The levels of phytochemicals (total phenols, proanthocyanidins, gallic acid + gallotannins, ellagic acid + ellagitannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes and phytates), fat-soluble bioactives (lipid, tocols, phytosterols, sphingolipids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and alkyl phenols) as well as natural antioxidants (nutrient and non-nutrient) present in commonly consumed twelve nuts (almond,...

In searching for an explanation for the rapid response to iron-fortification programmes, we focused on the interaction of vitamin A and inhibitors of iron absorption from a basal breakfast containing bread from either pre-cooked maize flour or wheat flour plus cheese and margarine. These breads were labeled with either 59Fe or 55Fe. These experiments demonstrated that vitamin A prevented the in...

Plant-based complementary foods are the main source ofnutrients for many young children in developing coun-tries. They may, however, present problems in providingnutritionally adequate and safe diets for older infantsand young children. The high starch content leads tolow-nutrient diets that are bulky and dense, with highlevels of antinutritive factors such as phytates, ...

BACKGROUND Chronic antiepileptic drug use is associated with bone loss. We sought to assess the longitudinal effect of antiepileptic drug on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone mineral metabolism markers. METHODS Patients in the emergency services or those in neurology outpatient department with history of seizure were characterized and included in the study prospectively. Dai...

The present study was conducted to assess the suitability of blends of two sweet potato (creamand yellowflesh) varieties and maize flours in the preparation of crunchy snacks. Each of the sweet potato varieties was prepared into flour and separately blended with 0, 30 and 50% of maize flour. The blends were evaluated for proximate composition, mineral content, vitamin content, anti-nutrient fac...

Phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphoric acid, IP6) has long been recognized as the predominant organic P form in soil and animal manure. Whereas many studies have investigated the wet chemistry of IP6, there is little information on the characterization of solid metal IP6 compounds. This information is essential for further understanding and assessing the chemical behavior of IP6 in diverse soil-p...

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is caused by SLC39A4 mutations leading to severe zinc deficiency and manifest clinically by acral dermatitis, alopecia, diarrhea and growth failure. AE usually presents in the first months of life in infants that are not breast-fed and at the time of weaning in breast-fed infants, as cow’s milk contains more zinc-binding phytates that impede zinc absorption. In...

A few decades ago Amaranthus was rediscovered as a most promising plant genus that may provide high-quality protein, unsaturated oil, and various other valuable constituents. Since then research has focused on various Amaranthus spp. and has been rapidly expanding, and a large number of reports have been published. Several review articles focusing on different aspects, such as botanical, agrote...