the focus of much of the early research on how soy prevents cancer. The powerful free-radical scavenging effects of soy compounds and how they impact cancer continue to emerge.
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Soy has an additive effect with vitamin E; it lowers estrogen levels in women and androgen levels in men (Jenkins et al. 2000). Damage to DNA caused by certain types of free radicals is strongly inhibited by genistein and other soy compounds. This helps prevent cancer. The effects of genistein against the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by free radicals were demonstrated. Genistein reversed the free-radical activation of EGFR in normal cells. The benefits of genistein against oxidative stress are evident from a study on brain cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Free radicals generated by hydrogen peroxide degrade phospholipids and activate enzymes, which are crucial for memory and other brain functions. Genistein, through its ability to inhibit a tyrosine kinase enzyme that sets off the reaction, rescues cells from damage (Servitja et al. 2000). Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that primarily affects older women in which the bones become porous and fracture easily. Japanese women, who generally consume soy products, have half the rate of hip fractures as U.S. women. Isoflavones consumption has been shown to reduce bone loss and slow calcium loss in an animal model of osteoporosis, suggesting a possible beneficial role in preventing osteoporosis in humans. In addition, certain soy products such as tofu contain relatively high calcium content. It is also interesting to note that soy protein seems to cause less loss of calcium from the body compared to other dietary sources of protein which may promote calcium loss and bone breakdown at high levels. Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone drug prescribed in Europe, is metabolized in the body into diadzein, and has potent effects on reducing bone resorption in post-menopausal women. It is reasonable to suggest that soy or its isoflavones enhance bone formation due to 1) soy isoflavones stimulate osteoblastic activity through activation of estrogen receptors, and 2) soy or its isoflavones promote insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production. One factor that is thought to adversely affect bone health is dietary protein and high protein intake could lead to osteoporosis by increasing urinary calcium excretion. The hypercalciuric effect of protein is generally attributed to the sulfur amino acids, methionine and cysteine, which are metabolized to sulfate and hydrogen resulting in an acid ash. Because the skeletal system is the major source of alkali, in response to acid conditions, calcium is leached from the bones resulting in an increase in calcium excretion. Methionine supplementation results
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in a lowering of pH and an increase in urinary calcium excretion. Calcium excretion is very much related to bone health. Heaney (1994), in a series of balance studies in over 500 women, found that urinary calcium excretion accounts for more than 50% of the variation in calcium balance, whereas calcium intake accounted for only about 10%. Thus reducing calcium excretion is important for optimizing bone calcium retention. The lower sulphur amino acid content of soy protein may help to reduce calcium excretion in comparison to consuming animal protein. On a per gram protein basis, soy protein contains lower amounts of sulphur amino acids (29.6 mg/100 g protein) than either milk or beef protein (33.8 and 34.2 mg/100 g protein, respectively). Consistent with this hypothesis are results from Anderson et al (1987) who found that the urinary calcium:creatinine ratio increased by 45% (relative to water) 4 hours following the consumption of the meal containing milk whey (2.8 g methionine/100 g) as the primary protein source. In contrast, in response to a meal containing soy protein (1.3 g methionine/100 g), the calcium:creatinine ratio increased by only 3%. Menopause Soy foods which contain isoflavones may help in the treatment of menopause symptoms. In women who are producing little estrogen, phytoestrogens may produce enough estrogenic activity to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes. From an epidemiological point of view, it is interesting that in Japan, where soy consumption is very high, menopause symptoms of any kind are rarely reported. Kidney Disease The “soy protein hypothesis” suggests that substitution of soy protein for animal protein in diabetic individuals results in less hyperfiltration and glomerular hypertension; therefore, protecting against diabetic nephropathy. It is also thought that incorporating soy into the diet will have therapeutic benefits in diabetic nephropathy by slowing deterioration of renal function and decreasing proteinuria. Available data indicates that substitution of soy protein for animal protein is associated with less postprandial hyperfiltration and albuminuria (Anderson et al., 1998). Clinical trials on human subjects have found that not only the quantity of protein, but also the types of protein have important implications in renal disease. Short-term incorporation of soy protein in the diet (three weeks) has been associated with lower renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate and fractional clearance of albumin.
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The long-term effects of soy protein have yet to be fully understood. However, animal studies indicate that chronic soy protein intake preserves the function of damaged kidneys better than animal protein. Obesity Obesity is thought to be a basic preclinical status of life-style-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Various methods are recommended for the treatment of obesity. The first choice for controlling obesity is to reduce energy consumption by reducing food intake and to increase energy expenditure by exercise. Intake of protein produces significantly greater postprandial energy expenditure than intake of the same number of calories from glucose and fat in humans. Several studies in obese humans and animals suggest that soy as a source of dietary protein has significant antiobesity effects. In genetically obese mice, it is reported that soy-protein isolate and its hydrolysate were more effective than was whey-protein isolate and its hydrolysate in weight reduction and acts by lowering the perirenal fat pad weight and plasma glucose concentrations. This effect may be due to an active tetrapeptide present in soy. The tetrapeptide from soy also decreased visceral fat weight in mice during a swimming exercise. The reduction in body fat by soy-protein isolate and its hydrolysate compared with casein was also observed in genetically obese yellow KK mice and in rats made obese by being fed a high-fat diet; plasma glucose decreased more with the soy-protein isolate and its hydrolysate than with casein. The antiobesity effect of soybean peptides is thought to involve the increase of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. However, because the soybean peptides used by researchers are a mixture of hydrolysates of soybean protein, it is possible that a particular peptide or the amino acid composition of the peptides causes the effect. Further examination will be necessary to determine this. Soy Products There are many types of soy foods available throughout the world today. Some are produced through the use of modern processing techniques in large processing plants, whereas others are produced in more traditional ways, owing their history to oriental processing techniques. These are the foods that are usually referred to as traditional soyfoods. These soyfoods are typically divided into two categories: nonfermented and fermented. Traditional nonfermented soyfoods
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include fresh green soybeans, whole dry soybeans, soynuts, soysprouts, whole soyflour, defatted soy flour, soy milk, okara and yuba. Traditional fermented soyfoods include tempeh, miso, soy sauces, natto and fermented tofu and soy yogurt. The most popular soyfoods in the United States now are tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, miso and tempeh. Americans known for their ability to adapt foreign foods to their own tastes, have developed a whole new class of “second generation” soyfoods, which includes such products as soy hot dogs, soy ice cream, veggie burgers, tempeh burgers, soy yogurt, soy cheeses, soy flour pancake mix and a myriad of other prepared Americanized soyfoods. Soymilk Soymilk is an aqueous extraction of whole soybeans. Soymilk is used as a base in a wide variety of products including tofu, soy yogurt and soy-based cheeses. The chemical composition of soy milk is given in Figure 7.8. Soy milk production technology is shown in Figure 7.9. Further, soymilk is used to prepare symbiotic soy yogurt (Figure 7.10) and symbiotic soy yogurt beverage (Figure 7.11). FIGURE 7.8 — Chemical Composition Of Soymilk And Cow’s Milk (per 100g) Nutrient Calorie Water (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Ash (g) Minerals (mg) Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Iron Vitamins (mg) Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Saturated fatty acids (%) Unsaturated fatty acids (%) Cholesterol (mg)
Soy milk
Cow’s milk
44 90.8 3.6 2.0 2.9 0.5
59 88.6 2.9 3.3 4.5 0.7
15 49 2 1.2
100 90 36 0.1
0.03 0.02 0.5 40-48 52-60 0
0.04 0.15 0.2 60-70 30-40 9.24-9.9
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FIGURE 7.9 — Preparation Of Soymilk
FIGURE 7.10 — Preparation Of Symbiotic Soy Yogurt
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FIGURE 7.11 — Preparation Of Symbiotic Soy Yogurt Beverage
FIGURE 7.12 — Preparation Of Tofu
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Tofu Tofu is a curd that is made directly from soybeans and resembles a soft white cheese or a very firm yogurt (Figure 7.12). Tofu is waterextracted and salt- or acid-coagulated soy protein gel with water, soy lipids, and other constituents trapped in its network. It is inexpensive, nutritious, and versatile. On a wet basis, a typical pressed tofu with moisture content in the range of 85% contains about 7.8% protein, 4.2% lipid, and 200 mg calcium/100 g. On the dry matter basis, it contains about 50% protein and 20% oil; the remaining components are carbohydrates and minerals. Tofu can be served as a meat or cheese substitute. It is cholesterol free, lactose free and lower in saturated fat. Tempeh Tempeh is a fermented soyfood and is unique in its texture, flavor and versatility. It originated in Indonesia, where today it is still the most popular soy food. Tempeh, while not as popular as tofu in the United States, lends itself easily to being used as a meat alternative because of its chewy texture and distinct flavor. As a result, a wide variety of tempeh-based meat analogues are available. Tempeh is a cake of cooked and fermented soybeans held together by the mycelium of Rhizopus oligosporus. The production technology of tempeh is given in Figure 7.13. Miso Miso, a white, brown or reddish-brown soybean paste, is another fermented soyfood. It’s a traditional food in Japan, with a history going back about 1300 years. Made from fermented soybeans, and sometimes in combination with wheat, barley or rice, this salty paste is a treasured soup base and flavouring ingredient used throughout Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and China (Figure 7.14). Soy Sauce Soy sauce is probably man’s oldest prepared seasoning. Processed similarly to miso except that the paste produced is pressed to yield a liquid, this savory seasoning sauce is widely used in both Oriental and American cuisine. There are two basic types of soy sauce: fermented soy sauce and soy sauce made from hydrolysed vegetable proteins (HVP). Within the naturally fermented category, there are many types of soy sauce, with shoyu and tamari being the most popular. For the most part, defatted soybean meal or grits are used to produce soy sauce,
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FIGURE 7.13 — Preparation Of Tempeh
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FIGURE 7.14 — Preparation Of Miso
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FIGURE 7.15 — Preparation Of Soy Sauce
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with some specialty products being made from whole soybeans. HVP soy sauce is made from soy proteins hydrolyzed into amino acids by using acid hydrolysis and blended with sugars, color and other flavoring ingredients into a sauce that somewhat resembles naturally fermented soy sauce. The production technology of soy sauce is shown in Figure 7.15. Tofuyo Tofuyo is a unique soybean fermented food that has long been a tradition in Okinawa. Ordinary tofu is first produced from soybeans. The tofu is dried at room temperature and is pickled in a mixture containing yeast and awamori (a distilled liquor produced in Okinawa) for maturation. The Aspergillus oryzae including Monascus and Aspergillus bacteria are the microorganisms used in the fermentation process. Less salty than miso or shoyu, there is a certain sweetness to the taste of tofuyo, which has an elastic feel and a smooth texture like that of soft cheese. Natto Natto is a traditional fermented soy food also known as Itohiki-natto. It originated in the northern part of Japan about 1000 years ago. It is one of the few products in which bacteria predominate during fermentation. Properly prepared natto has a slimy appearance, sweet taste, and a characteristic aroma. The production technology of natto is shown in Figure 7.16. Soy Protein Products Soy protein products include defatted soy flakes, soy meal, soy flour and grits, soy concentrates, soy isolates, texturized soy proteins, fullfat soy flour, and enzyme active soy flour (see Figure 7.1). Defatted Soy Flakes Soybeans are first dried, cleaned, cracked, and dehulled. Dehulled beans are then conditioned to 10-11% moisture at 63-74°C and flaked using smooth rolls. The flakes are defatted using hexane extraction. These flakes contain about 30-35% residual hexane. Therefore, they need to be desolventized before being processed into meals and subsequently into various protein products. Soy Meal Soy meal is produced by grinding defatted and desolventized flakes, containing a little over 50% protein. The other major component in the
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FIGURE 7.16 — Preparation Of Natto
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meal is carbohydrate, which accounts for about 30-35% of the meal. Soy meal usually contains less than 1% lipids. The remaining minor components include ash and moisture. Defatted Soy Grits Grits are obtained by coarsely grinding the defatted flakes followed by screening. They are classified as coarse (10-20 mesh), medium (2040 mesh) or fine (40-80 mesh) grits according to particle size. Defatted Soy Flour Soy flour is produced by grinding the soy flakes to very fine particles, so that 97% of the product passes through 100-mesh screen. Soy flour or grits can be used as an ingredient in a variety of food products, including soup, stews, beverages, desserts, bakery goods, breakfast cereals, and meat products. Soy Protein Concentrates Soy protein concentrates are prepared by removing soluble carbohydrate fraction as well as some flavor compounds from defatted meal. Three basic processes are used for carbohydrate removal: 1. acid leaching (isoelectric pH 4.5), 2. aqueous ethanol (60-80%) extraction, and 3. moist heat-water leaching. In all of these treatments proteins become insolubilized while a portion of the carbohydrates remain soluble so that their separation becomes possible by centrifugation. Solids containing mainly proteins and insoluble carbohydrates are then dispersed in water, neutralized to pH 7.0 if necessary, and spray-dried to produce soy concentrates. Most commercial soy concentrates are made by the aqueous alcohol extraction or acid leaching process. Soy Protein Isolates Soy protein isolates are traditionally prepared from defatted soy meal using aqueous or mild alkali extraction (pH 7-10) of proteins and soluble carbohydrates. The insoluble residue, mostly carbohydrate, is thus removed by centrifugation, followed by precipitation of soy protein at its isoelectric point (pH in the range of 4.5). The precipitated protein is separated by mechanical decanting, washed, and neutralized to a pH about 6.8 and then spray-dried. The resulting product is a highly purified proteinate form of soy protein with minimal beany flavor. Alternatively, the final precipitate may be washed and dried without neutralization to give an isoelectric form of soy isolates.
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Toasted Full-Fat Soy Flour For preparing toasted full-fat flour, soybeans are first steamed under light pressure to inactivate lipoxygenase that catalyzes lipid oxidation that leads to off-flavor formation. The beans are then dried, cracked, dehulled, and finely ground to obtain full-fat soy flour. Because the product is rather difficult to screen, it is usually prepared by two steps of grinding with separation of coarse from fine particles by air classification between the steps. Full-fat flour contains all the lipids (18-20%) originally present in the raw soybeans. Enzyme Active Full-Fat Soy Flour Enzyme active soy flour is produced by a procedure similar to that described for toasted soy flour except the initial steam or heat treatment is omitted. The beans may be dehulled prior to grinding. The resulting product is widely used in food industries for bleaching wheat flour and conditioning doughs in Western type breads. Soy lipoxygenases are responsible for its bleaching action, whereas the improved texture of the bread is attributed to the fact that soy β−amylases remain active longer during the initial stages of baking than those of wheat or barley, leading to the reduction in the starch viscosity. In the United States, enzyme active soy flour is also available in defatted form. Textured Soy Protein Products Soy flour and concentrates may be further processed by thermoplastic extrusion to impart meat like texture to these products. The flour or concentrates are mixed with water and additives to form dough and extruded under high temperature and pressure to obtain fibrous texture. Similarly, soy isolates may also be textured by a spinning process that involves solubilizing soy isolate in alkali and then forcing it through a spinneret into an acid bath to coagulate the proteins. The fibers formed are stretched and combined into bundles or tow. The tows are then used to produce meat analogs. SUMMARY For more than 2,000 years people throughout East Asia have consumed soybeans in the form of traditional soy foods, such as cooked whole beans, soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, etc. In Western countries, soybeans have attracted people’s attention since the 1960s as an economical and high-quality vegetable protein source for humans. In the United States, new soy protein products were developed, such as soy flour, soy protein concentrates, soy protein isolates, and their texturized products.
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The soybean is a high-protein food and a good source of nitrogen for humans because the amino acid composition of protein in the soybean has the equivalent nutritional value as animal protein. Soybeans also contain dietary fiber and oligosaccharides such as sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose. Soybean oil contains abundant essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Also, the soybean contains functional minor components such as isoflavone, saponin, lecithin, and phytosterol. Soyfoods and soybean constituents have been widely investigated for their preventive role in chronic disease which is attributed to their major physiological functions such as cholesterol lowering, antiobesity, antihypertensive, immunity regulation, lipid lowering, anticarcinogenic, anticoagulant, antiosteoporosis and antioxidant. Furthermore, the FDA confirmed the ‘Soy Protein Health Claim’ on 26 October, 1999, that 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. The market is very much responsive to this health claim. Therefore, taking this opportunity, soy foods will penetrate rapidly into Western cultures and diets. In the public health area, we know that relatively minor substitution or addition of soy to the conventional diet can have healthful consequences. References Anderson, J. J. B., Thomsen, K. and Christiansen, C. 1987. High protein meals, insular hormones and urinary calcium excretion in human subjects. Ch 1. In Osteoporosis 1987, C. Christiansen, J. S. Johansen and B. J. Riis (Ed.), pp.240-245. Nrrhaven A/ S, Viborg, Denmark. Anderson, J. W., Blake, J. E., Turner, J. and Smith, B. M. 1998. Effects of soy protein on renal function and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 68(suppl):1347–1353. Anderson, J. W., Johnstone, B. J. and Cook-Newell, M. E. 1995. Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids. N. Engl. J. Med. 333: 276-282. Anthony, M. S., Clarkson T. B., Bullock, B. C. and Wagner, J. D. 1997. Soy protein versus soy phytoestrogens in prevention of diet-induced coronary artery atherosclerosis of male cynomolgus monkeys. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17:2524 –2531. Azuma, N., Suda, H., Iwasaki, H., Yamagata, N., Saeki, T., Kanamoto, R. and Iwami, K. 2000. Antitumorigenic effects of several food proteins in a rat model with colon cancer and their reverse correlation with plasma bile acid concentration. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 46, 91-96. Barnes, S. 1997. The chemopreventive properties of soy isoflavonoids in animal models of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 46:169–179. Chen, H. M., Muramoto, K. and Yamauchi, F. 1995. Structural analysis of antioxidative peptides from soybean β-conglycinin. J. Agric. Food Chem. 43, 574-578. Crouse, J. R. III., Morgan, T., Terry, J. G., Ellis, J., Vitolins, M. and Burke, G. L. 1999. A randomized trial comparing the effect of casein with that of soy protein containing varying amounts of isoflavones on plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins. Arch. Intern. Med. 159, 2070 –2076.
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Erdman, J. W. 2000. Soy protein and cardiovascular disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee of the AHA. Circulation 102, 2555-2559. Fotsis, T., Pepper, M., Adlercreutz, H., Hase, T., Montesano, R. and Schweigerer, L. 1995. Genistein, a dietary ingested isoflavonoid, inhibits cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. J. Nutr. 125, 790S – 797S. Frey, R., Li, J. and Singletary, K. 2001. Effects of genistein on cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest in nonneoplastic human mammary epithelial cells: involvement of Cdc2, p21waf/cip1, p27kip1 and Cdc25C expression. Biochem. Pharmacol. 61, 979 – 989. Fukushima, D. 2004. Soy proteins. In Proteins in food processing. Yada, R. Y. (Ed.). Woodhead Publishing Ltd. Cambridge, England. Pp.123-140. Gunstone, F. D. 2001. Soybeans pace boost in oilseed production. Inform 11: 1287– 1289. Hayashi, A., Popovich, K., Kim, H. and de Juan, E. 1997. Role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in rat corneal neovascularization. Graefes Arch. Clin. Exp. Opthalmol. 235, 460 – 467. Heaney, R. P. 1994. Cofactors influencing the calcium requirement. – other nutrients. NIH Consensus Development Conference on Optimal Calcium Intake. NIH Consensus Development Conference, Program and Abstracts, pp.71-77. June 6-8. Jenkins, D. J., Kendall, C. W., Garsetti, M., Rosenberg-Zand, R. S., Jackson, C. J., Agarwal, S., Rao, A. V., Diamandis, E. P., Parker, T., Faulkner, D., Vuksan, V. and Vidgen, E. 2000. Effect of soy protein foods on low-density lipoprotein oxidation and ex vivo sex hormone receptor activity—a controlled crossover trial. Metabolism 49(4). 537-543. Kapiotis, S., Hermann, M., Held, I., Seelos, C., Ehringer, H. and Gmeiner, B. M. K. 1997. Genistein, the dietary-derived angiogenesis inhibitor, prevents LDL oxidation and protects endothelial cells from damage by atherogenic LDL. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17, 2868 –2874. Kim, S. E., Kim, H. H., Kim, J. Y., Kang, Y. I., Woo, H. J. and Lee, S. E. 2000. Anticancer activity of hydrophobic peptides from soy proteins. Biofactors 12, 151-155. Le Bail, J. C., Champavier, Y., Chulia, A. J. and Habrioux, G. 2000. Effects of phytoestrogens on aromatase, 3beta and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities and human breast cancer cells. Life Sciences 66(14):1281-1291. Lovati, M. R., Manzoni, C., Corsini, A., Granata, A., Frattini, R., Fumagalli, R. and Sirtori, C. R. 1992. Low density lipoprotein receptor activity is modulated by soybean globulins in cell culture. J. Nutr. 122, 1971-1978. Lu, L., Anderson, K., Grady, J., Kohen, F. and Nagamani, M. 2000. Decreased ovarian hormones during a soya diet: implications for breast cancer prevention. Cancer Res. 60, 4112-4121. Minami, K., Moriyama, R., Kitagawa, K. and Makino, S. 1990. Identification of soybean protein components that modulate the action of insulin in vitro. Agric. Biol. Chem. 54, 511-517. Scholar, E. and Toews, M. 1994. Inhibition of invasion of murine mammary carcinoma cells by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Cancer Lett. 87, 159 – 162. Servitja, J. M., Masgrau, R., Pardo, R., Sarri, E. and Picatoste, F. 2000. Effects of oxidative stress on phospholipid signaling in rat cultured astrocytes and brain slices. J Neurochem. 75(2):788-794. Shao, Z., Wu, J., Shen, Z. and Barsky, S. 1998. Genistein inhibits both constitutive and EGF-stimulated invasion in ER-negative human breast carcinoma cell lines. Anticancer Res. 18, 1435 – 1440. Sidhu, G. S. and Oakenfull, D. G. 1986. A mechanism for the hypocholesterolemic activity of saponins. Br. J. Nutr. 55, 643-649. Soya Bluebook, 2004. Soyatech, Inc. Bar Harbor, ME.
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Tasker, T. and Potter, S. M. 1993. Influence of dietary proteins and amino acid variation on plasma lipids, HMG CoA reductase activity, and reduced glutathione concentrations in inbred versus outbred gerbils. J. Nutr. Biochem. 4, 458-462. Wu, A. H., Ziegler, R. G., Hornross, P. L., Nomura, A. M. Y., West, D. W., Kolonel, L. N., Rosenthal, J. F., Hoover, R. N. and Pike, M. C. 1996. Tofu and risk of breast cancer in Asian-Americans. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomark Prev. 5: 901-906. Yokomizo, A., Takenaka, Y. and Takenaka, T. 2002. Antioxidative activity of peptides prepared from okara protein. Food Sci. Technol. Res. 8, 357-359. Yoshikawa, M., Fujita, H., Matoba, N., Takenaka, Y., Yamamoto, T., Yamauchi, R., Tsuruki, H. and Takahata, K. 2000. Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins preventing lifestyle-related diseases. BioFactors. 12, 143-146. Zava, D. T. and Duwe, G., 1997. Estrogenic and antiproliferative properties of genistein and other flavonoids in human breast cancer cells in vitro. Nutrition and Cancer 27: 31-40. Zhou, J. R., Mukherjee, P., Gugger, E. T., Tanaka, T., Blackburn, G. L. and Clinton, S. K. 1998. Inhibition of murine bladder tumorigenesis by soy isoflavones via alterations in the cell cycle, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Cancer Res. 58, 5231 – 5238. Zhou, J. R., Erdman, J. W. Jr. 1995. Phytic acid in health and disease. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 35, 495-508. (Guo, M. R., Gokavi, S.)
Chapter 8 SPORTS DRINKS History And Background In the United States there is no standard of identity, or definition, for sports drinks. However, sports drinks, also referred to as isotonic beverages and fluid replacement beverages, are generally accepted as beverages formulated to provide quick replacement of fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrate fuel for working muscles. Sports drinks may be designed to be consumed before, during, and after exercise. Ideally, sports drinks should taste good and provide all necessary nutrients, electrolytes, and fluid requirements that are lost during exercise in order to rehydrate the body, and enhance performance. When looking into the history of sports drinks, it should be noted that in 1939 Christensen and Hansen reported that pre-competition diets rich in carbohydrates greatly enhanced endurance during sporting activities (Ford, 2002). However, this concept did not materialize via the sports drink phenomena until the mid 1960’s when “Dynamo”, a sports drink formulated to provide high amounts of carbohydrate and a mixture of electrolytes commonly lost in sweating was introduced into the American market (Ford, 2002). Dynamo was not an isotonic beverage (osmotically balanced with the body’s fluids), but rather a high carbohydrate concentrated drink. Isotonic beverages, more like today’s common sports drink, were originally developed for use by college football teams. The first sports drink introduced into college football was “Bengal Punch”, a drink given to the Louisiana State football team by Dr. Martin Broussard. However, the drink that won national attention was developed for the Gators based on work by Cade et al (1972) which demonstrated that loss of volume and compositional changes that occur in body fluids during vigorous exercise could be prevented by the consumption of a glucose electrolyte drink. The drink given to the Gators’ did improve their performance. This was apparent when they won the Orange Bowl in 1967. The drink responsible for their superior
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performance was none other than “Gatorade”. Gatorade® (PepsiCo, Inc) was introduced into the American market in 1969. It was the first product to be marketed as a “sports drink”. It became the official sports drink of the NFL (which it still is today), and its popularity spawned what is now a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. Sports Drinks Market Sports drinks are a fast growing segment of the worldwide beverage market. In the United States, sports drinks sales increased more than 25% in 2005, followed by the bottled water sector with a 16.5% increase (Sloan, 2006), during which time, both carbonated beverage and bottled juice sales declined. Since entering the market in 1969, Gatorade® has controlled the predominant share in the global market, with over 80% of sales in the United States. However, Powerade® (Coca-Cola Company), introduced in 1998, is growing fast taking a 13% and 12% share of the American and European markets, respectively. Gatorade® and Powerade® are the most popular sports drinks in the United States; but the market is also shared with other smaller competitors, notably Capri Sun Sport® (Kraft Foods) and Allsport® of PepsiCo, Inc. (Holay, 2005). Just 30 years after the introduction of sports drinks into the American market, sales have reached over $2.2 billion per year, with per capita consumption exceeding 8 liters. This is small in comparison to carbonated drinks, which are still averaging $14 billion per year (Murray and Stofan, 2001), but nonetheless, sports drink sales and consumption are on the rise. FIGURE 8.1 — Sports Drink Market In Terms Of Volume Sold
Asian countries are also experiencing a boom in the sports drink market. Japan has the largest and most established sports drink market in the world, with per capita consumption higher than 11 liters and total volume sales of over 2.4 billion liters per year (Hilliam, 2002). The
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United States and Japan together share 83% of the total market volume, leaving 17% for Australia and the major European markets (Figure 8.1). In Europe, Germany remains the leading market for sports drinks with a 26% volume share, followed by Italy (19%) and the United Kingdom (15%). Spain has around 11%, while the Netherlands have 9% of the market, but the highest consumption per person—2.8 liters, over twice the European average. Greece, with 0.4 liters per capita, lags well behind the overall average of 1.2 liters, beating only France and Portugal, where per capita consumption is only 0.2 liters (Zenith, 2003). The dominant form of sports drinks is ready to drink liquids (88%). However, there are powders and liquid concentrates (11% and 1%, respectively) on the market, which require mixing by the individual who plans to consume them (Figure 8.2) (Ford, 2002). These are popular among sports teams, where mixing can be performed in bulk. These alternatives can also be appealing to the average consumer, because they eliminate the need to transport heavy or bulky bottles of liquid. FIGURE 8.2 — Distribution Of Different Forms Of Sports Drinks
The fact remains, that even if scientifically formulated to enhance performance, sports drinks are still a relatively small part of the mainstream market. This means taste, packaging, and convenience play as much a role in formulation as physiological consideration. There is a balance to be maintained between a nutritionally superior product, and a product that will be appealing to the senses of the general population. Exercise And Nutrient Requirements Dehydration and substrate depletion are significant factors in fatigue during prolonged exercise. Below et al (1993) showed that provision of
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carbohydrate and fluids have independent and additive effects on performance. Engaging in regular exercise results in additional nutrient requirements, in order to meet the energy demand imposed by increased energy expenditure. Failure to maintain an energy balance will result in decreased body mass, a loss of active tissue (Maughan, 2001), and chronic fatigue. If body mass and performance levels are to be maintained, a high rate of energy expenditure must be matched by an equally high energy intake. The energy required for exercise is generated by the oxidation of lipid and carbohydrate in the body. Protein is also oxidized, but only serves about 5% of energy needs (Maughan, 2001). At moderate intensity levels up to 50% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), lipid oxidation plays the dominant role in energy generated. However, as intensity increases up to about 75% VO2 max, carbohydrate becomes the major fuel source. If carbohydrate is not available for oxidation, or is only available in limited amounts, then the intensity of exercise must be reduced to a level where lipid oxidation can again be the major source of energy (Maughan, 2001). The typical energy expenditures (kcal/min) of selected activities are listed in Figure 8.3. FIGURE 8.3 — Typical Energy Expenditure Of Selected Activities Activity
Kcal/min
Jogging Rapid Walking Running Cycling Swimming Golfing Gymnastics
7-8 5-7 16 5-11 5-14 2.5-5 5-7.5
(Modified from Ford, 2002)
This poses an interesting situation, because glycogen stores of carbohydrate in the body are relatively small (ranging from 300-500 g based on exercise and intake of carbohydrate), and the amount that is there, is also used to fuel the brain and red blood cells (RBC). The brain and RBCs rely exclusively on carbohydrate as an energy source, so once muscle glycogen is depleted during exercise, the competition for energy is against one’s own brain and blood (Figure 8.4). There is, however, an easy solution to this problem. If muscle glycogen stores are rebuilt between training sessions, the athlete may continue
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to train just as hard as before, if not harder. This is where maintaining an adequate amount of energy, in the form of carbohydrate, comes into play. Recovery of muscle and liver glycogen stores after exercise normally takes at least 24 to 48 hours (Maughan, 2001). Ivy (1998) reported that the rate of glycogen resynthesis after exercise is largely determined by the amount, not type, of carbohydrate supplied by the diet. Glycogen synthesis is most rapid immediately after exercise, so consuming carbohydrate as soon as possible after working out is recommended. FIGURE 8.4 — Effect Of Sports Drinks On Glycogen Balance
An athletic diet should have 60% or more to total energy intake coming from carbohydrate (Maughan, 2001). The requirement for vitamins, most minerals, and protein may be slightly increased by exercise, but maintaining a healthy diet will adequately meet the body’s needs. Carbohydrate is the major factor in maintaining a healthy diet for an athletic lifestyle.
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There is no evidence suggesting that minerals need to be supplemented during exercise. Deficiencies are not common among athletes. However, many minerals are lost during exercise, mainly due to sweating. Sodium, in particular is lost in sweat, as well as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. However, the amount lost relative to total daily requirements is small, and with exception to sodium, these minerals have not been proven, in small excesses or deficiencies, to affect performance in any way (Murray and Stofan, 2001). Sodium, however, plays an integral role in stimulating voluntary fluid uptake and promoting fluid absorption, maintaining plasma volume, and assuring rapid and complete rehydration. Figure 8.5 shows the amount of major electrolytes present in body fluids. Although mineral deficiencies are not normally associated with athletes or exercise, it is important to note that working out in warmer climates will result in excess sweating, and the subsequent loss of electrolytes. FIGURE 8.5 — Concentration (mmol/l) Of Major Electrolytes Present In Body Fluids Electrolytes
Plasma
Sweat
Intracellular
Sodium Potassium Calcium Magnesium Chloride
137-144 3.5-4.9 4.4-5.2 1.5-2.1 100-108
40-80 4-8 3-4 1-4 30-70
10 148 0-2 30-40 2
Fluid balance and thermoregulation are likely factors associated with fatigue, especially if exercising in a warmer climate. Typically, the amount of water lost in a day without excessive exercise, is equal to the amount taken in. Fluid balance is easily achieved through normal diet and bodily function. However, if exercising in a warm climate, the amount of water lost in just a few hours can be equal to that which is usually lost in one day, mostly as a result of excess sweating. Consuming fluids during exercise is essential in maintaining physiological homeostasis, and, therefore, sustained physical activity. Even the slightest dehydration will result in decreased performance, and dehydration is not something that the body can adapt to. In fact, severe dehydration can be fatal. Considerations In The Formulation Of Sports Drinks A properly formulated sports drink should encourage voluntary fluid consumption, stimulate rapid fluid absorption, supply carbohydrate for improved performance, augment physiological response, and speed
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rehydration. It should also be isotonic, meaning in balance with the body’s fluids, therefore containing the same number of osmotically active particles as plasma (280-300 mOsmol/kg). Voluntary fluid consumption is a complex objective. How does a food scientist know that the product they are developing will be one that people reach for, and drink a lot of? Factors that come into play when choosing a sports drink go beyond thirst, and include appearance, taste, packaging, and physiological response. The desire to consume fluids comes from the feeling of thirst, which is triggered only after the body is somewhat fluid deficient (1-2% body mass lost). Dehydration triggers thirst by triggering osmoreceptors and baroreceptors that respond to increased plasma osmolality and decreased circulating blood volume from sweating (Murray and Stofan, 2001). Fluid consumption restores normal osmolality and circulating blood volume, which then relieves thirst. Our bodies respond very quickly to the ingestion of fluids. If plasma osmolality levels decline below threshold, before complete rehydration takes place, a person may stop drinking due to the disappearance of thirst (Murray and Stofan, 2001). This is why sports drinks can offer benefits that plain water alone cannot. Sports drinks have the appropriate balance of energy and electrolytes that will encourage rehydration to happen quickly, and are less likely to be discarded prematurely. Appearance and taste also comes into play when it comes to commercial products. It is well-known that during exercise, people prefer beverages that are lightly sweetened; citrus flavored, and moderately tart (Murray and Stofan, 2001). However, it is not known exactly why. What is known is that before tasting these flavors, there are certain cues that persuade the consumer to buy them. Color is an important part of this concept. Cherry sports drinks should be red. Bright orange and yellow sports drinks suggest a citrus, fresh flavor. For the young athletes, colors like blue, purple, and green suggest vibrant activity. Based on these visual cues, consumers pick the sports drinks that relate best with the taste they are looking for. And taste preference is important. A consumer study found that nearly 60% of adults and 75% of teens in the United States consume sports drinks as an “any time” drink rather than just for exercise (Ohr, 2003). This indicates that although designed to maximize performance, sports drinks are also viewed by consumers as just another beverage choice on the market. This means taste plays just as much a role in formulation as nutritional superiority. A factor that contributes to the taste of sports drinks, but is also an essential factor in the efficacy of the beverages, is carbohydrate. Both
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the type and amount of carbohydrate used to formulate a sports drink will have dramatic effects on the final product. There are three objectives when adding carbohydrate to sports drinks; achieve a good taste, provide adequate amounts of energy, and maximize intestinal water absorption (Murray and Stofan, 2001). Types of carbohydrate that should be used in sports drinks are sucrose, glucose, maltose, maltose dextrins, and to a lesser extent corn syrup solids, because high levels of fructose can slow absorption (Murray and Stofan, 2001). However, a good formulation will have a small amount of fructose added (less than half the total carbohydrate), because in low levels, fructose in combination with glucose or sucrose can optimize fluid absorption. A solution with two transport sugars will enhance solute and water absorption when compared with a solution with only one type of transport sugar (Murray and Stofan, 2001). These sugars are sweet, but sweetness can be easily controlled. Also, they are not complex carbohydrates, so an acceptable mouth-feel can be maintained. The concentration of carbohydrate used should be adequate to support a range of physical activities. Ideally, every athlete would have a sports drink specifically formulated for their particular activity. But, in a global market, sports drinks have to be efficient in replenishing the energy stores and satisfying the needs of a number of different people and activities. Therefore, carbohydrate should make up at least 4-6% of a sports drink, which is enough to provide adequate amounts of energy that will be absorbed quickly, but not too much to over sweeten the product or delay absorption of nutrients. Increasing the concentration of carbohydrate above 6% (w/v) has been shown to significantly decrease the rate of fluid absorption (Murray and Stofan, 2001). Sodium, without a doubt, plays an integral part in the formulation of sports drinks. Sodium improves taste, promotes voluntary fluid intake, speeds rehydration, aids in absorption, helps maintain plasma volume, and effectively rehydrates the active individual to complete hydration. However, despite all of these qualities, levels of sodium in sports drinks are relatively low (10-30 mmol/l). This is because the amount of sodium lost in sweat is relatively low in comparison to amounts in the body. This varies though, according to duration of exercise and climate in which exercise is being done. Therefore, sodium levels can theoretically be quite high in a sports drink, and still be very good for the individual. Other electrolytes that are often added to sports drinks include potassium and zinc. Potassium has long been touted as the mineral of
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choice to relieve and prevent muscle cramping, and zinc has been recognized as an immune booster. However, potassium and zinc added to sports drinks have not been shown to have any effect on performance. Adding these minerals, however, has not been shown to have any detrimental effects on athletes. Water is the most abundant ingredient in any sports drink. Because of this, the water used to formulate sports drinks should be of the highest quality. Depending on the source, treated, filtered water will not have any off flavors, hardness, or softness. It will serve as a blank palette for the flavor blends that can be introduced by carbohydrates, sodium salts, fruit juices and flavors, and other components that will be added to ensure optimum formulation. Isotonicity, or balance based upon osmolality, is also of essential importance. Plasma osmolality is between 280-300 mOsmol/kg. Ideally, a sports drink should be the same. Technically, the beverage should be called isosmotic, since measurements are by the number of solute particles, but the term isotonic is widely used to describe sports drinks in the marketplace, and so it is used in this chapter as well. The isotonicity of sports drinks is essential, because cells that come into contact with solutions of the same osmolality, do not gain or lose water. The cell remains the same due to the impermeability of the cell membrane. This keeps the body in equilibrium, while providing fluid, energy, and electrolytes to aid in rehydration and repletion to energy stores. FIGURE 8.6 —
Chemical Composition And Osmolality Of Selected Sports Drinks And Other Beverages
Beverage Gatorade® (Quaker Oats Co.)
Carbohydrate (w/v)
Na (mmol/l)
K (mmol/l)
Osmolality (mOsm/kg)
6
20
3
280 (powder) 325-380 (liquid)
8-9 (varies with flavor)
10
5
516
8
5
3
381
Perform® (Powerbar)
6.6
20
4
599
Coca Cola Classic® (Coca-Cola Co.)
11
-
-
700
10.8
-
49
663
AllSport® (Pepsico) Powerade® (Coca-Cola Co.)
Orange Juice (Tropicana)
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Sports drinks may be hypotonic or hypertonic (90%) in human milk is secretory immunoglobulin A (SlgA), which is a dimer linked to a secretory component and a joining chain. This molecular arrangement allows the molecule to resist intestinal proteolysis, which is confirmed by the detection of modest amounts of SlgA in the stool of breastfed infants. SlgA binds to bacteria and viruses in the intestine and prevents attachment to mucosal epithelial cells, limiting infection and colonization. Concentrations of SlgA in human milk range from 1-2 g/L in early lactation, and remain steady at 0.5 - 1 g/L up to the late stage of lactation (Goldman, 1993). Maternal immunity against many general pathogens can be transferred to the infant in the form of SlgA in the milk, mediated via the enteromammary pathway. Antibodies against bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, Streptococcus pneumonia, Clostridium difficile, Haemophilus influenzae, and Salmonella; against rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, HIV,
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321
respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza virus; and against yeasts such as Candida albicans, have been found in human milk, demonstrating the extent of this defense (Goldman, 1993). Lactoferrin may be responsible for many antimicrobial activities of human milk. It was originally thought that lactoferrin, which is largely unsaturated with iron yet has a high affinity for it, could withhold iron from iron-requiring pathogens, thereby exerting a bactericidal activity against pathogens (Lonnerdal, 2003). This may be possible, however, studies have observed a strong bactericidal activity of lactoferrin without dependence on iron saturation. This activity may be related to the production of lactoferricin, a potent bactericidal peptide formed during lactoferrin digestion. Recent research revealed that lactoferricin inhibits enteropathogenic Escherichia coli from attaching to intestinal cells. There appear to be several defense contributions by lactoferrin against bacterial infection (Lonnerdal, 2003). In vitro, lactoferrin has been shown to have activity against viruses, including HIV, and fungi, such as Candida albicans, however, the mechanism of these activities is not known. In vitro digestion of human milk produced two bifidogenic peptides that originated from lactoferrin. These peptides were stable against further digestion with pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, were active at low concentrations, and possessed a bifidogenic effect approximately 100 times stronger than N-acetyl-glucosamine (Liepke et al., 2002). Advantages of the bifidogenic effect include potentially decreasing the allergenicity of non-digestible proteins, decreasing the incidence of rotavirus-induced diarrhea, antibacterial activity, and increased production of short chain fatty acids in the colon. Lysozyme is a major enzymatic component of human milk that can degrade the outer cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. In synergistic action with lactoferrin, lysozyme has also been shown to kill gramnegative bacteria in vitro. This is accomplished when lactoferrin binds to the lipopolysaccharide and removes it from the outer cell membrane of bacteria, allowing lysozyme to access and degrade the inner proteoglycan matrix of the membrane, which destroys the bacteria. Lactoperoxidase in human milk may contribute to the defense against infection in the mouth and the upper GI tract (Lonnerdal, 2003). In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, lactoperoxidase catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate to hypothiocyanate, which can render inactive both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide is produced in small quantities by cells, and thiocyanate is provided by saliva. Lactoperoxidase in cow’s milk has been used in developing countries for many years to maintain microbial quality, and although human milk
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
does contain lactoperoxidase, the physiological significance is not yet determined. Exposure of -lactalbumin to intestinal tract proteases yields peptide fractions, three of which have been implicated in antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococci, and Candida albicans. These findings may explain the inhibitory effect of -lactalbumin-supplemented infant formula on diarrhea, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, in infant rhesus monkeys (Kelleher et al., 2003). Breastfeeding appears to provide protection against Helicobacter pylori infection in young children (Stromquist, et al., 1995). The heavily glycosylated -casein molecule in human milk, has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosa (Stromquist et al., 1995). The mechanism by which -casein prevents attachment is that it acts as a receptor analogue, thus halting bacterial attachment to the mucosal lining. Human milk proteins are also involved in the immune system function of breastfed infants. Human milk contains many cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor a, transforming growth factor b, and interleukins (IL) 1 b, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. All of these cytokines are immunomodulatory, and most of them are anti-inflammatory, which may mitigate the effect of infections. The cytokines are found in free form, and also may be released from cells in breast milk (Lonnerdal, 2003). Human milk also contains lactoferrin, which has been shown to increase the production and release of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor a, nitric oxide, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, which may also affect the immune system (Kelleher & Lonnerdal, 2001). When lactoferrin binds to its receptor in the small intestine, this may either cause signaling events that affect cytokine production downstream, or it is possible that the internalized lactoferrin can bind to the nucleus, which could affect nuclear transcription factor B, and subsequently, cytokine expression. Lactoferrin was recently shown to activate the transcription of IL-1b in mammalian cells, which indicates that lactoferrin may interact directly with the nucleus. Several proteins are also implicated in the development of the infant gut and its functionality, including growth factors, lactoferrin, and casein-derived peptides. Research has shown that IGF-I and IGF-II stimulate DNA synthesis and promote the growth of many types of cells in culture; therefore, they may play a role in the development of the infant gastrointestinal tract.
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323
Several peptides that possess physiological activity have been generated from human casein, and especially from β-casein (Lonnerdal, 2003). Although these proteins have been generated in vitro, they have also been detected from intestinal contents, suggesting that they are formed in vivo as well (Lonnerdal, 2003). Weight gain has been higher in infants who are fed formula supplemented with bovine lactoferrin than unsupplemented formula (Hernell & Lonnerdal, 2002). In support of this theory, administration of lactoferrin has been shown to enhance cell proliferation in the small intestine of experimental animals, and also to affect crypt cell development. The rapid development of intestinal mucosa in suckling newborns has been hypothesized to be in part due to the mitogenic effect of lactoferrin. Breastfed premature infants excrete intact lactoferrin in their urine, demonstrating that intact lactoferrin is absorbed by the infant gut (Goldman, 1989). Infant Formula Human milk is the best reference standard by which all infant formula is compared, and it has always been considered a speciesspecific food. In addition to nutritional components, human milk also contains immunoglobulin SlgA, peptide and non-peptide hormones, growth factors, proteins, peptides, lipids, and milk membrane fractions. Each discovery regarding infant formula, including formulation and processing, allows for the improvement of a product that continues to be increasingly similar to human milk. Although much is still unknown about human milk, and how to produce the optimum infant formula, new information is constantly being discovered. Some of the recent progress made in infant formula formulation and processing includes fortification with arachidonic and docosahexaenioc acids, nucleotides, and ingredients that promote healthy colonic microflora; effect of removal of phytate on soy formulas; trace mineral solubility and availability; component distribution and interactions; addition of whey peptides fractions. Ingredient Selection For Infant Formula Infant formula is designed to substitute for breast milk when mothers are not able to breast-feed their infants. It is most commonly prepared with cow’s milk, whose composition is modified to be more similar to human milk. Milk-based infant formulas include ingredients such as milk and whey protein, and soy formulas are based on soy protein isolate. Protein
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
hydrolysate formulas include protein that has been hydrolyzed to peptides and amino acids. Milk-free formulas are used in exceptional cases of intolerance to cow’s milk, and they exclude cow’s milk components. Medical formulations of infant formula exist for infants with special needs, including those caused by congestive heart failure, inborn errors of metabolism, and steatorrhea. Soy-based formulas contain soy protein isolate, in which methionine is a limiting amino acid, therefore, supplemental methionine must be added to achieve a more appropriate amino acid profile. Milk-based formulas are based on 0.6% casein and 0.9% whey proteins, yielding a 40:60 ratio of casein to whey proteins. Protein levels in milk-based infant formula are approximately 15 g/ L, providing 10% of total energy. Protein in milk-based formula is provided by non-fat milk and whey protein products. Protein in soybased formula provides approximately 11-13% of total energy, at 18 21 g/L. Soy-based formulas also contain additional L-methionine, Lcarnitine, and taurine. In special use formulas, protein is provided by casein hydrolysates, whey, and skim milk. It is contained at levels of 15 - 30 g/L accounting for 9 -12 % of the total energy. The carbohydrate content of milk-based infant formulas ranges from 70 - 72 g/L providing 40% of total kilocalories. In soy-based infant formula, carbohydrate levels average 67 - 69 g/L, providing about 40% of energy. Special use formulas contain carbohydrates at levels of 70 109 g/L, accounting for 40 - 45% of the total energy. Lactose is the major carbohydrate source in milk-based infant formulas, whereas carbohydrate in soy-based and special use formulas is provided by sucrose, corn syrup solids, dextrins, hydrolyzed corn starch, glucose, and glucose polymers. Fat levels in milk-based formulas range from 36 - 38 g/L providing about 50% of total energy. In milk-based formulas, fat is provided by oleo, coconut, soy, palm, sunflower, and safflower oils. In soy-based formulas, fat content ranges from 36 - 38 g/L, providing 47 - 49 % of the total energy. Soy-based formulas contain fat from oleo, soybean, safflower, coconut, palmolein, and high oleic safflower oil. Special use formulas contain fats from corn, safflower, soy, palm, coconut, sunflower, and high oleic safflower oils, and medium chain triglycerides. These fats are contained at levels of 34 - 49 g/L, accounting for 44 - 50 % of the total energy (Feldhausen et al., 1996). Formulation Aspects Of Infant Formula Infant formula is a complex and balanced food for infants. In the
HUMAN MILK
325
quest to produce an infant formula that closely mimics human milk, there are many steps to consider. The formulation of infant formula is a complicated task, with many details regarding composition, physicochemical properties, and shelf stability. Infant formula does vary in composition, but within narrow and precise limits. Formula should provide protein of an appropriate biological quality at levels of 10 -15% of calories, fat at 45 - 50% of calories, linoleic acid at 2 - 3% of total calories, and carbohydrate should make up the remaining calories. Milk, or milk and whey-based formulas must take into account the need to alter the natural composition of bovine milk. The changes that must be employed include lowering protein content, while maintaining biological quality, raising carbohydrate content, changing fat composition, and lowering the mineral content. In general, the guidelines for infant formula formulation are listed as follows: • • • • • • • • • •
All ingredients proven by FDA regulations Protein: fat: CHO ≈ 1: 2: 4 C18:2 accoutanting for 2-3% of total energy CN: WP = 40: 60 Ca: P = 1.5: 1 Minerals and Vitamins fortified Functional nutrients: -3, carnitine, nucleotides, prebiotics pH ≈ 7.0-7.2 Osmolarity ≈ 270 mOsm/L Processing damages to nutrients
Osmolarity is the measure of osmotically active substances, including sugars, amino acids, and mineral contents per liter of a solution. The osmolarity of human milk ranges between 270 – 290 mOsm/L, while bovine milk and infant formulas range between 200 – 400 mOsm/L, although osmolarities above 350 mOsm/L, should be avoided, as they can stress the newborn kidney and increase water loss. The osmolarity of commercial infant formula is approximately 230 - 270 mOsm/L, or 300 mOsm/kg water. Osmolarity, along with renal solute load, plays an important role on the efficacy of the food. The renal solute load is defined as the sum of solutes that must be excreted by the kidney. The renal solute load is most commonly expressed in mOsm/day, and the concentration in urine is expressed as osmolality (mOsm/kg water). If the renal solute load is too high, hypernatremic dehydration can occur, and if the renal solute load is too low, hyponatremia can occur (Fomon, 1993). Osmolarity has a relationship with renal solute load in that it relates to the amount of osmotically active substance that is contributed
326
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
by the infant formula. In a typical formula containing 67 kcal and 7 grams of lactose per 100 mL, lactose contributes approximately 200 mOsm/kg water, which is approximately 70% of solutes. By replacing lactose with glucose, the osmotic solute load would be doubled (Fomon, 1993). This type of substitution is important when formulating infant formula, as the osmolarity range is narrow. Therefore, when formulating infant formula it is crucial to keep the osmolarity within an appropriate range. Components in milk, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and mineral salts, which provide pH buffering properties. Buffering groups in milk include protein bound residues and salts. Protein bound residues include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, esterphosphate, N-acetyl neuraminic acid, and terminal groups. The salts native to milk that possess buffering capabilities include phosphate, phosphate esters, citrate, carbonate, various carboxylic acids, various amines, and lactic acid. Human milk has an average pH of 7.00 -7.25, which is higher than bovine milk. Therefore, infant formula is modeled on human milk, and the optimal pH for infant formula would be similar to that of human milk. When bovine milk products are used as a base for infant formula, careful consideration of ingredients and mineral salts must be employed to produce a product that follows all the necessary guidelines and achieves the proper pH. Bovine milk-based infant formulas are prepared using skim milk powder, demineralized whey, lactose, vegetable oils, essential fatty acids, lecithin, nucleotides, vitamins, and minerals. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition 1982 Task Force and 1987 FDA Recommendations established recommended nutrition levels of infant formulas per 100 kcal (Figure 9.6). The recommended global standard for the composition of infant formula is shown in Figure 9.7. These guidelines provide the acceptable and safe ranges for the composition of infant formula, including energy-contributing and non-energy containing nutritive ingredients (Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1998). Some nutrients have wide ranges that are considered acceptable. For example, sodium, potassium, and chloride, where the maximum limit can be approximately three times as high as the minimum limit. Other nutrients, such as selenium, have a very narrow safe range. Nitrate salts are not usually added to infant formula, due to the potential to cause methemoglobinemia. In regards to trace elements, such as iron, copper, and zinc, sulfate forms have been traditionally used in commercial production. The process of infant formula formulation begins with determination of the target nutrient
327
HUMAN MILK
levels that will make up the composition of the formula. The ingredients are then selected, and calculations are performed to determine the amount of each ingredient that will contribute to the gross energy composition of the formula, including protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Once these main ingredients of the formula are calculated, the composition of each ingredient is examined to determine the contribution of minerals and vitamins provided by the main ingredients, and vitamins and mineral salts can be added as necessary to achieve the target nutrient profile. FIGURE 9.6 — Nutrient Specifications For Infant Formulas
Protein (g) Fat (g) Linoleic acid (g) Vitamin A (IU) Vitamin D (IU) Vitamin E (IU) Vitamin K (g) Thiamin (g) Riboflavin (g) Vitamin B6 (g) Vitamin B12 (g) Niacin (g) Folic acid (g) Pantothenic acid (g) Biotin (g) Vitamin C (mg) Choline (mg) Inositol (mg) Calcium (mg) Phosphorus (mg) Magnesium (mg) Iron (mg) Zinc (mg) Manganese (g) Copper (g) Iodine (g) Sodium (mg) Potassium (mg) Chloried (mg) (Fomon, 1993)
Minimum
Maximum
1.8 3.3 0.3 250 40 0.7 4 40 60 35 0.15 250 4 300 1.5 8 7 4 60 30 6 0.15 0.5 5 60 5 20 80 55
4.5 6.0 750 100 3.0 75 60 200 150
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FUNCTIONAL FOODS
FIGURE 9.7 — Proposed Compositional Requirements Of Infant Formula (Koletzko, et al, 2005)
Energy Proteins Cows’ milk protein Soy protein isolates Hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein Lipids Total fat Linoleic acid -linolenic acid Ratio linoleic acid/-linolenic acid Lauric + myristic acids Trans fatty acids Erucic acid Carbohydrates Total carbohydrates1 Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin D3 Vitamin E Vitamin K Thiamin Riboflavin Niacin2 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Pantothenic acid Folic acid Vitamin C Biotin Minerals and trace elements Iron - (formula based on cows’ milk protein and protein hydrolysate) Iron (formula based on soy protein isolate) Calcium Phosphorus (formula based on cows’ milk protein and protein hydrolysate) Phosphorus (formula based on soy protein isolate) Ratio calcium/phosphorous
Unit
Minimum
Maximum
kcal/100mL
60
70
g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal
1.8* 2.25 1.8†
3 3 3
g/100 kcal g/100 kcal mg/100 kcal % of fat % of fat % of fat
4.4 0.3 50 5:1 NS NS NS
6.0 1.2 NS 15:1 20 3 1
g/100 kcal
9.0
14.0
g RE/100 kcal‡ g/100 kcal mg -TE/100 kcal2 g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal g/100 kcal mg/100 kcal g/100 kcal
60 1 0.5¶ 4 60 80 300 35 0.1 400 10 10 1.5
180 2.5 5 25 300 400 1500 175 0.5 2000 50 30 7.5
mg/100 kcal
0.3**
1.3
mg/100 kcal mg/100 kcal
0.45 50
2.0 140
mg/100 kcal
25
90
mg/100 kcal mg/mg
30 1:1
100 2:1
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HUMAN MILK
FIGURE 9.7 — Proposed Compositional Requirements Of Infant Formula (Koletzko, et al, 2005) - Continued Unit
Minimum
Maximum
Minerals and trace elements - continued Magnesium mg/100 kcal Sodium mg/100 kcal Chloride mg/100 kcal Potassium mg/100 kcal Manganese g/100 kcal Fluoride g/100 kcal Iodine g/100 kcal Selenium g/100 kcal Copper g/100 kcal Zinc mg/100 kcal
5 20 50 60 1 NS 10 1 35 0.5
15 60 160 160 50 60 50 9 80 1.5
Other substances Choline Myo-inositol L-carnitine
7 4 1.2
50 40 NS
mg/100 kcal mg/100 kcal mg/100 kcal
*
The determination of the protein content of formulae based on non-hydrolyzed cows’ milk protein with a protein content between 1.8 and 2.0 g/100 kal should be based on measurement of true protein ([total N minus NPN] ×6.25). † Formula based on hydrolyzed milk protein with a protein content less than 2.25 g/ 100kcal should be clinically tested. 1
Sucrose (saccharose) and fructose should not be added to infant formula.
‡
1g RE (retinol equivalent) = 1g all-trans retinol = 3.33 IU vitamin A. Retinol contents shall be provided by performed retinol, while any contents of carotenoids should not be included in the calculation and declaration of vitamin A activity. 2
1mg -TE (-tocopherol equivalent) = 1 mg d--tocopherol.
¶Vitamin E content shall be at least 0.5 mg -TE per g PUFA, using the following factors of equivalence to adapt the minimal vitamin E content to the number of fatty acid double bonds in the formula: 0.5 mg -TE/g linoleic acid (18:2n-6); 0.75 mg -TE/g -linoleic acid (18:3n-3); 1.0 mg -TE/g arachidonic acid (20:4n-6); 1.25 mg -TE/g eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3); 1.5 mg -TE/g docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). 2
Niacin refers to performed niacin.
**
In populations where infants are at risk of iron deficiency, iron contents higher than the minimum level of 0.3 mg/100 kcal may be appropriate and recommended at a national level. NS = not specified.
In order to achieve the proper pH, different mineral salts should be used. Some mineral salts contribute to a pH that is more acidic, while other mineral salts contribute to a more neutral or basic pH. For example, when the pH of infant formula is lower than optimal (i.e., 6.8 - 7.0), mineral salts that include bicarbonates (i.e., sodium bicarbonate) and oxides (i.e., magnesium oxide) can be substituted to increase pH to an optimal level, and chlorides (i.e., magnesium chloride) and citrates
330
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(i.e., potassium citrate) can be used to reduce a higher pH, or in a formula where the pH is already acceptable (Smith, 2004). As skim milk powder and whey protein products are important functional ingredients of milk-based infant formulas, their physical and chemical composition also contributes to the properties that are observed in infant formulas. Bovine milk proteins play an important role in infant formula. Casein micelles will irreversibly aggregate at temperatures above the boiling point, and heating also results in precipitation of proteins onto the fat globule surface. Acid causes casein micelles to destabilize and/or aggregate due to decreased electric charge around that of the isoelectric point. Acid also increases the solubility of minerals so that organic calcium and phosphorus within the micelle slowly become more soluble. Heat causes whey proteins to adsorb onto the surface of the casein micelle. The buffering capacity of milk salts change with heating, releasing carbon dioxide, producing organic acids, and precipitating tricalcium phosphate and casein phosphate with the subsequent release of hydrogen ions. Clearly, pH and heat treatment are two important areas to consider when formulating and processing infant formula, as they can both exert considerable impacts on the properties of milk proteins. In infant formulas and milk-based nutritional supplements, dairy ingredients are used extensively to build a nutritional base, and are used in conjunction with additional proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients, when merited, to achieve the desired nutrient profile. Clearly, dairy ingredients possess many functional characteristics in addition to nutrition, which is important during both processing and reconstitution. Lactose, a reducing sugar, can also contribute to Maillard reactions in sterilized products. In addition to carbohydrate, protein is a very important part of infant formula and other milk-based nutritional supplements. Some infant formulas are based solely on bovine milk proteins, with an approximate whey protein: casein ratio of 60:40, which is more similar to human milk (80:20), although the whey protein systems in human and bovine milks are markedly different. The addition of whey protein to infant formula creates additional stability issues, such as the heat stability of the final product. The main objective in manufacturing heat-stable infant formulas with added whey proteins is to control the formulation and processing variables that can prevent whey protein self-aggregation. It is most effective to begin with a whey protein source that contains low levels of heat-denatured protein, and to employ factors such as processing (heat treatment) and formulation
HUMAN MILK
331
(salt balance) in order to produce the best heat stable final product. To form a successful protein-stabilized emulsion with optimum heat stability, solubilization of the protein is essential. Heat treatment alters the solubility of the calcium phosphate in milk, and calcium salts play a role in protein aggregation at pH > 6.5, which is the pH range for infant formula. Casein enhances the protein-stabilized emulsion in milkbased products, while viscosity can be controlled to prevent creaming during storage, which results from milk protein reactivity. Another factor to consider is that divalent cations may contribute to the instability of milk protein systems during heating. This effect can be controlled by proper selection of the minerals used in fortification, and by balancing the divalent cations with other mineral salts, such as citrates or phosphates. Clearly, many factors come into play when formulating a milk-based formula or nutritional supplement. Once the proper considerations and preparations have been made, the infant formula should yield the desirable properties. Infant Formula Processing Infant formula is processed as ready-to-feed and concentrated liquids, and as dried powder. Liquid products must be sterilized in order to prevent spoilage during long-term storage. For commercial liquid infant formula, this would be classified as a retort product, which is sterilized inside the container. Sterilization is accomplished by heating in a commercial pressure cooker (retort) at temperatures of 115 - 123°C for 12 - 20 minutes. The sterile liquid formula may then be stored for 6-12 months without spoiling or exhibiting textural changes. However, it is difficult to control the textural changes in sterile liquid infant formula, as sediment and gelation may occur. Even though microbial spoilage may not occur, textural and chemical changes may render the formula less usable or less nutritious. In order to prevent these changes, appropriate formulation, homogenization, and heat treatment must be employed. In processing both liquid and dry ingredients, processes include intense preheating conditions, nonfat dry milk or condensed milks should be the “high-heat” type, indicating that heat applied during the manufacture of these ingredients was sufficient to denature most whey proteins. If ingredients used under these conditions are not “high-heat”, then they may contribute to sediment formation during storage of the finished product. When fresh milk is used to produce evaporated products, vitamin and mineral addition should be delayed until after
332
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
evaporation, and before sterilization, in order to mitigate loss of vitamins. Two procedures exist for the processing portion of infant formula manufacturing, the “dry procedure”, which consists of ingredients being blended in the dry form, and the “wet procedure”, in which liquid ingredients are mixed and then dried. The dry procedure consists of blending all ingredients in dry form, producing a homogeneous blend, which is its most favorable feature. This is accomplished by completing the entire mixing in a batch plant, with precise dosing and filling in a continuous plant. The wet procedure follows a specific chain of events in which liquid ingredients are mixed prior to drying. In the wet method, the procedure consists of selection and reception of raw materials (skim milk), clarification, deaeration, separation, pasteurization, evaporation, blending with oil and other components (including fat-soluble vitamins, emulsifiers, and stabilizers), mixing, homogenization, addition of water soluble vitamins and minerals, and drying. There is also a combined method of these two processes that has the advantages of both and is more commonly applied. The combined method involves adding watersoluble components to milk prior to drying, and adding less soluble components in a dry form to the blend after drying. The wet procedure allows for optimal mixing, while the dry procedure is less costly for operation and investment. From a nutritional standpoint, ultra-high-temperature (UHT) is preferred for heat treatment of liquid infant formula as nutrient and vitamin loss is minimized, as well as the browning that takes place between reducing sugars and amino groups of protein, which can lower protein quality. Pretreatment of the mix at an intense preheating temperature prior to UHT processing may mitigate the likelihood of gelation, which can be caused by enzymes associated with bacteria found in the original milk ingredients. Powdered infant formula is produced either by blending dry ingredients or by drying a mixture of liquid ingredients. Microbiological quality is easiest to control when the infant formula powder is produced by drying the liquid mixture. Fresh milk can be used, and it is filtered, clarified, deaerated, separated into skim milk and cream, and pasteurized (74 - 77°C, 15 - 20 seconds). Then these ingredients, or dried milk products, can be combined with warmed vegetable oils, followed by emulsifiers, stabilizers, and possible fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin and mineral fortification can be delayed until the product is dried and cooled, although this is not ideal as thorough mixing is difficult (Packard, 1982). When vitamins and minerals are added prior to drying,
HUMAN MILK
333
some overdosages of heat-labile vitamins are required to account for processing losses. Ideally, fat-soluble vitamins are added prior to evaporation, while water-soluble vitamins and minerals are added after evaporation and before drying. Concentrated liquid formula is prepared by blending the ingredients to the desired solids level, or by evaporating excess liquid. Most infant formulas contain high carbohydrate content, which has the potential to stick to the dryer walls at high temperatures and moisture levels. Thus, low inlet air temperature, low solids in-feed, heating the concentrated mix prior to in-feed, and using an insulated or cooledwall drying system is recommended. In general, a batch mix of 45% or less solids and an in-feed temperature of approximately 70°C is ideal. Two-stage drying can also be performed, producing a moist powder that is then dried on a surface dryer to yield the desired moisture content. Following the drying process, the product is cooled and bagged in bulk or into consumer size units. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INFANT FORMULA FORMULATION Essential Fatty Acids Human milk contains small amounts of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a major structural role in the grey matter of the brain and in the retina of the eyes. AA, another long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, is the principal omega-6 fatty acid of the brain. It is important in brain development and growth in infants, and is a precursor to eicosanoids, which are involved in the regulation of immunity, blood clotting, and other functions in the body and the precursor to the prostaglandin hormones. Infants were fed either infant formula, infant formula fortified with these fatty acids, or human milk exclusively for 17 weeks. Visual acuity was measured at 6, 17, 26, and 52 weeks, and electroretinography was used to measure retinal maturity at 17 and 52 weeks. Blood levels of DHA and AA were measured and correlated with the results from the visual and developmental tests. The results from this study indicate that infants fed infant formula fortified with the fatty acids had more mature retinal function and improved visual function at 6 and 17 weeks, respectively. When followed at one year, the supplemented groups maintained higher levels of visual function than unsupplemented groups (Hoffman et al., 2000).
334
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
In another study by Birch, Garfield, Hoffman, & Uauy (2000), supplementation of term infant formula with 0.36% DHA and 0.72% AA (weight percent of fat) during the first four months of life was associated with a mean increase of 7 points on the Mental Development Index of the Bayley scores at 18 months of age compared with control formula infants. Based on studies such as this, companies in the US have produced commercial infant formulas that include added DHA and AA. The levels of DHA are approximately 0.32% (weight percent of fat), and the levels of AA are approximately 0.64% (weight percent of fat). These natural DHA and AA are extracted from the algae Crypthecodinium cohnii and the fungal source Mortierella alpina, respectively. Nucleotides Nucleotides are one component of human milk identified as having an effect on immune function. The effect of human milk followed by infant formula, and infant formula fortified with nucleotides were compared with respect to their effect on response to immunizations as an indicator of immune development. The level of nucleotides (72 mg/ L) and ratio of individual nucleotides were patterned after those found in human milk. Results showed that infant formula fortified with nucleotides enhanced H influenza type b and diphtheria humoral antibody responses post vaccination. The consumption of human milk also enhanced antibody response to oral polio virus (Pickering et al., 1998). These results indicated that infant formula supplemented with nucleotides enhanced immune function in infants compared to the control infant formula. Prebiotic Compounds Infants who consume breast milk have gastrointestinal flora that are richer in bifidobacteria and lactobacilli than infants who consume bovine milk-based formula, and both of these species are considered to be potentially beneficial to the health of the host. The absence of oligosaccharides from infant formula, another major component in human milk, may be responsible for the differences in colonic flora. The addition of two oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides and inulin, to bovine milk-based infant formula has been shown to stimulate the growth of bifidi and lactobacilli, and to have a bifidogenic effect (Vandenplas, 2002). Therefore, the addition of oligosaccharides to infant formula could improve the colonic balance of microflora, and possibly,
HUMAN MILK
335
the health of the infant host (Vandenplas, 2002). The addition of oligosaccharides to bovine milk-based infant formula is one more improvement that brings infant formula one step closer to the gold standard of human milk. However, prebiotic oligosaccharides are presently not recommended to be supplemented in infant formulas according to ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition and FDA due to inadequate information. It is clear that progress is still being made in the way of infant formula formulation and improvement. However, there are still many areas that merit further research in the quest to formulate and produce an infant formula that really mimics human milk. Component interactions that occur during processing should be considered since such interactions could lead to the loss of nutritional value in the final product. Summary Human milk is the best reference standard by which all infant formula is compared, and it has always been considered a speciesspecific food. Modern infant formulas are designed for infants based on our knowledge of human milk. There are numerous differences in chemical and biological properties between human milk and infant formula since we still do not fully understand chemical and biological properties of human milk. In addition to nutritional components, human milk also contains immunoglobulin SlgA, lactoferrin, peptide and nonpeptide hormones, growth factors, peptides, lipids, and other fractions. It is in fact a living tissue much like blood or plasma. Each advance in infant formula, including formulation and processing, allows for the improvement of a product that continues to be increasingly similar to human milk. Although much is still unknown about human milk, and how to produce the optimum infant formula, new information is constantly being discovered. Some of the recent progress made in infant formula formulation and processing includes fortification with -6 fatty acids such as arachidonic and -3 fatty acids including docosahexaenioc acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, nucleotides, and ingredients that promote healthy colonic microflora; effect of removal of phytate on soy formulas; trace mineral solubility and availability; component distribution and interactions; modification of whey protein profile and addition of bioactive peptide fractions.
336
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
References AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) 1981. Nutrition and lactation. Pediatrics, 68, 435-443. Adkins, Y. & Lonnerdal, B. 2002. Mechanisms of vitamin B12 absorption in breast fed infants. J. of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 35, 192-198. Agostoni, C., Axelsson, I., Goulet, O., Koletzko, B., Michaelsen, K. F., Puntis, J. W. L., Rigo, J., Shamir, R., Szajewska, H., and Turck, D. 2005. Prebiotic oligosaccharides in dietetic products for infants: A commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. J. of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutri. 39, 465-473. Colman, N., Hettiarachchy, N., and Herbert, V. 1981. Detection of a milk factor that facilitates folate uptake by intestinal cells. Science, 211, 1427-1428. Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics 1998. Iron fortified infant formulas. Pediatrics, 84, 1114-1115. Feldhausen, J., Thomson, C., Dunca, B. and Taren, D. 1996. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. Chapman & Hall. NY. USA. Flynn, A. 1992. Minerals and trace elements in human milk. Advances in Food & Nutrition Research, 36, 209-252. Fomon, S.J. 1993. Nutrition of Normal Infants. Boston: Mosby-Yearbook, Inc. St. Louis, USA. Goldman, A.S., and Goldblum, R.M. 1989. Immunoglobulins in human milk. In: Protein and Non-Protein Nitrogen in Human Milk. S.A. Atkinson and B. Lonnerdal (Eds), pp 44-51. CRC Press Inc, Boca Raton, Forida. Goldman, A. 1993. The immune system of human milk: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. Pediatric Infectious Disease J. 12, 664-672. Guo, M.R. 1990 Heat-Induced Modification of Milk Protein. Ph.D. Thesis. The National University of Ireland, Ireland. Hendricks, G. M. 2001. Solubility and Relative Absorption of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Infant Formulae. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Vermont, USA. Hendricks, G.M. and Guo, M. 2006. The significance of milk fat in infant formula. Advanced Dairy Chemistry, Volume 2: Lipids, 3rd edition. pp 467-479.Spring, New York. Hernell, O. & Lonnerdal, B. 2002. Iron status of infants fed low iron formula: no effect of added bovine lactoferrin or nucleotides. Am. J. of Clini. Nutri., 76, 858-864. Hoffman, D.R., Birch, E.E., Brich, D.G., Uauy, R, Castaneda, Y.S., Lapus, M.G. & Wheaton, D.H. 2000. Impact of early dietary intake and blood lipid composition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on later visual development. J. of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutri, 31 (5), 540-553. Hurley, L.S. & Keen, C.L. 1987. Manganese. In W. Mertz, Trace elements in human and animal nutrition, 5th Ed, Vol. 1 pp. 185-223. Academic Press. San Diego, USA. Kelleher, S.L. & Lonnerdal, B. 2001. Immunological activities associated with milk. In: B. Woodward & H.H. Draper, Advances in nutritional research. Immunological properties of milk, Vol. 10, pp. 39-65. Plenum Press, New York, USA. Kelleher, S.L.,Chatterton, D, Neilsen, K., and Lonnerdal, B. 2003. Glycomacropeptide and -lactalbumin supplementation of infant formula affects growth and nutritional status in infant rhesus monkeys. Am. J. of Clini. Nutri, 77, 126-128. Koletzko, B., Baker, S., Cleghorn, G., Neto, U. F., Gopalan S., Hernell O., Hock Q. S., Jirapinyo P., Lonnerdal, B., Pencharz, P., Pzyrembel, H., Ramirez-Mayans, J., Shamir, R., Turck, D., Yamashiro, Y., and Z. Ding. 2005. Golbal standard for the composition of infant formula: Recommendations of an ESPGHAN coordinated international expert group. J. of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutri 41:584-599.
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Levander, O.A.; Moser, P.B.; & Morris, V.C. 1987. Dietary selenium intake and selenium concentrations of plasma, erythrocytes and breast milk in pregnant and postpartum lactating and nonlactating women. Am. J. of Clini. Nutri., 46, 694-698. Liepke, C.; Adermann, K.; Raida, M.; Magert, H-J.; Forssmann, W-G.; & Zucht, H-D. 2002. Human milk provides peptides highly stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria. Europ. J. of Biochem., 269, 712-718. Lonnerdal, B.; Keen, C.L.; Ohtake, M.; & Tamura, T. 1983. Iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in infant formulas. Am. J. of Dis. of Children, 137, 433-437. Lonnerdal, B. 1986. Effect of maternal dietary intake on human milk consumption. J. of Nutri., 116, 499-513. Lonnerdal, B. 1989. Trace element nutrition in infants. Ann. Rev. Nutri. 9, 109-125. Lonnerdal, B. 2003. Nutritional and physiological significance of human milk proteins. Am. J. of Clini. Nutri., 77 (Suppl), 1537S-43S. NRC National Research Council. 1989. Recommended daily allowances. 10th ed. National Academy of Science, National Research Council. Washington, DC. Packard, V.S. 1982. Human Milk and Infant Formula. Academic Press, New York, USA. Pickering, L.K.; Granoff, D.M.; Erickson, J.R.; Masor, M.L.; Cordle, C.T.; Schaller, J.P.; Winship, T.R.; Paule, C.L. & Hilty, M.D. 1998. Modulation of the immune system by human milk and infant formula containing nucleotides. Pediatrics, 101 (2), 242249. Renner, E. 1983. Milk and Dairy Products in Human Nutrition. Volkswirtschaftlicher Verlag, Munich, Germany. Smith, C. R. 2004. Solubility and Relative Bioavailability of Iron and Zinc in Whey Protein Dominated Infant Formulas. Ph. D. Thesis. University of Vermont. Stromquist, M.; Falk, P.; Bergstrom, S. et al. 1995. Human milk -casein and inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucosa. J. of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutri., 21, 288-296. Suzuki, Y.A.; Shin, K.; & Lonnerdal, B. 2002. Molecular cloning and functional expression of a human intestinal lactoferrin receptor. Biochem., 40, 15771-15779. Vandenlas, Y. 2002. Oligosaccharides in infant formula. Brit. J. of Nutri, 87 (Suppl. 2): S293-S296. (Guo, M. R. Hendricks, G.M.)
INDEX
AACC, 64, 67, 77-78, 105 Absorption electrolyte, 292 ACF, 129-131 Acids cis-unsaturated fatty, 180 linoleic, 162-163, 165, 193 n-6 fatty, 174, 195 total fatty, 171-173, 181 unsaturated fatty, 163, 171 Acidulants, 293-294 Allicin, 43-44, 48, 58-59 Allicin, garlic homogenate, 45 Allicin-derived garlic compounds, 50 Alpha-tocopherol equivalent, 328-329 Anderson, 252, 256, 262, 275-276 Anderson, 86, 109 Anemia, iron deficiency, 228, 232 Antibiotic therapy, 136-138 Antibiotics, 115, 128, 135-138 Antioxidant vitamins, 209, 236 Antioxidants, 3, 6, 295-297 Antioxidants, dietary, 19-20, 58 Antioxidative peptides, 254-255, 275 Apoptosis, 259, 277 Arsenic, 290 Ascorbic acid, 293 Atherosclerosis, 175, 178, 194 Bacteria, anaerobic, 114 Bacteroides, 114, 123, 130, 149 Basal diet, 130-131 BCAA, 295-296 B-casein, 302, 303, 305, 323 Beri-beri, infantile, 212 Beta-glucan, 101, 105, 109 BHA, 57, 58 BHT, 57, 58 Bifidobacteria growth of, 127-128, 130 intestinal, 134
Bifidobacterium, 126, 137, 139-140, 149 bifidum, 135, 150, 157 longum, 143, 156, 158-159 human-derived, 159 species, 126, 128 growth of, 127, 156 Bile acids, 115, 143, 149, 159, 253 Biotin, 12, 198-199, 219-220, 310, 313, 327, 328 deficiency, 220 Body fluids, 279, 286, 288 Bone health, promotion of, 2 Boulardii, 137-141 Bovine milk, 301-303, 307-310, 315, 325-326, 330 milk-based infant formulas, 326, 334-335 Breast cancer, 258, 275 risk of, 258-259, 277 Caffeine, 295 Calcium, 2, 4, 86, 101-102, 111, 202-203, 215, 220-222, 248, 261-262, 264, 267 absorption, 202-203 oxide, 221-222 excretion, 261-262 Campesterol, 187, 189, 191 Cancer, 3, 4 Cancer, colon, 177, 191, 195 Cancers, stomach, 50-51, 56 Carbohydrates, 307, 317, 324-328, 330 components, 298 concentration of, 286 ingestion, 298 intake, 282, 298 Carcinogenesis, 129-130, 156-159 Cardiovascular diseases, 255-256, 276 Caries, dental, 146-148 Carnitine, 295 Casei Shirota, 142-143, 145 Catechins, 20-21, 29, 32-33, 54
354
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Chicory inulin, 121, 123, 125, 156 China, 237, 239, 267 Chloride, 284, 289, 291-292 Cholecalciferol, 201, 203 Cholesterol, 72, 86, 91, 94, 104, 107, 132, 149-150, 156-158, 175, 179, 181, 190-191, 194, 247, 253, 256-257, 259, 267, 275 absorption, 190 reduction, 149-150 Choline, 295 Chromium, 215, 220-221 Chymotrypsin, 244 Citric acid, 289, 293 CLA isomers, 165, 175 Coca-Cola Co., 287 Colon, 5, 6 Colon cancer, 128-129, 136, 142-143, 146, 155, 158, 160 Commercial sports drinks, 289-290, 292, 294 Composition of infant formula, 326, 336 Conglycinin, 242-243 Conjugated linoleic acid, 162, 165, 168, 170, 193-194, 196 Connexin, 43 Copper, 204, 215, 221-226 Cow’s milk, 300, 301 Cranberries, 23-29, 31, 58-60 Dairy products, 91, 93, 98, 165-171 Davy, Sir Humphrey, 221, 223-225 Dehydration, 281, 284-285 Demigne, 86, 110-111 Designer foods, 1 D-galactopyranosyl, 94-95 D-glucopyranosyl, 92-94, 119 D-glucose, 91-94 DHA, 167-168, 173-174, 176-178, 181, 307, 333-334 Diabetes, 3, 162, 175, 177-179 Diarrhea, 128, 136-141, 155 rotavirus, 137-139 Dietary cholesterol, 195 fatty acids, 195 fish oils, 181-182, 193 trans fatty acids, 195 Dietary supplements, 126-127, 136, 151
Difficile disease, 138 Digestive system, 2 Diglycerides, 162-163 Dynamo, 279 Electrolyte concentrations, 289, 294 Electrolytes, 279, 284-289, 292-293, 297-298 Endogenous antioxidants, 20, 23 Energy, 282-283, 285-287, 294, 295 balance, 282, 285 drinks, 294-295 expenditures, 282 source, 282, 289 total, 301, 324-325 Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method, 77 Enzymes, bacterial, 142 EPA, 167-168, 173-174, 176-177, 181 Epicatechin, 21, 29, 32-33, 54 Erdman, 246, 276-277 Estrogen receptor, 259-261 Eubacteria, 114 European markets, 280-281 Exo-inulinase, 123 Fat, dietary, 173 Fat-soluble vitamins, 309, 310, 313, 323-333 Fatty acids, 7, 11, 13, 246-247, 275 composition, 246-247 unsaturated, 246, 264 Fekety, 137-138, 156-157 Fermentation, colonic, 80-81, 90 Fermented milk product, 144, 151, 152 Fiber, 2, 4-6 dietary, 7 supplemented foods, 111 Fiber types, 71-72, 82, 86, 89, 108 Fish oil, 162, 174, 177-178, 180-182, 192-193, 195 Flavonols, 21, 32-33, 37, 39-40, 60 source of, 39-40 Fluid absorption, 284, 286, 292, 296 extracellular, 298 intake, 293 voluntary, 286, 292, 294 replacement beverages, 279 requirements, 279
INDEX
Fluoride, 221 Folate, 216-218, 236 Folic acid, 198-199, 216-219, 235-236 deficiency, 218 Formulation, 323-325, 330-331, 335 Free radicals, 9-15, 17, 22, 49, 296 Fructans, 117-121, 131, 154, 157, 159 bacterial, 120 prebiotic chicory, 157 Fructooligosaccharides, 73, 86, 123, 126, 127, 129-130, 132-133 Fructose, 118, 121, 123, 126-127, 286, 289, 292 Functional foods, 113, 126-127, 136, 154, 197, 200 food benefits, 2 development, 4 market, 1 Galactose, 308-309 Garlic, 43, 48-53, 58, 60-61, 119-120, 122-123, 128 cloves, 49-51 extract, 50-53, 59 Garlic - continued fresh, 49-51 oil, 50, 52 Gastrointestinal tract, upper, 126-128 Gatorade, 280, 287 Genistein, 249, 255, 257-261, 276-277 ability of, 260 Globulins, 242-243, 257 Glucose, 118, 119, 121, 126-127, 133, 152, 157, 286, 289, 292 electrolyte drink, 279 Glycerol, 162, 182 Glycinin, 242-244, 252 Glycoproteins, 308-309 Grapes, 23, 29, 37, 58, 60-61 Green tea, 21, 54, 56-67, 59 Gylling, 190-191, 194-195 Haptocorrin, 303, 305, 306 Hayatsu, 143, 157 HDL cholesterol, 177, 179, 180 levels, 174, 187 ratio, 180-181 Heart disease. 2 Hemagglutinins, 242-243, 245, 255
355
Hemicelluloses, 71-72, 75 Hepatic encephalopathy, 126-127, 139, 158 Hormone, parathyroid, 221 Howell, 29-30, 59-60 Human milk, 169, 171-172, 193-195 chemistry, 301 consumption, 334, 337 iron, 317 lipids, 307 proteins, 302-304, 320, 322, 337 zinc concentration, 318 Hydrophobic peptides, 253, 276 Hydroxytyrosol, 183-184 Hypocholesterolemic effect, 252, 255-256 Hypokalemia, 226 Iced teas, 6 IGF-binding proteins, 306 Infant formula, 7, 134 commercial, 325 formulation, 301, 323, 325-326, 333, 335 formula-fed, 311-312 liquid, 332 milk-based, 323-324, 330 soy-based, 324 Intestinal bacteria, 114-115, 126, 143, 149 flora, 113-116, 137, 142, 154 Inulin-type fructans, 120, 134, 158 Iodine, 220, 232-233 Ionic strength, 101-102 Iron, 204, 214, 227-228, 234, 236 binding protein, 305 concentration, 317 non-heme, 227 Isoflavones, 241, 249, 252, 255, 257, 259, 261-262, 275 primary, 249-250 Isotonic beverages, 279 Isotonicity, 287 Isozymes, 245-246 Japan, 126-128, 237, 262, 267, 272 Kaempferol, 20-21, 41-43 Lactation, duration of, 315-316, 317, 318 Lactic acid bacteria, 135, 143, 145, 158-159 Lactobacilli, 309, 334
356
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Lactobacillus acidophilus, 135, 150-151, 156, 158 Lactobacillus GG, 139-141 Lactoferrin, 302, 303, 305, 318, 321-323, 335 Lactoperoxidase, 321-322 Lactose, 94, 99-100 Lactulose, 126-128, 154 Lawson 50, 53, 60 LDL, 20, 49, 56-57, 179-180 cholesterol, 179-180, 190-191 Lectins, 245, 255 Legumes, 73-74, 94 Lignin, 64-67, 72-73, 75-76, 102, 107 Linoleic acid, 307, 325, 327-329 Lipids, 9-13, 17, 19-20, 50, 53, 58, 161, 177, 183, 193-196, 282, 295 hydroperoxides, 11-12, 14 oxidation, 10-11, 13, 18 peroxidation, 13, 17, 19-20 serum, 177, 195 Lipoproteins, 180-195 Lipoxygenases, 242-243, 245 Lycopene, 38-43, 58 Magnesium, 220, 223-224, 284, 289 carbonate, 224 deficiency, 223-224 Malic acid, 289, 293 Maltodextrins, 289, 291-292 Manganese, 220, 223, 234 Margarines, 167, 171-172, 189, 191 Market, worldwide beverage, 280 Maternal supplementation, 311-312, 314 Maughan, 280-281, 298 McFarland, 137-138, 157, 159 Medical foods, 1 Mediterranean diet, 182, 187 Metastasis, 259-260 Methionine, 243, 257, 261-266 Microbes, 5 Milk, 133-134, 136, 142, 144, 152, 154, 156, 168-169, 171, 194 calcium, 316 iodine concentration, 319 iron concentration, 317 pantothenic acid level, 314 protein, 303, 328-330, 336 bovine, 330
Milk - Continued riboflavin levels, increased, 313 thiamin levels, 313 Milk-based formulas, 324, 331 bovine, 334 Milk-free formulas, 324 Minerals, 7 Modern infant formulas, 300, 336 Molybdenum, 220, 233-234 Monounsaturated fatty acids, 186-187 Murray, 280, 284-286, 298 Muscle carnitine concentrations, 295 N-3 fatty acids, 174, 177, 181 N-3 PUFA, 161, 163, 165, 167-168, 173-178, 182, 192 N-6 PUFA, 163-165, 173-174, 177 Natural antioxidants, 10, 20-21, 23 Nondigestible carbohydrates, 67, 111 Non-electrolytes, 289 Nonstarch polysaccharides, 64-65, 72-73, 109, 111 Oat bran, 86, 104-105, 109 Obesity, 256, 263 Obesity, 3 Oleic acid, 162, 166, 179-180, 186-187 Oligofructose, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127-131, 156-157, 159 Oligosaccharides, 64, 67, 72-73, 75, 84, 86, 92, 94, 96-101, 117, 121, 127-128, 133-134, 154, 308-309, 334-335, 337 human milk, 134 soy, 127, 154 Olive oil, 172, 182-187, 192, 196 Omega fatty acid, 192 Oolong teas, 54 Osmolality, 287-289 Osmolarity, 315, 325-326 Osteomalacia, 202, 221-222 Osteoporosis, 202, 221-222, 236, 255, 261, 275 Oxidative damage, 9-10, 17, 19-20 Oxygen, 9, 11-12, 14 Peptides, 302, 303, 321, 323-324, 335, 337 Phagocytosis, 254 Phenolic acids, 24, 26-28, 31-32, 58, 241, 249
INDEX
Phosphatidic acid, 247 Phospholipids, 241, 257 Phosphoric acids, 223 Phosphorus, 202, 220, 222-223 deficiency, 217 Phylloquinone, 207-208 Phytic acid, 241, 244, 251, 255-267, 275 Phytoestrogens, 257-259 Phytosterols, 162, 187-193, 195 contents, total, 189 dietary, 190, 195 free, 187 total, 187, 189 Piironen, 188-189, 195 Plant inulin, 120-122 Plant sterols, 187, 190, 195 dietary, 190, 195 Polydextrose, 64, 72-74, 78, 92 Polyphenols, 21, 23, 32, 41, 54 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, 307, 333, 336 Pool-Zobel, 145-146, 158-160 Potassium, 220, 225-226, 284, 286-287, 289, 282-283 Powdered infant formula, 332 Powerade, 280, 287 Preterm infants, 307, 311-312, 316 Proanthocyanidins, 24, 29-32, 58 Probiotics Bifidumbacterin, 157 Probiotics, 2, 5-7 bacteria, 127, 135-136 treatment, 138, 158 use, 138-139 Prosky, 65, 110 Prostaglandins, 174 Prostate, 24, 40-41 cancer, 40-43 risk, 40-41, 59 Proteins intact breast-milk, 304 soy, 323-324, 328 vitamin B12 binding, 305 whey, 106-107 Protein content of human milk, 301, 304 Pro-vitamin, 198, 202 Psyllium, 71, 86, 97 PUFA, 161-162, 164, 167, 177 Pylori, 31, 50-51, 53 Pyridoxine, 212-214 RDA, 200, 202, 205-208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224-234
357
Rehydration, 284-285, 287, 292-294 Renal solute load, 325 Resistant starch, 64, 66, 72, 74, 76-77, 79, 84, 87, 90 Resveratrol, 24, 28, 37 Riboflavin, 310, 313, 327, 328 Saponins, 241, 251, 255-257, 275-276 Saturated fat, 104, 107, 162, 166, 179, 180 Sekine, 144-145, 159 Selenium, 220, 230, 236 deficiency, 230 Serotonin, 296 Serum cholesterol, 252-253 Sitosterol, 187, 189-191 beta, 192 Sitostanol, 190, 193 Sodium, 220, 224-225 acetate, 292 bicarbonate, 295-296 chloride, 289, 292-293 citrate, 292, 296 deficiency, 225 levels, 286 replacement, 298 Soy meal, 271, 273 milk, 264, 274 products, 1, 7 protein products, 255, 271, 274 sauce, 264, 267, 270-271, 274 fermented, 267, 271 yogurt, 264 Soybean beta-conglycinin, 254, 275 globulins, 243, 253 glycinin, 243, 253 isoflavone isomers, 249 oil, 246-247, 275 peptides, 263 proteins, 242-243, 252-255, 263 quality of, 252 Soy Protein Health Claim, 275 Soy Protein Isolates, 273 Soy-based formulas, 324 Soymilk, 243, 249, 264-265 Sports beverage preparation, 294 drinks, 7 industry, 294, 297
358
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Sports - Continued market, 280 nutrition, 298 Sterols, plant, 247 Stigmasterol, 187, 189-190, 195 Stofan, 280, 284, 286, 298 Storage proteins, 242, 244, 257 Sucrose, 117, 120-121, 125-126, 140, 286, 289-299, 292-295 Sulfur, 220, 226-227, 230 deficiency, 227 residue foods, 227 Supplementation of infant formula, 302 Sutherland, 294, 298 Symbiotics, 116, 151-152, 154-155, 158 Synergy, 123, 125 Synthetic antioxidants, 10, 57-58 Tablets, garlic powder, 50 Takenaka, 277 Taurine, 295 TBHQ, 57-58 Tea, 29, 53-56, 58 Tempeh, 264, 267-268 Therapeutic index, 198 Thiamin, 210-211, 310, 313, 327, 328 Tocopherols, 203-204, 206, 236 Tocotrienols, 203-204, 206, 236 Tofu, 7, 243, 249, 261, 264, 266-267, 271, 274, 277 Tomato, 38-40, 43, 42, 58-60 juice, 39-40, 42 powder, 39, 41 products, 38, 40, 43 Total dietary fiber, 77, 103, 105 Toxins, 5 Trans fat, 171, 179-180 fatty acid content, 171-172 human milk, 193 acids, 162, 166, 171-172, 179, 180, 194, 196 consumption of, 179 Triglycerides, 161-163, 176, 180, 246, 253 Trypsin inhibitors, 242, 244, 255, 256 Tryptophan, 296
United States, 126-128, 239, 240, 256, 264, 267, 274 Unsaturated lipids, 10-13 Urinary tract, 24, 28-29 UTIs, 24-25, 28-29 Symptomatic, 25, 28-29 Varnam, 294, 289 Vicilins, 242 Vitamin, 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 17-18, 24, 38, 40, 241, 251, 261, 264 biotin, 219 fat soluble, 198 Vitamin - continued protein-bound, 314 water soluble, 198-199, 208, 313, 333 Vitamin A-rich foods, 199 Vitamin B1, 199, 210-212 Vitamin B12, 303, 305, 306, 313-314, 320, 327-328 Vitamin B6, 199, 212-214, 236 Vitamin B6, 313, 327-328 Vitamin B12, 199, 214-216, 235 deficiency, 216 Vitamin D2, 201-202 Vitamin D3, 201-202 Vitamin K1, 207 VO2 max, 282 Water absorption, 286, 289 binding capacity, 102 holding capacity, 80, 82, 102 treatment, 290, 297 Weight loss, 211-212, 216, 218 Western diets, 161, 174 Whey proteins, 301-303, 323-326, 330-331 Wolinsky, 298 Wollowski, 141, 144-145, 160 Yogurt, 126, 136, 149, 152, 154 Younes, 86-87, 110-111 Zinc, 220, 228-229, 284, 286-287, 336 deficiency, 229