Lucia K. O. Yuyama

Camu-camu: um fruto fantástico como fonte de vitamina C1

Analisou-se o teor de vitamina C em tres acessos de camu-camu coletados na regiao leste do Estado de Roraima, sendo um no rio Mau, e outros dois (uma planta isolada e outra populacao) no rio Urubu, ambos afluentes do rio Tacutu. Para a determinacao de acido ascorbico utilizou-se HPLC. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, verificou-se que os frutos coletados de uma planta individual situada no rio Urubu apresentaram as maiores concentracoes de acido ascorbico 6112±137,5 mg em 100g (polpa). As populacoes de camu-camu oriundas dos rios Urubu e Mau apresentaram concentracoes de acido ascorbico na ordem de 5737±236,1 mg (polpa+casca) e 3571±12,0 mg (polpa) respectivamente. Esse achado inedito demonstra a necessidade de mais estudos, considerando a variabilidade genetica do camu-camu e o potencial nutricional como fonte de vitamina C.

Chemical composition of the fruit mesocarp of three peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) populations grown in central Amazonia, Brazil.

The percent composition, soluble and insoluble food fibers, oil fatty acids and minerals were determined in the mesocarp of fruits of three peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) populations grown in Central Amazonia, Brazil. Amino acids were also determined in one of the populations. The mean protein levels ranged from 1.8 to 2.7%, lipid levels ranged from 3.5 to 11.1%, the nitrogen free fraction ranged from 24.3 to 35%, food fiber ranged from 5.2% to 8.7%, and energy ranged from 179.1 to 207.4 kcal%. All essential, as well as non-essential, amino acids were present, with tryptophan and methionine presenting the lowest mean concentrations. The mono-unsaturated oleic acid predominated in the oil, ranging from 42.8 to 60.8%, and palmitic acid was the most abundant saturated fatty acid, ranging from 24.1 to 42.3%. Among the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid was the most abundant, with a maximum of 5.4% in Pampa-8. The most important mineral elements were potassium, selenium and chromium, respectively corresponding to 12%, 9% and 9% of daily recommended allowances. Considering the nutritional potential of the fruit, we suggest its more frequent incorporation into the diet of the Amazonian population.

Quantificação de macro e micro nutrientes em algumas etnovariedades de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal)

Considering the wide genetic variability of cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal), its chemical composition was quantified in order to contribute to the chemical composition table of typical Amazonian foods. The cubiu fruit was collected at Alejo von der Pahlen (EEH) experimental station from National Research Institute of Amazonia (INPA). Eight ethno varieties of cubiu identified as 2 I, 3 I, 6, 7, 12, 14, 17, 29 I and III were analyzed. All samples used were ripe. The mineral content was determined by Neutron Activation Analysis technique and alimentary fiber by the enzymatic-gravimetric method. The results showed that cubiu is a hypo caloric food source (mean of 33 kcal and total fiber of about 1.6%). Regarding macronutrients, ethnovariety 6 showed high potassium (513.5 ± 3.1 mg) and calcium (18.8 ± 0.6 mg) concentration. Ethnovariety 21, had high Fe (564 ± 58 µg) and Cr (99 ± 8 µg) concentrations. Low concentrations of K (229.0 ± 4.5 mg), Na (53.7 ± 5.5 µg) and Zn (89.3 ± 4.7 µg) were found for ethnovariety 12. Although the cubiu fruit presents great variation of its mineral contents due to different ethnovarieties, it could still contribute as a diet supplement to reach the minimum nutrient requirements for the Amazonian population.

Determinação da formulação e caracterização do néctar de camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh)

Camu-camu is a wild fruit distributed throughout the banks of lakes and rivers in Amazonia, which presents a great economical potential on account of its agronomic, technological and nutritional features. Nevertheless, its consumption is still restricted due to its high acidity, bitterness, and skin astringency, thus needing the use of proper technologies for its use. The objective of the present study was to determine the ideal camu-camu nectar formulation and to assess its physical and physical-chemical characteristics. Nine formulations with different pulp and sugar concentrations, which were submitted to a preference test by a board of 30 untrained tasters, were prepared in order to obtain the nectar. Among the tested formulations, the one presenting the highest degree of preference was prepared with 17.5% of sugar and 17% of pulp, presenting values of LHunter 32.00, aHunter 3.22 and bHunter -0.38, ascorbic acid 382.07 mg/100 mL, anthocyanins 2.51 mg/100 g and 89.1% global acceptance. The findings demonstrate the camu-camu nectars nutritional and technological viability on account of its attractive colour, good tasting flavour, and pleasant aroma, as well as for being a source of vitamin C.

Determinantes e conseqüências da insegurança alimentar no Amazonas: a influência dos ecossistemas

In this review were investigated the principal determinants of the epidemic transition, nutritional and of the pattern of physical activity lived on by Brazilians in the last three decades. It is verified in these researches the systematic exclusion of the rural area from North region of the new national epidemic picture, currently characterized by the decline of the infantile malnutrition and concomitant rise of the obesity, beyond the lack of scientific investigation to be in reference the health, nutrition and survival conditions of the practically all the populations of North region states. Specifically for Amazonas state lesser stature is referred among the Brazilian children that become evident to exposition nutritional needs at long term. The same way, the evolutionary analysis of the regional researches characterizes the persistence of a serious picture of alimentary insecurity. However, it is known that the Amazonia holds a great diversity in fishes and fruits, what should represent an abundant offer and to make use of protein of the highest biological quality, calories, vitamins, minerals, and like this, to make possible an appropriate pattern of health, nutrition and life quality for its population. The social and economical reality, as well as the picture of precariousness of the health and nutritional of the region contradicts with its abundance in natural resources. For the understanding of this obvious paradox the components of the Amazon Bioma were investigated with relation to the: heterogeneity, complexity, fragility, interactivity and their relations with the alimentary potential of the region, as well as its influence ability in the determination of the binomial health versus nutrition for the inhabitants of their several ecosystems.

DETERMINAÇÃO DOS TEORES DE ELEMENTOS MINERAIS EM ALIMENTOS CONVENCIONAIS E NÃO CONVENCIONAIS DA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA PELA TÉCNICA DE ANÁLISE POR ATIVAÇÃO COM NÊUTRONS INSTRUMENTAL.

In the present work the concentration values of the mineral elements Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Se and Zn in conventional and non-conventional foodstuffs from Amazon Region by instrumental neutron activation analysis are presented. The concentrations to minerals varied according to the foodstuffs analysed. The highest concentrations of potassium were detected in jaca fruit (kernel and pulp) and graviola fruit. Although selenium was among the least abundant minerals, it was found in higher concentrations in graviola fruit, pupunha fruit and palm. Based on the concentration data of mineral elements it can be recommended the consumption of these foodstuffs in the daily meals of Amazonian people and we hope to contribute towards elaboration of regional and national food composition tables.

Quantificação de fibra alimentar em algumas populações de cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum dunal), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K) Mc Vaugh) e açaí (Euterpe oleracea mart)

Considering the relevance of the dietary fiber in the protection, maintenance and recovery of health, and the shortage of tables of chemical composition of food concerning Amazon fruits, the amount of alimentary fiber was determined in some populations of cubiu (Solanum sessiliflomm Dunal), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K) Mc Vaugh) and acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart), by the enzymatic-gravimetric method. The fruits had several origins: cubiu from the Experimental Station of the INPA/CPCA, camu-camu from the district of Barcelos and along Amazonas river basin, and acai from Solimoes river basin. The results showed that the concentration of total and insoluble alimentary fiber in the samples of acai from Benjamin Constant (7,66±0,33 g and 6.60±0,18 g) and Anama (7,45±0,25 g and 6,51 ±0,04 g) was significantly higher (p <0,05) than that of other origins. The largest concentrations of total alimentary fiber in cubiu were detected in the Alejo (4,38±0,0 g) and ACSI (3,88±0,I8 g) samples, being pointed out that the fraction analyzed included the peel, whose contribution was significantly larger (p <0,05) in the insoluble, soluble and total fractions. In the same way, the total (6,18±0,25 g) and insoluble (5,08±0,I4 g) alimentary fiber of the peel of camu-camu, were superior to the found in the other samples. Therefore, cubiu, camu-camu and acai are important sources dietary fiber, and can contribute to the nutritional adjustment of the Amazon population.

Biodisponibilidade dos Carotenóides do Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa l.) em Ratos

Considerando a magnitude da hipovitaminose A como problema de saude publica no mundo e a disponibilidade de frutos ricos em pro-vitamina A na regiao Amazonica, determinou-se a biodisponibilidade dos carotenoides do Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) em ratos. Quarenta e oito ratos machos da linhagem Wistar (Rattus novergicus, var. albinus, Rodentia: Mammalia) recem-desmamados, com peso medio inicial de 33,8 ± 1,7g, foram distribuidos em cinco grupos, ou seja, Grupos: Deficiente, Controle 1200, Controle 2400, Buriti 1200 e Buriti 2400. As racoes foram elaboradas de acordo com a recomendacao do Committee on Laboratory Animal Diets (1993). Apos o periodo experimental de 28 dias, todos os animais foram sacrificados para a determinacao de vitamina A e caroteno no plasma e no figado. A menor concentracao de vitamina A hepatica e plasmatica foi observada no Grupo Deficiente. Por sua vez, as reservas hepaticas de vitamina A dos animais dos grupos Buriti 1200 e 2400 foram significativamente superiores quando comparados com os grupos Controle 1200 e 2400, respectivamente. Os resultados desse estudo demonstraram ser o buriti uma fonte de pro-vitamina A altamente biodisponivel, com eficiencia relativa de 254,6% (1200ER/Kg racao) e 179,4% (2400 ER/Kg racao) quando comparado com os respectivos grupos controle, indicando a maior biodisponibilidade dos carotenoides em doses proximas a recomendada.

Influência do processo de cocção no teor de mercúrio em peixes

This study evaluated different cooking processes (roasted, cooked and fried) on total mercury (Hg) content in fish species most consumed by Manaus residents and surrounding communities, Amazon region. The results obtained for total Hg in natura and after the three types of preparation (roasted, cooked and fried) for 12 fish species showed a significant Hg concentration variation. In the present study the cooked and frying processes resulted in higher Hg losses for Pacu, Pescada, Jaraqui, Curimata, Surubin and Aruana fish species, most of them presenting detritivorous and carnivorous feeding habits. The higher Hg losses in the roasting process occurred for Sardinha, Aracu, Tucunare, Pirapitinga, Branquinha and Tambaqui fish species, most of them being omnivorous and herbivorous fish species. Some micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn) in fish species in natura were also determined in order to perform a nutritional evaluation regarding these micronutrients.

Perfil nutricional da dieta dos pré-escolares do município de Nhamundá-AM, Brasil

Determinou-se os constituintes nutricionais das dietas dos pre-escolares do Municipio de Nhamunda-AM, seguido da adequacao dos mesmos. Utilizou-se a tecnica de amostragem da porcao em duplicata, que consistiu em coletar todos os alimentos e bebidas consumidos durante um dia para a avaliacao dietetica. Os resultados mostraram uma baixa adequacao calorica, alem das deficiencias para os elementos minerais ferro, calcio e zinco.