National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge
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Updating the Portuguese food composition table
Get PDFIntroduction: Food composition databases are essential for various stakeholders and purposes, namely: nutritional epidemiology, nutrient intake assessment, diets planning, training, literacy, food products formulation and recipes, and labeling.
The Portuguese Food Composition Table (TCA) had its first edition in 1961, presenting now 42 components/nutrients, and since 2017 has been hosted on PortFIR’s website enabling several searches and download in Excel®.
Data compiled in TCA are preferably obtained by chemical analysis of food samples, representative of food consumed by the population. Due to lack of funding, some values are generated based on several sources and calculations.
Aims: Continuous development, updating and dissemination of food nutritional composition database to respond to stakeholder needs.
Methodology: Food component values were generated according to EuroFIR’s compilation rules to assure international comparability, traceability and data quality. Recipe calculations were performed from the ingredients, corrected for retention and yield factors.
FoodCASE® software was used to manage all food data, namely to document all values. In addition to compiling new food values, existing foods were reviewed regarding description, serving size, edible portion, market permanence and market changes of components contents.
Results: The 2017 version included 1109 foods. From 2018 to 2021, the released versions, year by year, showed an increase of: 37, 129 and 32 new foods, and classification by FoodEX2 system. Since 2019, new foods were essentially identified according to the National Food and Physical Activity Survey (2015-2016), highlighting those consumed by the respondents declaring to follow a vegetarian consumption pattern. Since 2019, 11153 changes were performed including food description/elimination, addition of edible portions and value updates. For the next edition, new components, iodine and selenium were compiled.
Conclusions: Updating the TCA is a complex and permanent task, carried out by INSA in accordance with internationally harmonized procedures. Data are available on PortFIR´s and EuroFIR´s websites.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
An innovative food product based on the recovery of melon by-products
No full textFood reformulation or development of new foods is necessary to improve the nutritional profile of energy-dense foods (high fat, sugar and salt contents) or to reduce the content of ingredients or to decrease the amount of nutrients of concern. Biscuits are bakery goods characterized by high sugar and fat content, but are also very palatable foods, highly appreciated.
AIMS: To develop an innovative biscuit with enhanced nutritional properties, based on the recovery of melon by-products, contributing to healthier food options.
In 2022, melon peels were recovered from producers of melon fruits, mainly discarded fruits which do not correspond to market needs in terms of size, and/or shape, or colour. Melon peels were dehydrated and homogenised until a fine powder (melon peel flour) was obtained. A traditional recipe for biscuits (control sample) and an innovative biscuit, where 50% of the wheat flour was replaced by melon peel flour, were prepared. The nutritional composition of both products was evaluated. The control biscuit is characterized by its poor nutritional quality, namely due to its low dietary fibre (1.53 ± 0.3 g/100 g) and high available carbohydrates contents. By replacing, wheat flour with melon peel flour, dietary fibre content increases to 14.7 ± 0.6 g/100 g. Since the dietary reference intake for adults for fibre is 25 g/day, one portion of the innovative biscuit (35 g) can contribute with 21% of the recommended needs. Moreover, according to Regulation (EU) n.º 1924/2006, this innovative product can be claimed as high fibre.
This work demonstrates not only that melon peel is an excellent source of dietary fibre, that contributes to enhancing the nutritional quality of biscuits, but also that it is possible to reduce the economic, social and environmental impacts of these by-products that up to now are discarded.This work was financially supported by Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the projects Food4DIAB (EXPL/BAA-AGR/1382/2021); and UIDB/50006/2020 and by AgriFood XXI I&D&I project (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041) co-financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the NORTE 2020 (Programa Operacional Regional do Norte 2014/2020). Rita C. Alves thanks to FCT the CEECIND/01120/2017 contract.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Study of the influence of the composition of a mixture of fruits and vegetables on the content of total phenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C
No full textLow consumption of fruits and vegetables is among the top ten risk factors that contribute to global mortality. According to the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a minimum consumption of 400 g of fruit and vegetables per day (excluding starchy tubers) is recommended, in order to prevent obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. g In this study, strawberry (SA), raspberry (R), blueberry (B), lettuce (L) and spinach (SP) were selected as ingredients to prepare five mixtures, with the aim of studying the influence of the composition of the mixtures on their total phenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C contents. In May 2023, the ingredients were acquired in different commercial surfaces of Lisbon region and when applicable the non-edible portions were discarded. A portion of each ingredient was used to prepare five mixtures (M1-M5). The amount of each ingredient varied between 10 and 50 g. Total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by spectrophotometric methodology, while vitamin C was determined by high-performance liquid chromatographic coupled to photodiode array detection. M4 (50%SP; 18.8%L; 11.2%SA; 10%B; 10%R) has the highest flavonoids content (303 ± 18.4 mg of epicatechin equivalents/100 g), while M2 (50%R; 18.4%L; 11.6%SP; 10%SA; 10%B) has the highest amount of total phenolics (322 ± 26.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g). Concerning total vitamin C, the content in the analysed mixtures varied between 1.96 ± 0.04 and 9.93 ± 0.08 mg/100 g). M2 was the one with the highest total phenolics and ascorbic acid contents but it has the lowest flavonoids content. In the next steps of this research work, other analytical parameters will be studied, to evaluate which is the best formulation of the mixture for consumers, from a public health point of view.This work was financially supported by INSA, I.P., under the project TradFRUIT (2012DAN668) and by European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE), under the Partnership Agreement PT2020, and National Funds (FCT, Foundation for Science and Technology) through projects UIDB/50006/2020 and by AgriFood XXI I&D&I project (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041) co-financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the NORTE 2020 (Programa Operacional Regional do Norte 2014/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Oxalate in Foods: Extraction Conditions, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Health Implications
Get PDF(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)Oxalate is an antinutrient present in a wide range of foods, with plant products, especially green leafy vegetables, being the main sources of dietary oxalates. This compound has been largely associated with hyperoxaluria, kidney stone formation, and, in more severe cases, systematic oxalosis.
Due to its impact on human health, it is extremely important to control the amount of oxalate present in foods, particularly for patients with kidney stone issues. In this review, a summary and discussion of the current knowledge on oxalate analysis, its extraction conditions, specific features of analytical methods, reported occurrence in foods, and its health implications are presented. In addition, a brief conclusion and further perspectives on whether high-oxalate foods are truly problematic and can be seen as health threats are shown.This research received financial support from Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the projects Food4DIAB (EXPL/BAA-AGR/1382/2021); UIDB/50006/2020; UIDP/50006/2020 and by AgriFood XXI I&D&I project (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041) co-financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the NORTE 2020 (Programa Operacional Regional do Norte 2014/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Harmonized human biomonitoring in European children, teenagers and adults: EU-wide exposure data of 11 chemical substance groups from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies (2014-2021)
Get PDFReviewAbstract: As one of the core elements of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey was conducted in 23 countries to generate EU-wide comparable HBM data. This survey has built on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies, referred to as the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies included a total of 10,795 participants of three age groups: (i) 3,576 children aged 6–12 years, (ii) 3,117 teenagers aged 12–18 years and (iii) 4,102 young adults aged 20–39 years. The participants were recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11–12 countries per age group, geographically distributed across Europe. Depending on the age group, internal exposure to phthalates and the substitute DINCH, halogenated and organophosphorus flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), cadmium, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic species, acrylamide, mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (total DON)), benzophenones and selected pesticides was assessed by measuring substance specific biomarkers subjected to stringent quality control programs for chemical analysis. For substance groups analyzed in different age groups higher average exposure levels were observed in the youngest age group, i.e., phthalates/DINCH in children versus teenagers, acrylamide and pesticides in children versus adults, benzophenones in teenagers versus adults. Many biomarkers in teenagers and adults varied significantly according to educational attainment, with higher exposure levels of bisphenols, phthalates, benzophenones, PAHs and acrylamide in participants (from households) with lower educational attainment, while teenagers from households with higher educational attainment have higher exposure levels for PFASs and arsenic. In children, a social gradient was only observed for the non-specific pyrethroid metabolite 3-PBA and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP), with higher levels in children from households with higher educational attainment. Geographical variations were seen for all exposure biomarkers. For 15 biomarkers, the available health-based HBM guidance values were exceeded with highest exceedance rates for toxicologically relevant arsenic in teenagers (40%), 3-PBA in children (36%), and between 11 and 14% for total DON, Σ (PFOA + PFNA + PFHxS + PFOS), bisphenol S and cadmium. The infrastructure and harmonized approach succeeded in obtaining comparable European wide internal exposure data for a prioritized set of 11 chemical groups. These data serve as a reference for comparison at the global level, provide a baseline to compare the efficacy of the European Commission's chemical strategy for sustainability and will give leverage to national policy makers for the implementation of targeted measures.Highlights: Harmonized EU-wide HBM survey in 10,795 participants covering 11 chemical groups; Both legacy compounds and their substitutes are ubiquitous; Social and geographical gradients in internal exposure are observed; Higher biomarker concentrations observed in younger age groups; For 15 out of 20 biomarkers health risks cannot be excluded.HBM4EU is co-financed under Horizon 2020 (grant agreement No
733032). The authors thank all principal investigators of the contrib uting studies for their participation and contribution to the HBM4EU
Aligned Studies and the national program owners for their financial
support. Further details on funding for all the participating studies can
be found in the Supplemental Material, Table S12.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Assessing the in vitro toxicity of airborne (nano)particles to the human respiratory system: from basic to advanced models
Get PDFReviewSeveral studies have been conducted to address the potential adverse health risks attributed to exposure to nanoscale materials. While in vivo studies are fundamental for identifying the relation-ship between dose and occurrence of adverse effects, in vitro model systems provide important information regarding the mechanism(s) of action at the molecular level. With a special focus on exposure to inhaled (nano)particulate material toxicity assessment, this review provides an over-view of the available human respiratory models and exposure systems for in vitro testing, advan-tages, limitations, and existing investigations using models of different complexity. A brief overview of the human respiratory system, pathway and fate of inhaled (nano)particles is also presented.The work was supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e a
Tecnologia [POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029651, SFRH/BPD/122112/2016,PTDC/MED‐TOX/31162/2017, DL-57/INSA06/2018,SFRH/BD/101060/2014,SFRH/BD/120646/2016,
SIINN/0004/2014,UIDB/04750/2020, LA/P/0064/2020];
Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport
[BEAGAL18/00142]; Spanish Ministry of Science and
Innovation [PID2020-114908GA-I00].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Short-Term Association between Sulfur Dioxide and Mortality: A Multicountry Analysis in 399 Cities
Get PDFThe Multi-City Multi-Country Collaborative Research Network group authorship includes G. Carrasco, B.-Y. Chen, A. Entezari, Y. Guo, Y.L. Guo, M. Hashizume, I.-H. Holobaca, C. Íñiguez, J.J.K. Jaakkola, H. Kim, W. Lee, S. Li, M. Maasikmets, F. Mayvaneh, *B. Nunes*, H. Orru, S. Osorio, M.S. Ragettli, N. Ryti, P.H.N. Saldiva, A. Schneider, J. Schwartz, S. Tong, and A. Zanobetti.B. Nunes - Departamento de Epidemiologia do INSABackground: Epidemiological evidence on the health risks of sulfur dioxide (sulfur dioxide SO2) is more limited compared with other pollutants, and doubts remain on several aspects, such as the form of the exposure–response relationship, the potential role of copollutants, as well as the actual risk at low concentrations and possible temporal variation in risks.
Objectives: Our aim was to assess the short-term association between exposure to sulfur dioxide SO2 and daily mortality in a large multilocation data set, using advanced study designs and statistical techniques.
Methods: The analysis included 43,729,018 deaths that occurred in 399 cities within 23 countries between 1980 and 2018. A two-stage design was applied to assess the association between the daily concentration of sulfur dioxide SO2 and mortality counts, including first-stage time-series regressions and second-stage multilevel random-effect meta-analyses. Secondary analyses assessed the exposure–response shape and the lag structure using spline terms and distributed lag models, respectively, and temporal variations in risk using a longitudinal meta-regression. Bi-pollutant models were applied to examine confounding effects of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 10 micrometers≤10μm (particulate matter begin subscript 10 end subscriptPM10) and 2.5 micrometers2.5μm (particulate matter begin subscript 2.5 end subscriptPM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Associations were reported as relative risks (RRs) and fractions of excess deaths.
Results: The average daily concentration of sulfur dioxideSO2 across the 399 cities was 11.7 micrograms per meter cubed11.7 μg/m3, with 4.7% of days above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (40 micrograms per meter cubed40 μg/m3, 24-h average), although the exceedances occurred predominantly in specific locations. Exposure levels decreased considerably during the study period, from an average concentration of 19.0 micrograms per meter cubed19.0 μg/m3 in 1980–1989 to 6.3 micrograms per meter cubed6.3 μg/m3 in 2010–2018. For all locations combined, a 10 microgram per meter cubed10-μg/m3 increase in daily sulfur dioxide SO2 was associated with an RR of mortality of 1.0045 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0019, 1.0070], with the risk being stable over time but with substantial between-country heterogeneity. Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide SO2 was associated with an excess mortality fraction of 0.50% [95% empirical CI (eCI): 0.42%, 0.57%] in the 399 cities, although decreasing from 0.74% (0.61%, 0.85%) in 1980–1989 to 0.37% (0.27%, 0.47%) in 2010–2018. There was some evidence of nonlinearity, with a steep exposure–response relationship at low concentrations and the risk attenuating at higher levels. The relevant lag window was 0–3 d. Significant positive associations remained after controlling for other pollutants.
Discussion: The analysis revealed independent mortality risks associated with short-term exposure to sulfur dioxideSO2, with no evidence of a threshold. Levels below the current WHO guidelines for 24-h averages were still associated with substantial excess mortality, indicating the potential benefits of stricter air quality standards.This study was supported by the Medical Research Council UK[MR/R013349/1 (to A.G.)] and the European Union’s Horizon 2020Project Exhaustion [820655 (to A.G.)]. Additional grants supportedindividual researchers: H.K. was supported by the National NaturalScience Foundation of China (92043301), J.M. was supported by afellowship of Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnlogia (SFRH/BPD/115112/2016), and A.T. was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia eInnovacion/Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033; CEX2018-000794-S).The Multi-City Multi-Country Collaborative Research Networkgroup authorship includes G. Carrasco, B.-Y. Chen, A. Entezari,Y. Guo, Y.L. Guo, M. Hashizume, I.-H. Holobaca, C. Íñiguez,J.J.K. Jaakkola, H. Kim, W. Lee, S. Li, M. Maasikmets,F. Mayvaneh, B. Nunes, H. Orru, S. Osorio, M.S. Ragettli, N. Ryti,P.H.N. Saldiva, A. Schneider, J. Schwartz, S. Tong, and A. Zanobettiinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Assessing the Genotoxicity of Cellulose Nanomaterials in a Co-Culture of Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
Get PDFCellulose micro/nanomaterials (CMNMs) are innovative materials with a wide spectrum of industrial and biomedical applications. Although cellulose has been recognized as a safe material, the unique properties of its nanosized forms have raised concerns about their safety for human health. Genotoxicity is an endpoint that must be assessed to ensure that no carcinogenic risks are associated with exposure to nanomaterials. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxicity of two types of cellulose micro/nanofibrils (CMF and CNF) and one sample of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), obtained from industrial bleached Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp. For that, we exposed co-cultures of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells and THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages to a concentration range of each CMNM and used the micronucleus (MN) and comet assays. Our results showed that only the lowest concentrations of the CMF sample were able to induce DNA strand breaks (FPG-comet assay). However, none of the three CMNMs produced significant chromosomal alterations (MN assay). These findings, together with results from previous in vitro studies using monocultures of A549 cells, indicate that the tested CNF and CNC are not genotoxic under the conditions tested, while the CMF display a low genotoxic potential.The work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT/MCTES), through national funds (PIDDAC) under the project ToxApp4NanoCELFI (PTDC/SAU-PUB/32587/2017). The authors also acknowledge the support of FCT/MCTES to the following projects: LA/P/0037/2020, UIDP/50025/2020 and UIDB/50025/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication-i3N, CIEPQPF (UIDB/00102/2020) and ToxOmics, NMS-UNL (UIDP/00009/2020; UIDB/00009/2020). Thanks also to European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action: CA21159—Understanding interaction light—biological surfaces: possibility for new electronic materials and devices (PhoBioS); Inpactus Project—innovative products and technologies from eucalyptus (Project No. 21874 funded by Portugal 2020 through ERDF in the frame of COMPETE 2020 No. 246/AXIS II/2017).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Assessing Contaminant Uptake and Elimination in Insects: Implications for Sustainable Food Production and Waste Management
No full textConsidering the global food crisis and the pressing issue of waste generation, sustainable solutions for food demand are crucial. Insects have emerged as a promising protein source for food and feed due to their efficient bioconversion capacity and ability to utilize nonvaluable products. However, ensuring the safety of insects for food and feed is essential. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the uptake and elimination of contaminants by insects, going beyond conventional measurements of contamination levels. Methodology: The study employed two-phase bioaccumulation studies involving an uptake phase with a contaminated substrate followed by an elimination phase in a clean substrate. Data from these studies were used in toxicokinetic modelling. The objective was to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and various polycyclic aromatic compounds (benzo[a] pyrene [B[a]P], benz[a]anthracene [B[a]A], benzo[b]fluoranthene [B[a] F], and crysene [Cry]) in black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens). Although high metal bioaccumulation potential (e.g., for Hg, Cd, Pb, As) in edible insects has already been identified as risk, there is a gap regarding hazard assessment of the organic contaminants (e.g., B[a]P, B[a]A, B[a]F, Cry). The findings indicate that when insects were exposed to the maximum allowed levels of metals according to European Union feed regulations, they accumulated contaminant levels unsuitable for feeding other animals. However, after a depuration period, the insects could reduce the contaminant concentrations to comply with the existing legislation. For instance, a 4 to 5 days depuration period was found sufficient for safer consumption of insects exposed to Hg, while a longer period was required for Cd elimination. Interestingly, no significant accumulation of polycyclic aromatic compounds was observed when insects were fed at the maximum allowed levels. Conclusion: These findings have significant implications, particularly when insects are employed as waste converters, where concerns arise regarding contaminants. This study supports the implementation of a depuration period after exposure to waste that may vary depending on the classes of contaminants involved. Toxicokinetics is an adequate tool for the safety assessment of insects as feed and food, but it also defines the conditions that will assure their sustainable use in waste management.We acknowledge financial support to CESAM by FCT/MCTES (UIDP/50017/2020 + UIDB/50017/2020 + LA/P/0094/2020) through national funds. This study was supported by the ENTOSAFE project (PTDC/CTA-AMB/0730/2021). D. Cardoso was hired under the Scientific Employment Stimulus Individual Call (CEECIND/01190/2018). Patrícia V. Silva was funded by the project NATURAL (Nano clays for removel/capture of phosphates and its reuse as fertilizer CENTRO-01-0247-FEDER-047080) through a pos-doctoral grant (BIPD/UI50/6103/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Hemoglobinopatias - Abordagem Laboratorial
No full textFolheto técnico sobre a abordagem laboratorial das hemoglobinopatias.N/