Elisabeth Fabian

Influence of daily consumption of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma lipid profile in young healthy women.

Background: A number of studies have found conflicting results concerning the modulation of plasma lipids induced by probiotics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify and compare the effects of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma lipid profile of normocholesterolemic women. Methods: In this study, female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for 2 weeks (T1–T2) and 200 g/day for further 2 weeks (T2–T3). A washout phase lasting 2 weeks followed (T4). Total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods; LDL cholesterol was calculated using the Friedewald formula. Results: The average concentration of total cholesterol was consistent throughout the whole study in the control group, but decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the probiotic group consuming 200 g yoghurt/day (T2–T3). During the period of daily yoghurt intake (T1–T3) the mean HDL cholesterol level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the probiotic group, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the total/HDL cholesterol ratio. The significant (p < 0.01) reduction of the average plasma LDL cholesterol values found in this period (T1–T3) in the probiotic and the control groups was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios in both tested groups. Conclusion: Although several lipid parameters changed during the study in both the probiotic and the control group, no significant differences between the groups were observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the regular consumption of both probiotic and conventional yoghurt for 4 weeks had a positive effect on the lipid profile in plasma of healthy women.

Nutritional Situation of the Elderly in the European Union: Data of the European Nutrition and Health Report (2004)

Background: The European Nutrition and Health Report contains data about the nutritional situation of elderly of 11 EU countries. Methods: The assessment of the energy and nutrient intake was performed using different methods: 24-hour recall, (semiquantitative) FFQ, 4/7-day-weighed record, personal interview, HBS. Results: Compared to adults of the same country, the energy intake of elderly was on average lower. In most EU countries, the mean proportion of protein intake was within the recommended range while the share of carbohydrates was considerable low. The mean fat intake was remarkably high, the dietary fatty acid pattern predominantly imbalanced and the intake of cholesterol exceeded 300 mg/day in most European elderly. The average intake of vitamin D and folic acid was clearly below 10 and 400 µg/day, respectively, in elderly of all countries. Sodium intake was quite high in several participating countries, whereas calcium intake remained below 800 mg/d in all investigated states. The supply of vitamin A/C, thiamine, niacin, cobalamin, and the elements: magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese could generally be regarded as sufficient. Only in some countries the intake of these nutrients had to be assessed as unsaturated. Conclusion: Data analysis showed that the proportions of macronutrient intake of European elderly are not balanced. Apart from vitamin D, calcium, folate, iodine, and sodium the mean intake of micronutrients could be regarded as acceptable.

Influence of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the status of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 in young healthy women.

Background: In vitro studies indicate that yoghurt bacteria are able to generate several water-soluble vitamins and therefore yoghurt could be a good source of these micronutrients. However, whether lactobacilli or other viable bacteria release the synthesized vitamins or utilize vitamins from their surroundings is a matter of debate. This study was carried out to investigate whether probiotic and traditional yoghurt bacteria are able to influence the status of different B vitamins (B1, B2, B6) in young healthy women. Methods: In this investigation, female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for 2 weeks (T1–T2) and 200 g/day for another 2 weeks (T2–T3). A wash-out phase lasting 2 weeks followed. Plasma and urine concentrations of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6) were analyzed using HPLC. The functional parameters, i.e. the erythrocyte transketolase (α-ETK) expressed as TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate) effect, erythrocyte glutathione reductase (α-EGR) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (α-EGOT) were determined photometrically. Results: The plasma levels of vitamin B1 increased significantly in both the probiotic (p < 0.001) and the control group (p < 0.01) when consuming 200 g yoghurt/day (T2–T3) and decreased to the baseline levels after the wash-out phase (T3–T4). Urinary excretion of thiamine and the TPP effect did not significantly change in either the probiotic or the control group during the period of daily yoghurt consumption (T1–T3). The plasma concentration of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after consuming 100 g yoghurt/day (T1–T2) while plasma concentrations of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) (probiotic: p < 0.01, control: p < 0.001) and free riboflavin increased significantly (probiotic: p < 0.01, control: p < 0.001). Afterwards, the levels of these parameters remained unchanged to the end of the study in both tested groups. The urinary excretion of riboflavin and α-EGR remained unaffected throughout the study in both the probiotic and the control group. The average status of vitamin B6, evaluated by its plasma level, urinary excretion and α-EGOT was unaffected by daily intake of 100 g (T1–T2) and 200 g yoghurt (T2–T3), respectively, for 4 weeks (T1–T3). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that daily consumption of 200 g of both, probiotic and conventional yoghurt for 2 weeks can contribute to the total intake of vitamin B1 and B2 reflected by increased levels of plasma thiamine and free riboflavin in healthy women. The diminished plasma FAD and increased FMN concentrations, observed during the period of daily yoghurt consumption in both groups, may be the result of enhanced immune function and an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, caused by the daily intake of lactic acid bacteria. Since the long term status parameters of all three investigated vitamins (B1, B2, B6) remained unaffected during the investigation the changes in plasma concentrations seem more likely the result of regular yoghurt consumption as a fermented dairy product, rather than of the specific intake of probiotic bacteria.

The effect of daily consumption of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on oxidant and anti oxidant parameters in plasma of young healthy women

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the potential beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria, particularly concerning their immune-modulating effects. Considering the involvement of free radicals in immunological processes, we tried to verify and compare the effects of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei) and conventional yoghurt on antioxidant and oxidant parameters in plasma of humans. In this study female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for two weeks (T1-T2) and 200 g/day for another two weeks (T2-T3). A wash-out phase lasting two weeks followed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), albumin, and bilirubin were determined photometrically, uric acid was determined by enzymatic methods, and vitamin E, carotenoids, malondialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CD) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the period of continuous yoghurt intake (T1-T3), mean concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin E, lycopene, and zeaxanthin decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the probiotic and in the control group. The average concentrations of lutein, beta-carotene, albumin, uric acid, and bilirubin decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the probiotic group, only. These alterations led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease of the average TAC values during the period T1-T3 in both tested groups. In the interval of daily yoghurt consumption (T1-T3) the mean plasma levels of oxidant parameters MDA and CD increased significantly in the probiotic (MDA: p < 0.01; CD: p < 0.001) and the control group (CD: p < 0.01). The average activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quite constant throughout the study in both groups. The mean activities of GSH-Px and catalase decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the probiotic group, only after consuming yoghurt daily for four weeks (T1-T3). Although several parameters changed significantly during the study, no significant differences were observed between both investigated groups. Therefore, the results indicate a possible influence of both probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma levels of antioxidant and oxidant parameters.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine supplements in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Background/Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the current use of biologically-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in diabetics, considering health awareness, motivation, and expectations for CAM use. Moreover, patients’ attitudes toward cinnamon preparations and the need for appropriate information from health care professionals were determined. Methods: A total of 200 patients (59% men and 41% women) with type 1 (16%) or type 2 diabetes (84%) were interviewed using a standardized, validated questionnaire; the results from 198 respondents were analyzed. Results: A third of type 1 and type 2 diabetics (women > men; p < 0.01) reported current use of biologically-based CAM supplements, and intake was significantly (r = 0.203; p < 0.05) correlated to the degree of health awareness/interest in self-care in type 2 diabetics. The use of nutritional supplements (vitamins/multivitamins and minerals), herbal medicine, and cinnamon was reported most frequently. Prevention (36%) and improved well-being/quality of life (13%) but not the positive modulation of diabetes management (4%) were given as main motivations. Eighty-three percent of type 1 diabetics (women > men; p < 0.05) and 70% of type 2 diabetics already knew about the postulated positive effect of cinnamon on blood glucose. Up to 85% reported a willingness or a probable willingness to test the effect of cinnamon on blood glucose. Among patients with type 2 diabetes the subjectively felt disease burden was found to have a significant (r = 0.235; p < 0.01) impact on the willingness to use cinnamon preparations for better diabetes management. Conclusion: This study indicates a remarkable interest in CAM remedies in the investigated group of diabetics as a strategy for active engagement in health and disease self-management. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the increasing number of patients using CAM supplements and hence incorporate these aspects into patient care in order to ensure patient satisfaction and optimize health care.

Vitamin status in elderly people in relation to the use of nutritional supplements

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the status of several vitamins and to investigate the effect of regular individual supplementation on their status in this population.DesignAn observational study.SettingState of Burgenland, Austria.ParticipantsA total of 102 non-institutionalized subjects (49% supplementing regularly, 51% without supplementation) aged between 70–90 years were recruited.MeasurementsPlasma levels of vitamins A, D, E, K and C were determined by HPLC. The functional parameters of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, i.e. the activities of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, were analyzed photometrically; plasma folate and vitamin B12 were determined by RIA.ResultsThe status of vitamins A, E and C was generally satisfactory. Eighty-eight percent and 42% of participants were deficient in vitamins D and K, respectively, as were 29% for B6; up to 10% of participants were deficient in vitamins B1, B2, B12 and folate. A considerable percentage of participants was, however, at risk for vitamin deficiencies (vitamins B1, B6, B12, folate: 20–30%, vitamin B2: 60%). Except for vitamins A and K, regular intake of supplements had a significant positive influence on vitamin levels.ConclusionThese results indicate that use of supplements significantly improved the status of several vitamins in elderly people. Due to age-related problems concerning the intake and digestion of nutrients, a moderate, regular supplementation might be a useful option for older people who are otherwise unable to satisfy their micronutrient requirements.

Age‐related modification of antioxidant enzyme activities in relation to cardiovascular risk factors

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 42–48

Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Relation to Oxidative and Nitrosative Challenges in Childhood Asthma

Background. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities, extent of airway inflammation, and systemic oxidative stress in children suffering from atopic asthma. Methods. A total of 35 asthmatic (AG) and 21 healthy children (CG) participated in this study. The volume of fractionated exhaled NO (Feno) was measured with the NIOX test system. The activities of the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined photometrically. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 was measured using ELISA; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed using HPLC. Results. Compared to healthy controls, asthmatic children exhaled a significantly (p < .001) higher mean volume of Feno, had significantly reduced plasma concentrations of TAC (p = .006), and significantly enhanced levels of MDA (p < .001) and IL-6 (p = .012). SOD (p = .027), CAT (p < .001), and GSH-Px (p = .005) were significantly less active in the asthma group and significantly negatively associated with Feno (SOD/Feno: p = .017; CAT/Feno: p = .008; GSH-Px/Feno: p = .001); the oxidative stress marker MDA showed such correlations in both investigated groups (SOD/MDA: AG: p = .001, CG: p = .381; CAT/MDA: AG: p = .003, CG: p = .020; GSH-Px/MDA: AG: p = .006, CG: p = .011). Furthermore, there was a significant (p< .01) positive correlation between MDA/Feno and MDA/IL-6 observed in both groups. Conclusions. These results indicate that inflammation of the bronchial tree, reflected by increased NO formation in the airways and enhanced systemic oxidative stress, is related to an alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities in childhood asthma. Modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes may therefore have beneficial effects on pulmonary and systemic antioxidant defense mechanisms and could reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress in asthmatics.

Intake of Medication and Vitamin Status in the Elderly

Background/Aims: An inadequate vitamin status is associated with higher morbidity and frailty in the elderly and might be due to medication. This study aimed to evaluate the status of several vitamins in relation to regular intake of medication in this population. Methods: A total of102 non-institutionalized subjects aged 70–90 years were recruited. Plasma levels of vitamins A, D, E, K and C were determined by HPLC. The functional parameters of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, i.e. the activities of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase were analyzed photometrically; plasma folate and vitamin B12 were determined by RIA. Results: The status of vitamins A, E and C was generally satisfactory. Eighty-eight percent and 42% of participants were deficient in vitamins D and K, respectively, as were 29% in B6; up to 10% were deficient in vitamins B1, B2, B12 and folate. A considerable percentage of participants was, however, at risk for vitamin deficiencies (vitamins B1, B6, B12 and folate: 20–30%; vitamin B2: 60%). Regular intake of maximally 2 drugs per day was not adversely related to the status of several vitamins; intake of ≧3 drugs per day was significantly negatively associated with the status of vitamins D, K, B6 and folate. Conclusion: Daily intake of ≧3 drugs was found to be adversely associated with the status of some vitamins in the elderly. Hence, the medication schedule and nutritional status of these subjects should be monitored closely to ensure that the daily micronutrient requirement is fulfilled.

Nutritional supplementation affects postoperative oxidative stress and duration of hospitalization in patients with hip fracture

ZusammenfassungZIELSETZUNG: Ziel dieser prospektiven, randomisierten, kontrollierten Studie war es, den Effekt einer gezielten Ernährungsintervention auf den postoperativen oxidativen Stress und die Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer bei Hüftfrakturpatienten zu untersuchen. METHODEN: Vierzehn Patienteninnen (Interventionsgruppe = SG) erhielten postoperativ eine individuell angepasste Nahrungsergänzung mit Protein und Antioxidantien, neun Patientinnen ohne Ernährungstherapie bildeten die Kontrollgruppe (= CG). Blutproben wurden präoperativ (T1), am Tag der Entlassung (T2) und drei Wochen (T3) danach gesammelt. Die Plasmakonzentrationen an Albumin und Gesamtprotein (TP) wurden mittels Autoanlyzer bestimmt. Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) und die Totale Antioxidative Kapazität (TAC) wurden photometrisch, Malondialdehyd (MDA) mittels HPLC analysiert. ERGEBNISSE: Während die Plasmakonzentration an Albumin, TP und TAC innerhalb der SG postoperativ konstant blieb, wurde in der CG eine signifikante Reduktion (T1>T2, p< 0,01) dieser Parameter, welche nach der Phase T2–T3 wiederum das Ausgangsniveau (T2 > T3, p< 0,05) erreichten, erfasst. Dies resultierte in signifikanten Differenzen von TP (T2: SG>CG, p< 0,05) und TAC (T2: SG>CG, p< 0,01) zwischen den untersuchten Gruppen. Weiters zeigte sich postoperativ in beiden Gruppen ein signifikanter Anstieg der Plasmaspiegel an AOPP und MDA (T1 < T2, p< 0,01), welche im weiteren Studienverlauf in der CG (AOPP: T1 < T3, p< 0,05; MDA: T1 < T3, p< 0,01), nicht jedoch in der SG (T2>T3, p< 0,01) signifikant erhöht blieben. MDA and AOPP korrelierten in beiden Gruppen signifikant positiv (p< 0,01), TAC und Albumin signifikant negativ (p< 0,05) mit der Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Individuell angepasste Supplementation mit Nährstoffen kann das Auftreten von postoperativem oxidativen Stress verringern, sowie die Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer bei Hüftfrakturpatienten verkürzen.SummaryOBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective randomized controlled study was to investigate the effect of nutritional supplementation on postoperative oxidative stress and duration of hospitalization in elderly patients with hip fracture. METHODS: A total of fourteen women (= SG) with hip fracture received individually adapted supplements enriched with protein and antioxidants postoperatively, nine served as unsupplemented controls (= CG). Blood samples were taken preoperatively (T1), on the day of discharge from hospital (T2) and three weeks thereafter (T3). Plasma concentrations of albumin and total protein (TP) were measured by autoanalysis, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined photometrically. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed by HPLC. RESULTS: Postoperatively, there was a significant (T1 > T2, p< 0.01) decrease in plasma albumin, TP and TAC, followed by a significant (p< 0.05) increase in the period T2-T3 in the CG, but not in the SG. This resulted in significant differences in TP (T2: SG > CG, p< 0.05) and TAC (T2: SG > CG, p< 0.01) between the investigated groups. Postoperatively, the plasma levels of AOPP and MDA increased significantly (T1 < T2, p< 0.01) in both groups, and remained at the significantly (AOPP: T1 < T3, p< 0.05; MDA: T1 < T3, p< 0.01) elevated level in the CG, but not in the SG (T2 > T3, p< 0.01). Consequently, the oxidant markers MDA and AOPP were significantly positively (p< 0.01), TAC and albumin significantly negatively (p< 0.05) related to duration of hospital stay in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized nutritional supplementation may reduce postoperative oxidative stress and shorten duration of hospitalization in patients with hip fracture.