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31.07.2008: Excess water consumption can harm [1]
The general advice is to consume eight glasses of water a day (2 - 2.5 litres), which is approximately equal to the amount lost through normal bodily functions. One litre as an absolute minimum to avoid kidney damage During times of excess perspiration (such as heavy exercise). Tea and coffee also count as water intake.
Hydration and detox diets
Hydration and detox diets promote excess water consumption. According to Sarah Palmer from Daily Mail a low plasma sodium level with brain damage or death may occur when too much water is consumed. Several adverse outcome are known.
Some hydrating diets, like detox diets recommend drinking five to six litres of water and eating only fruit and vegetables with no salt for a number of days. This may work for a short period, but salt levels, after some time, will fall below a harmful levels. Most prominent detox advocate is Dr Nish Joshi. [2] [3] [4]
Dr. Andrew Wadge from UK FSA says that instead of being tempted by the latest 'detox' diet or supplements one should drink a glass or two of water (tap is fine, cheaper and more sustainable than bottled), get a little exercise - maybe a walk in the park - and third, enjoy some nice home-cooked food. There's a lot of nonsense talked about 'detoxing' and most people seem to forget that we are born with a built-in detox mechanism. It's called the liver. [5]
“Detox” is a food claim
According to UK Food Standards Agency, the term “Detox” refers to a function in the body and would be a health claim. As detox could refer to a range of functions, whether this is a health claim that should be listed in the Community Register of authorised claims or is a claim referring to general, non-specific benefits of the nutrient or food for overall good health or health-related well- being, may depend on the nature of the product. [6]
[1]Daily Mail : Are we in danger of drinking too much water?
By Sarah Chalmers Last updated at 11:04 PM on 23rd July 2008
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1038118/Are-danger-drinking-water.html#
[2] The detox diet: 21 days to health
http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/the_detox_diet_21_days_to_health.php
[3] The Independent: Hydration Diet woman awarded £810,000 damages. 23.07.08
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hydration-diet-woman-awarded-163810000-damages-874864.html
[4] The Joshi Clinic
http://www.thejoshiclinic.com/
[5] FSA: Dump the detox. Andrew Wadge, December 27. 2007. in Science, Safety and Health.
http://www.fsascience.net/2007/12/27/dump_the_detox?from=50&comments_per_page=50
[6] FSA: Guidance to compliance with European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Section 9 (9.1) 8- Is “detox” a nutrition or a health claim?
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/ec19242006complianceguide.pdf
30.07.2008: Very high levels of marine-derived n-3 fatty acids reduce heart disease risk [1]
Akira Sekikawa and colleagues 2008 report that Japanese born and living in Japan had two-fold higher blood omega- 3 levels and lower atherosclerotic events compared with a population of white and Japanese living in the US which presented low levels of blood omega-3 and high coronary diseases. According to the authors marine-derived n-3 fatty acids at low levels are cardioprotective through their antiarrhythmic effect.
The authors concluded that the diet in Japan rich in fish, with men consuming an average of 100 grams every day, result in high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which may help to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.
The authors stress that increasing fish intake to two times a week for healthy people is currently recommended in the U.S. The study shows that much higher intake of fish observed in the Japanese may have strong anti-atherogenic effect, which are lifestyle and not genetic differences related.
[1] Sekikawa, Akira; Curb, J. David; Ueshima, Hirotsugu; El-Saed, Aiman; Kadowaki, Takashi; Abbott, Robert D.; Evans, Rhobert W.;Rodriguez, Beatriz L.; Okamura, Tomonori; Sutton-Tyrrell, Kim; Nakamura, Yasuyuki; Masaki, Kamal; Edmundowicz, Daniel; Kashiwagi, Atsunori; Willcox, Bradley J.; Takamiya, Tomoko; Mitsunami, Ken-ichi; Seto, Todd B.; Murata, Kiyoshi; White, Roger L.; Kuller, Lewis H.: Marine-Derived n-3 Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis in Japanese, Japanese Americans, and White Men: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Volume 52, Pages 417-424, doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2008.03.047 ScienceDirect
30.07.2008: The Doha trade talks in Geneva unable to reach decisions [1]
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy announced that ministers have failed in their effort to agree on blueprint agreements in agriculture and industrial products at the meeting on Geneva from 21-29 July 2008.
Some say that DOHA talks will only start again after elections in USA and in the European Commission in 2009, for changes in the actual politic.
The DOHA trade talks want to cut agricultural and industrial tariffs and reduce farm subsidies to benefit developing countries.
The safeguard barrier
The talks stalled on the safeguard barrier allowing developing countries to temporarily raise tariffs temporarily in order to deal with import surges and price falls.
Some, leaded by the USA wanted a large import surge needed to trigger the tariff increase in order to avoid the safeguard being triggered by normal trade growth, while others, like India and China, however, wanted a lower trigger so that the safeguard could be easier to use and more useful.
[1] WTO NEWS — DDA JULY 2008 PACKAGE: SUMMARY 29 JULY Day 9: Talks collapse despite progress on a list of issues
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news08_e/meet08_summary_29july_e.htm
30.07.2007: Fruit-flavoured drinks with sugar sweetened may increase risk of type 2 diabetes [1]
Julie Palmer and colleagues 2008 found that the the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus increased by 24 percent in African American women, who consume at least two soft drinks a day, compared to those who drank one product a month, and 33 percent with fruit drinks. Orange and grapefruit juices and diet soft drinks were not linked to diabetes.
Fruit drinks and fruit flavoured soft drinks are increasingly being promoted as healthy despite added sugar which increases obesity and diabetes risk, according to the study of Palmer and colleagues. The researchers found that fruit drinks were associated with healthy behavioural patterns like physical activity, cereal fibre intake, and eating a low-glycemic index diet, and soft drink consumption with unhealthy behaviours.
The authors refer to the literature which indicates a positive association between greater intakes of sugar sweetened beverages and weight gain and obesity in both children and adults, because of their high content of calories and are consumed as an addition to usual food intake.
The researchers claimed that the use of sweeteners such as high-fructose corn
syrup (HFCS)were likely to have a particularly strong impact on weight gain, due in part to the possible affects it has on insulin secretion and leptin release. Whereas the metabolic effect of natural glucose and fructose from orange and grapefruit juice differt from that of HFCS.
The authors concluded that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in African American women.
[1] Palmer, Julie R.; Boggs, Deborah A.; Krishnan, Supriya; Hu, Frank B.; Singer, Martha; Rosenberg, Lynn: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in African American Women. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(14):1487-1492.
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/168/14/1487
29.07.2008 European Commission launching the Organic Campaign contravene its own regulations and general guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius [1] [2]
The European Commission launched a promotional campaign focused on increasing the market for organic, under its slogan: "Organic farming: Good for nature, good for you. It is somehow deceiving, because the EU did not specify what health benefits meant with “good for you”.
It seems that even the European Commission uses the loopholes of their own regulations to promote marketing claims which may be seen as illegal.
Not substantiated claims are prohibited
At European level [3]
Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006: (4) This Regulation should apply to all nutrition and health claims made in commercial communications, including, inter alia, generic advertising of food and promotional campaigns, such as those supported in whole or in part by public authorities.
(1) Health ‘claim’ means any message or representation, which is not mandatory under Community or national legislation, including pictorial, graphic or symbolic representation, in any form, which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular characteristics;
(5)‘Health claim’ means any claim that states, suggests or implies that a relationship exists between a food category, a food or one of its constituents and health;
(15) It is important that claims on foods can be understood by the consumer and it is appropriate to protect all consumers from misleading claims.
(23) There are many factors, other than dietary ones, that can influence psychological and behavioural functions. Communication on these functions is thus very complex and it is difficult to convey a comprehensive, truthful and meaningful message in a short claim to be used in the labelling and advertising of foods. Therefore, it is appropriate, when using psychological and behavioural claims,
to require scientific substantiation.
Article 1
Without prejudice to Directives 2000/13/EC and 84/450/EEC, the use of nutrition and health claims shall not:
(a) be false, ambiguous or misleading;
(b) give rise to doubt about the safety and/or the nutritional
adequacy of other foods;
Article 6: Scientific substantiation for claims
1. Nutrition and health claims shall be based on and substantiated by generally accepted scientific data.
The claim “Good for you” is misleading as it insinuates that conventional are not good. The dietary superiority of organic food in general, compared with conventional foods is still lacking consistent scientific substantiation as debates are going on. The claim contravenes article 1 of the Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
At international Level [4]
Codex Guidelines on claims: The claims “good for you” is in direct confrontation with the Codex Alimentarius General Guidelines on Claims CAC/GL 1-1979 (Rev. 1-1991) where article 3.3 prohibits claims which cannot be substantiated.
[1] Europa rapid press release: Organic Farming: European Commission launches new promotional campaign for organic food and farming. Reference: IP/08/1209 Date: 25/07/2008
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1209
[2] Organic Farming, Good for nature, good for you.
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/organic-farming_en
[3] Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the council of 20 December 2006
on nutrition and health claims made on foods.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:404:0009:0025:EN:PDF
[4] Codex General Guidelines on Claims CAC/GL 1-1979 (Rev. 1-1991)
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/download/standards/33/CXG_001e.pdf
28.07.2008: Peanut consumption during pregnancy
UK's House of Lords report on
allergy 2007 says peanuts abstinence during pregnancy is not
necessary [1] [2]
Despite highlighting that the increase in
peanut allergy has been extraordinary, with a 117.3 per cent increase
in the prevalence of peanut allergy from 2001 to 2005 the report
recommended to withdraw government guidance advising some pregnant
women and young children to avoid peanuts, alleging that abstinence
from peanuts during pregnancy and early life may actually increase
the risk of developing peanut allergy. The report refers to Israel,
where peanuts are commonly used in infants' weaning foods with a low
incidence of peanut allergy.
Peanuts and peanut products
consumption during pregnancy increases risk on childhood asthma
development [3]
The study of Saskia Willers and colleagues
2008 present new arguments against the X House of Lords report 2007
which speaks in favour of peanut consumption. Willers found a strong
association between daily versus rare nut product consumption during
pregnancy and symptoms of asthma in children.
The
authors concluded that daily consumption of peanuts and their
products increased the asthma outcomes for about 50 per cent compared
to rare consumption, but no association was found for vegetable,
fish, egg, milk or milk products during pregnancy with asthma. The
authors stress that the study deals with asthma and not specifically
with peanut allergy and call for caution on this respect.
[1]
UK House of Lords : Science and Technology Committee
, 6th Report
of Session 2006–07. Allergy. Volume I
Report.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldselect/ldsctech/166/166i.pdf
[2]
House of Lords Press Release: The Committee make a specific
recommendation that current Government guidance, which advises some
pregnant women and young children to avoid peanuts, should be
immediately withdrawn Wednesday 26 September
2007.
http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/lords_press_notices/pn260907st.cfm
[3]
Willers,Saskia M.; Wijga, Alet H.;Brunekreef, Bert; Kerkhof, Marjan;
Gerritsen, Jorrit; Hoekstra, Maarten O.; de Jongste, Johan C.; Smit,
Henriette A.: Maternal Food Consumption during Pregnancy and the
Longitudinal Development of Childhood Asthma. American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Volume 178, Pages
124-131
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/178/2/124
27.07.2008: Dietary fibre [1]
Soluble Fiber (e.g., pectins, gums, mucillages, and some hemicellulose) – Soluble fiber is found in fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, oats, legumes and seeds.
Insoluble fibre (e.g., cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose) - Insoluble fiber is found in the plant cell walls of whole grain bread, whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, unprocessed bran and wheat germ. Many insoluble fibres, including cellulose and psyllium, are not fermented.
Resistant Starch - Starch that resists digestion is found in foods such as legumes, bananas (especially under-ripe, slightly green bananas), and unprocessed whole grains. Resistant starch incorporates some benefits of insoluble fibre as well as soluble fibre, and acts like dietary fibre.
There are four types of resistant starches:
- RS1 Physically inaccessible or digestible resistant starch, such as that found in seeds or legumes and unprocessed whole grains
- RS2 Resistant starch that occurs in its natural granular form, such as uncooked potato, green banana flour and high amylose corn.
- RS3 Resistant starch that is formed when starch-containing foods are cooked and cooled such as in bread, cornflakes and cooked-and-chilled potatoes or retrograded high amylose corn.
- RS4 Starches that have been chemically modified to resist digestion, and are not found in nature.
Improved gluten free breads [2]
Coeliac disease demands for gluten free foods. Starches from corn, rice, soy and buckwheat flours in stead of wheat flour. However, according to Jaraslaw Korus and colleagues 2008, these products lack important nutrients and dietary fibre.
To improve the weaker structure of gluten-free bread compared with conventional bread and to increase its content of dietary fibre Korus replaced partially corn starch in gluten free bread with resistant starch, aiding functioning of the digestive tract, microbial flora, blood cholesterol levels and can help in diabetes management.
On the other hand, preparations using resistant starch are "less prone to pasting". Since the structure of bread depends on starch gelatinisation, it was thought that this could affect loaf quality.
The gluten free breads containing corn starch, potato starch, guar gum, pectin, freeze dried yeast, sucrose, salt, plant oil and water was modified in that 10, 15, 20 and 50 per cent of corn starch was replaced by corn resistant starch, and the same proportions of potato starch were replaced by tapioca resistant starch.
The best results in lowering the hardness of the bread were obtained with tapioca resistant starch, however, other effects on rheological parameters, such as crumb texture were limited.
The authors concluded that partial replacement if starch in recipes for gluten free bread with resistant starch preparation doesn't significantly influence organoleptic quality, but the breads with resistant starch were seen to have much high dietary fibre content, as well as insoluble and soluble fractions. A total dietary fibre of 6.30g per 100g had been achieved, which makes it advisable for practice.
Physical properties and biological impact of resistant starches RS3 [3]
According to Haralampu retrograded starch, and particularly retrograded amylose RS3, are the most thermally stable forms.
Early studies on the digestibility stated that retrograded amylose was non-nutritive, a slow digestion by amylases, however, were recently discovered, releasing glucose and other oligosaccharides .
The author stresses that the use of resistant starch in food products for certain target groups, such as diabetics and athletes should be considered. Haralampu reviews sources of resistant starches highly concentrated in retrograde amylose and describes a product for modulating the glucose response of diabetics, and effects on an extruded cereal product.
[1] Wikipedia: Resistant starch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistant_starch
[2] Food Hydrocolloids (Elsevier) - online ahead of print
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2008.07.010
"The impact of resistant starch in characteristics of gluten-free dough and bread"
Korus, Jaraslaw; Witczak, Mariusz; Ziobro, Rafal; Juszczak, Leslaw
[3] Haralampu, S. G.: Resistant starch—a review of the physical properties and biological impact of RS3 Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 41, Issue 3, March 2000, Pages 285-292
doi:10.1016/S0144-8617(99)00147-2
27.07.2008: Magnesium, calcium and zinc as L-lysinate in supplements were found safe by EFSA [1]
The European Food Safety Authority's Panel on Food Additives found Magnesium L-lysinate , calcium L-lysinate and zinc L-lysinate as sources for magnesium, calcium and zinc in supplements as safe.
The Panel says that a dose twice of what is found in normal diets is considered of no safety concern.
The used supplements are salts of the amino acid L-lysine. L-Lysine, following ingestion, is absorbed and transported to the liver.
The Panel calculated that less than 9 g/day of lysine are ingested to provide a supplementation of 250 mg Mg/day, 800 mg Ca/day and 15 mg Zn/day. In a worst case assumption the Panel estimated the potential exposure to lysine to be up to 353 mg/kg bw/day for an adult with a standard body weight of 60 kg. These values are low
compared to the level of lysine in protein rich foods.
Based on present data the Panel concluded that the use of magnesium L-lysinate, calcium L-lysinate and zinc L-lysinate used in food supplements as a source of respectively magnesium, calcium and zinc is not of safety concern at the proposed use levels.
[1] EFSA: Magnesium L-lysinate, calcium L- lysinate, zinc L- lysinate as sources for magnesium, calcium and zinc added for nutritional purposes in food supplements - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food
Question number: EFSA-Q-2005-142, EFSA-Q-2005-127, EFSA-Q-2005-218. Publication date: 21.07.2008
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/Scientific_Opinion/afc_ej761_lysinates_op_en,0.pdf
26.07.2008: Soy foods and reduced fertility
The soy genistein may damage human sperm [1]
Isoflavones that exert an oestrogen-like effect like genistein, daidzein, and glycitein from soy, are dietary oestrogens that are a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy and are supposed to slow prostate and breast cancer.
Lynn Fraser and colleagues 2005 reported that even tiny doses of these natural compounds can cause human sperm to lose fertility. Fraser says that genistein combined with other environmental oestrogens, such as 8-prenylnaringenin (found in hops), and nonylphenol that is found in industrial products like paints, pesticides and cleaning products, the damage to fertility increases.
The combination of these chemicals get effective at capacitation, the stage when a sperm acquires the ability to fertilise an egg. The chemicals cause the release of the enzymes that enable the sperm to penetrate the coverings of the egg. When the release happens before the sperm finds the egg cell, it looses the capability to penetrate the egg.
Fraser says that the premature capacitation is stimulated by both genistein and nonylphenol which trigger the production of the messenger AMP which is more likely to affect sperm when they reached the female tract where they would be preparing to fertilise eggs. Maternal exposure to the compounds is therefore probably more important than paternal exposure.
Soy products were found to reduce the concentration of sperm particularly in overweight or obese. persons. [2]
A study by Jorge Chavarro and colleagues 2008 found that high consumption of soy isoflavones could affect fertility.
Soy foods like tofu, tempeh, soy milk and other non-daily alternatives, energy bars, and vegetarian products using soy as a meat analogue were included in the study. Half a serving is said to be equivalent to one cup of soy milk or one portion of tofu, tempeh, or soy burgers every other day.
Those who had the highest intake - an average of half a portion of soy foods per day - were seen to have sperm concentrations of 41m less per ml. The normal sperm concentration range is 80-120m per ml.
High sperm count and overweight: The effect on sperm concentrations seemed to be more pronounced in men who already had higher or normal sperm counts. Overweight people presented a more pronounced effect, because higher body fat produces more oestrogen than slimmer men.
Chavarro and colleagues concluded that men should avoid eating too much soy if they are planning a family.
The authors stress, however that Asian populations consuming high amounts of soy foods presented no reduced fertility or other health problems.
Genetic susceptibility to estrogen from soy products [3}
Although the importance of estrogens in male reproduction is indisputable, little attention has been paid to the role of estrogen receptor (ER) gene mutations in male infertility. The authors found an association between higher TA repeat number (genotype A) and lower sperm production. In line with this observation, normospermic subjects with genotype A had a significantly lower mean sperm concentration with respect to men bearing genotype B with shorter TA alleles and a lower total sperm count.
The authors concluded that specific allelic combinations of the ERalpha, which confer a stronger estrogen effect, may negatively influence human spermatogenesis.
[1] Fraser, Lynn R.; Beyret, Ergin; Milligan, Stuart R.; Adeoya-Osiguwa, Susan A.: Effects of estrogenic xenobiotics on human and mouse spermatozoa. Human Reproduction 2006 21(5):1184-1193; doi:10.1093/humrep/dei486
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/21/5/1184
[2] Jorge E. Chavarro , Thomas L. Toth , Sonita M. Sadio , and Russ Hauser. Soy food and isoflavone intake in relation to semen quality parameters among men from an infertility clinic. Human Reproduction, July 24, 2008 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den243
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/den243v1
[3] Guarducci, Elena; Nuti, Francesca; Becherini, Lucia; Rotondi, Mario; Balercia, Giancarlo; Forti, Gianni; Krausz, Csilla: Estrogen receptor alpha promoter polymorphism: stronger estrogen action is coupled with lower sperm count. Human Reproduction 2006 21(4):994-1001; doi:10.1093/humrep/dei439
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/4/994
26.07.2008: High fat build-up from fructose consumption compared with other types of sugars, such as glucose and sucrose [1]
Elizabeth Parks and colleagues 2008 compared the formation of fat (lipogenesis) following consumption of pure glucose, or combinations of glucose and fructose. They found a surprising speed with which humans make body fat from fructose. Dr. Parks explained that fructose, glucose and sucrose can be made into triglycerides, a form of body fat; however, once the process of fat synthesis from fructose has started, it's hard to slow it down.
The authors report that lipogenesis increased from 7.8 per cent for the glucose beverage to 15.9 per cent after a 50:50 glucose/fructose beverage and 16.9 per cent after a beverage containing 25:75 glucose/fructose, and blood triglyceride levels were between 11 and 29 per cent higher after consumption of the 50:50 and 25:75 beverage, compared to the 100 per cent glucose drink.
Dr. Parks explained that sugar is either stored as glycogen, burnt for energy or turn the glucose into triglycerides. Fructose bypasses the liver and floods the metabolic pathways, that is why fructose very quickly gets made into fat in the body.
The authors stress,however, that obesity and the rise of type-2 diabetes are not caused by one ingredient alone. The sum of calories of fat, proteins and carbohydrate is to high compared with the activity level of Western diet.
[1] Parks, Elizabeth J.; Skokan, Lauren E.; Timlin, Maureen T. ; Dingfelder, Carlus S.: Dietary Sugars Stimulate Fatty Acid Synthesis in Adults. J. Nutr. 2008 138: 1039-1046.
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/138/6/1039
26.07.2008: EFSA update of the conclusions on bisphenol [1]
The Panel considered the significant differences between humans and rodents, such as the fact that people metabolise and excrete BPA far more quickly than rodents. This body of evidence further limits the relevance of low-dose effects of BPA reported in some rodent studies used for human risk assessment.
In its previous risk assessment, the Panel derived a TDI of 0.05 mg/kg body weight based on the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 5 milligram/kg body weight/day for effects in rats and included an uncertainty factor of 100. In this latest assessment, the Panel concluded that this TDI provides a sufficient margin of safety for the protection of the consumer, including foetuses and newborns.
EFSA NOAEL setting for bisphenol is in conformity with different studies on this matter, such as the report of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety, (VKM, 2008), which concluded that the findings did not provide sufficient evidence for setting a robust lower NOAEL than the current NOAEL set by EFSA at 5 mg/kg body weight/day. [2] [3] [4]
[1] EFSA updates advice on bisphenol. Press Room 23.07.2008.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902017373.htm
[2] Bisphenol-A, position of the FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bpa.html#overview
[3] Chemical Substances in Batch 2 of the Challenge (Canada)
http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/batch-lot_2_e.html
[4] Norwegian study on Bisphenol-A
http://www.vkm.no/eway/default.aspx
25.07.2008: There are no food safety concerns about cloned foods, but animal health and welfare is compromised says EFSA [1]
In its final scientific opinion on the implications of animal cloning on food safety, animal health and welfare and the environment the EFSA stated in June 2008. Some of the key conclusions of the opinion include:
-There are significant animal health and welfare issues for surrogate mothers and clones that can be more frequent and severe than for conventionally bred animals.
- There are only little data available concerning cloned foods.
- A high number of cattle and pigs clones presented severe health and welfare adverse anomalies.
- Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer (the most common technique used to clone animals) has resulted in the production of healthy cattle and pig clones.
- No differences between food products from clones or their offspring, in terms of food safety, compared to products from conventionally bred animals if healthy animals which comply with the relevant food safety regulations and controls.
- No environmental impact is foreseen but there are only limited data available.
- The health and welfare of clones should be monitored during their production life and natural life span, and further causes of pathologies and mortality, the immunocompetence and the susceptibility of clones and their offspring to diseases and transmissible agents should be investigated.
[1] EFSA adopts final scientific opinion on animal cloning. Press Room 24.07.2008.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902019762.htm
24.07.2008: Comparing nutrient levels in organic and conventional foods [1]
Charles Benbrook and colleagues published in March 2008. a study comparing nutrient levels in organic and conventional foods. The authors used data from scientific studies on published since 1980, including quercetin, kaempferol, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin E, potassium, phosphorous, nitrate, and total protein, between organically and conventionally grown food.
In 236 samples of organic and conventional foods, which were equally measured on nutrient content, 61% of the organic samples were claimed to be nutritionally more dense. The organic samples were also said to have higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants. Overall, across all 236 matched pairs and 11 nutrients, the nutritional premium of the organic foods was on average 25%.
Quercetrin
Benbrook and colleagues say that organically grown vegetables contained 2.4 times more quercetrin (a precursor of quercetin) than conventionally grown ones. According to the author, quercetin is used by the plant to protect itself from pests and weeds.
The organic samples contained higher concentrations of the very important polyphenols and antioxidants in about three-quarters of the 59 matched pairs representing those four phytonutrients. Increasing intakes of these nutrients is a vital goal to improve public health since daily intakes of antioxidants and polyphenols are less than one-half of recommended levels
Critic of the Benbrook study [2]
Dr Joseph Rosen, however, re-open the debate as to whether organic or conventionally produced foods are nutritionally superior. Rosen criticises the study of Benbrook because results which were not statistically significant were included, while other important data were not. Rosen, recalculating data from Bonbrook, found that organic produces were actually 2% more nutritious that the organic produce.
Rosen says that in the studied cases organic vegetables had been sprayed with an organic pesticide which would have increased the plant's production of quercetin. In the study of Benbrook, the nutrient content of kiwi fruit, the skin which is not eaten by the consumer was included.
The American Council on Science and Health say that Dr. Rosen's analysis demonstrates how organic proponents have used misleading and inappropriately-evaluated data to support their agenda to promote organic foods. Charles Benbrook is a consultant for the Organic Trade Association's Organic Center.
[1] Benbrook, Charles; Zhao, Xin; Yáñez, Jaime; Davies, Neal; Andrews, Preston: State of Science Review: Nutritional Superiority of Organic Foods . March 2008. GMO Pundit a.k.a. April 04, 2008
http://www.organic-center.org/reportfiles/5367_Nutrient_Content_SSR_FINAL_V2.pdf
[2] Rosen, Joseph D.: Quercetin Content in Organic and Conventional Crops: A Review of the Evidence Today in AgBioView from AgBioWorld, Apr. 3, 2008
http://gmopundit.blogspot.com/2008/04/much-ado-about-phytochemical-diffrences.html
24.07.2008: Biofilms protect bacteria from predators [1]
Sessile bacterial communities such as Pseudoalteromonas tunicata are organized as biofilms which serve as bacterial refuge from bacterivorous nanoflagellates such as Cafeteria roenbergensis. The authors identified a violet antiprotozoal compound, the alcaloid violacein, secreted by the biofilm cells. Violacein inhibits protozoan feeding by inducing a conserved eukaryotic cell death program.
In food producing factories and hospitals biofilms with spoilage or pathogen bacteria are a serious problem. Protected by the mucus of the biofilm, the bacteria are protected from antibiotics and desinfection.
[1] Matz, Carsten; Webb, Jeremy S.; Schupp, Peter J.; Phang, Shui Yen; Penesyan, Anahit; Egan, Suhelen; Steinberg, Peter; Kjelleberg, Staffan : Marine Biofilm Bacteria Evade Eukaryotic Predation by Targeted Chemical Defense. PLoS ONE 3(7): e2744. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002744. 23 Juli 2008.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0002744
20.07.2008: Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) says that healthy diet lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with kidney malfunction [1]
Jennifer A Nettleton and colleagues 2008 assessed the associations between urinary albumin excretion and dietary patterns and intake of plant and animal foods. Foods were grouped in plant food intake (fruit, fruit juice, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and refined grains), animal food intake (red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, high-fat dairy, and low-fat dairy), and nondairy animal food intake, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio was determined.
The authors found that a high intake of low-fat dairy foods and a dietary pattern rich in whole grains, fruit, and low-fat dairy foods were both associated with lower urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, a high ratio indicates poor kidney function. Kidney malfunction may lead to coronary vascular diseases. In contrast, collectively, nondairy animal food intake was positively associated with urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
Low-fat dairy foods are also highlighted by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) intervention which found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and decreased saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol reduced both diastolic and systolic blood pressure in similar baseline blood pressure groups.
[1] Nettleton, Jennifer A.; Steffen, Lyn M .; Palmas, Walter; Burke, Gregory L.; Jacobs Jr.; David R.: Associations between microalbuminuria and animal foods, plant foods, and dietary patterns in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Am J Clin Nutr 2008 87: 1825-1836.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/6/1825
19.07.2007: The Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT) says that weight-loss diets can be tailored to personal preferences [1]
Dr Iris Shai and colleagues 2008 studied the effects of three diets: low-fat/restricted-calorie diet; Mediterranean/restricted-calorie diet; or low-carbohydrate diet, with no restriction on calories
- The low-fat diet used the AHA guidelines with intake of 1500 kcal for women and 1800 kcal for men daily, with 30% of energy from fat, 10% from saturated fat, and 300 mg of cholesterol daily.
- The Mediterranean diet had a high vegetable and low meat content with poultry and fish and similar amount of energy daily.
- The low-carbohydrate diet provided 20 g of carbohydrate daily for 2 months with an increase to 120 g per day.
Weight loss occurred in all three groups over the 24 months but was greater in the Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate groups. In men weight loss was greatest in the low-carbohydrate group, whereas women appeared to lose more weight on the Mediterranean diet.
Dr. Shai says that Mediterranean diet makes it easier to reduce calories because moderate fat consumption is permitted.
Low-carbohydrate diet such as Atkins diet defines carbohydrate foods so the dieter can avoid them without counting calories. Craving in this diet is reduced, compared to other diets, it offers higher satiety, and it provides an encouraging immediate response of the body weight.
The author concluded that Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets are effective alternatives to low-fat diets. They call for individualized tailoring of dietary interventions.
The position of AHA [2]
The American Heart Association (AHA) commenting the study said that the outdated 2000 AHA guidelines had been used for the low-fat diet. The Association stresses that dietary fat restriction at 30% of calories is no longer part of the AHA guidelines 2005. The saturated-fat content has been reduced from 10% to 7% and the cholesterol content from 300 to 200 mg/day.
The AHA does not support the Atkins diet. AHA remains firm in its proposition to reduce saturated fats stating that they raise LDL cholesterol. This is consistent with the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, the American Diabetes Association, and the [US Department of Agriculture] USDA.
The American Diabetes Association stated in January 2008 that low-carbohydrate diets should be considered for a maximum of one year.
[1] Shai I, Schwarzfuchs D, Henkin Y, et al. Weight loss with a low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or low-fat diet. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:229-241. July 17, 2008.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/359/3/229
[2] AHA: Know your fats
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=532
18.07.2008: Bacteria are increasing their resistance to antibiotics [1]
Common bacteria have acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. Most of these strains were confined to hospitals, however, some strains are now being found in free environment, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative bacteria. To curb the use of antibiotics Gary Taubes advocates a switch from broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotics and the reduction of the standard 7 to 10 days drug treatment, adopting a shorter use of antibiotics. Taubes cites the resistance of Clostridium difficile [2]
Eliot Marshall cites the resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Tomsk, Siberia, where Partners in Health (PIH) made some progress collaborating with local authorities which report that deaths have declined, but resistance to drugs remains high. [3]
The authors claim that changes in natural ecosystems, including the release of large amounts of antimicrobials, might alter the population dynamics of microorganisms, including selection of resistance. Antibiotics in feed used to improve productivity of flocks are a one important door to high releases in the environment, affecting food safety.
Martínez, Monk and Goffeau. describes the evolution of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria in natural environments and considers possible intervention in the expression of these genes. The authors strategies are based on improved diagnosis and indirect intervention via inhibition of the energy supply for drug efflux as a way to develop of broad-spectrum fungicides. [4] [5]
[1] Roberts, Leslie; Simpson, Stephen: Deadly Defiance. Science 18 July 2008:
Vol. 321. no. 5887, p. 355. Doi: 10.1126/science.321.5887.355
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/sci;321/5887/355
[2] Taubes, Gary: Collateral Damage: The Rise of Resistant C. difficile. Science 18 July 2008:
Vol. 321. no. 5887, p. 360 Doi: 10.1126/science.321.5887.360
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/sci;321/5887/360
[3] Eliot Marshall: Trench Warfare in a Battle With TB
Science 18 July 2008, Vol. 321 (5887), 362. Doi: 10.1126/science.321.5887.362
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/sci;321/5887/362
[4] Martínez, José L.: Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Natural Environments
Science 18 July 2008. Vol. 321 (5887), 365. Doi: 10.1126/science.1159483
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;321/5887/365
[5] Monk, Brian C.; Goffeau, Andre: Outwitting Multidrug Resistance to Antifungals. Science 18 July 2008. Vol. 321 (5887), 367. Doi: 10.1126/science.1159746
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;321/5887/367
17.07.2008: EFSA Advises on the Safety of Aluminium in Food [1]
Europe's food safety watchdog established a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of 1 milligram of aluminium per kilogram of body weight.
The mean dietary exposure of adults varied from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/kg bw/per week. In children and young people, the highest exposures ranged from 0.7 to 2.3 mg/kg bw/per week. The TWI of 1 mg/kg bw/week is therefore likely to be exceeded in a significant part of the European population.
Children generally have higher food intake than adults when expressed on a body weight basis, and therefore represent the group with the highest potential exposure to aluminium per kg body weight. Large individual variations in dietary exposure to aluminium can occur. In children and young people the potential estimated exposure at the 97.5th percentile ranged from 0.7 mg/kg bw/week for children aged 3-15 years in France to 2.3 mg/kg bw/week for toddlers (1.5-4.5 years) and 1.7 mg/kg bw/week for those aged 4-18 years in the UK. Cereals and cereal products, vegetables, and beverages appeared to be the main contributors (>10%) to the dietary aluminium exposure in the general population.
The major source of exposure to aluminium in foods originates from its natural occurrence, from the use of food additives containing aluminium and from the presence of aluminium in food contact materials such as pots, pans and foil. The main contributors to aluminium intake from the diet are cereals and cereal products (such as bread, cakes, biscuits and pastries) vegetables (such as mushrooms, spinach, radish and lettuce), beverages (such as tea and cocoa) and some infant formulae. Drinking water is a minor source of exposure. Additional exposure may arise from pharmaceuticals and consumer products containing aluminium compounds.
The Panel based its evaluation on the combined evidence from a number of animal studies showing adverse effects on testes, embryos and the developing and mature nervous system following dietary administration of aluminium compounds.
Aluminium has shown neurotoxicity in patients undergoing dialysis and thereby chronically exposed to high concentrations of aluminium. It has also been suggested that aluminium is associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases in humans; however, based on the available scientific data, the Panel did not consider exposure to aluminium through food to present a risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
Under normal and typical conditions the contribution of migration from food contact materials would represent only a small fraction of the total dietary intake. However, the Panel noted that in the presence of acids and salts, the use of aluminium-based pans, bowls, and foils for foods such as apple puree, rhubarb, tomato puree or salted herring could result in increased aluminium concentrations in such foods. Also, the use of aluminium vessels and trays for convenience and fast food in might moderately increase the aluminium concentrations, especially in foods that contain tomato, different types of pickles, and vinegar.
Aluminium in infant formula [2]
In infants aged 0-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 months, potential dietary exposures from infant formulae and other foods manufactured specially for infants were estimated to be respectively 0.10, 0.20, 0.43 and 0.78 mg/kg bw/week.
Potential exposure to aluminium in 3-month infants from a variety of infant formulae was estimated by the Panel. At the mean it was up to 0.6 mg/kg bw/week for milk-based formulae and was 0.75 mg /kg bw/week for soya-based formulae; at high percentiles of exposure it was up to 0.9 mg/kg bw/week for milk-based formulae and was 1.1 mg /kg bw/week for soya-based formulae.
The Panel noted that in some individual brands of formulae (both milk-based and soya-based) the aluminium concentration was around 4 times higher that the mean concentrations estimated above, leading to a 4 times higher potential exposure in brand-loyal infants.
Potential exposure in breast-fed infants was estimated to be less than 0.07 mg/kg bw/week.
[1] EFSA Advises on the Safety of Aluminium in Food. EFSA press release 15.07.2008.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178720563452.htm
[2] Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Food Contact Materials on a request from European Commission on Safety of aluminium from dietary intake. The EFSA Journal (2008) 754, 1-4
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1178720555279.htm
17.07.2007: Prehypertension in young adulthood increases risk of atherosclerosis [1]
Prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure BP 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80 to 89 mm Hg. Recently attention is driven to the fact that prehypertension, blood pressure levels lower than those usually considered abnormal might still be harmful. The effect of prehypertension on risk for heart attacks and strokes is not entirely clear. However, studies found that hypertension increases coronary artery calcium which is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Coronary calcium can be detected by computed tomography scan.
In a study, using data of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), Mark J. Pletcher and colleagues 2008 found that prehypertension during young adulthood is common and is associated with coronary atherosclerosis 20 years later.
The authors recommend to keep systolic pressure below 120 mm Hg before age 35 years to avoid ailments in advanced age. Pletcher points to the national guidelines, which say that people with prehypertension should work on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications in order to prevent hypertension
[1] Mark J. Pletcher; Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo; Cora E. Lewis; Gina S. Wei; Steve Sidney; J. Jeffrey Carr; Eric Vittinghoff ; Charles E. McCulloch, Stephen B. Hulley: Prehypertension during young adulthood and coronary calcium later in life. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:91-99.
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/149/2/91
16.07.2008: Arsenic in rice and their products [1]
Richard Stone reported in June 2008 that rice and products such as rice bran and rice crackers have elevated arsenic levels which increase cancer risk. Rice fields are recently extended to regions where arsenic pesticides had been used in cotton plantations. Rice accumulates arsenic ten-fold compared with wheat and other cereals.
The World Health Organisation stipulates a maximum level of 10 μg/litre of arsenic for water. China regulates arsenic in food, setting levels (0.15 μg/kg). In relation to shellfish US FDA recommends a tolerable daily intake of inorganic arsenic of 130 μg.
In 2007 high levels of arsenic were found in in a rice porridge sold in UK supermarkets for weaning infants, exceeding 150 μg of inorganic arsenic/kg. Rice bran from Japan and USA was also found to have high levels of arsenic.
The FSA, however, wrote in May 2008 that the organic form of arsenic is less harmful but the inorganic form is known to cause cancer. While the concentration of total arsenic in rice is low, about 50% of it is present as inorganic arsenic. Recent studies compare intakes of arsenic from baby food with standard of drinking water. It must be decided which level of arsenic in food should be accepted. In this case the FSA believes the amounts of arsenic found are of no concern, because the arsenic is naturally present, it is likely to have always been present in rice and recent studies show that the intake levels are not increasing.
Currently, the Agency does not feel that these reports require any changes in consumption of rice or rice products for either adults or children. [2]
Arsenic in groundwater in India [3]
High arsenic content of water and some crops of rice are of local relevance.
According to Dr.Ashok Ghosh there are regions of four districts of India facing heavy contamination of ground water and irrigation water with arsenic. The districts are Patna, Bhojpur, Vaishali and Bhagalpur. Bihar has is experiencing the highes contamination of its ground water. Hand pump water was found with up to 1861ppb arsenic. This justifies the need for expanding the study area to the remaining area of Bihar state, says Dr. Ghosh.
Serious skin diseases and other ailmernts due to high arsenic in water, symptons of arsenicosis, were reported from the affected regions [4]
Genetic engineering
Zhu Yong-Guan of the Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences in Beijing, China to investigate ways in which farm practices could be changed, for instance by growing paddy rice in raised beds or engineering rice plants to shed arsenic.
Other studies include aquaglyceroporins which are proteins which transport arsenic and other metals across cell membranes. A transgenic rice with modified aquaglyceroporins settings or inclusion of bactzerial enzime, arsenite S-adenosyl-methyltransferase, may reduce final arsenic content of rice.
Other strategies are being suggeste, like blending high arsenic rice with low arsenic rice from other regions of the world is being suggested. Researchers suggest to grow upland rice on dry land which absorbs far less arsenic from the soil , or to grow rice aerobically in raised beds to reduce the mobilisation of soil arsenite.
[1]Richard Stone: FOOD SAFETY: Arsenic and Paddy Rice: A Neglected Cancer Risk?
Science 11 July 2008: 184-185. DOI: 10.1126/science.321.5886.184
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/321/5886/184
[2] FSA: Arsenic in rice. May 1st 2008 in Science, safety and health.
http://www.fsascience.net/2008/05/01/arsenic_in_rice
[3] Ashok Ghosh: Arsenic – The Slow Poison Threatening Bihar
http://ghosh51.tripod.com/id15.html
[4] Nupur Bose, Ashok K. Ghosh, N.P.Roy, Ajay Upadhyay, Amardeep Siingh and Sushantt K., Siingh: Vulnerability of population exposed to arsenic contamination in the mid Ganga plain of Bihar, India.
http://phys4.harvard.edu/~wilson/arsenic/conferences/2007_RGS/S5.3%20N%20Bose.pdf
15.07.2008: New AAP policy on heart health in children recommendations [1]
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics cholesterol-reducing medications should be considered for children who are more than eight years old and who have high LDL concentrations,. Younger patients with elevated cholesterol readings should focus on weight reduction and increased activity while receiving nutritional counseling. According to the new policy diets with reduced-fat dairy products, such as two percent milk should be considered for overweight children as young as one year of age.
Some critics on this policy came from Stephen Daniells, science editor of Foodnavigator. He argues that diet is better than controlling cholesterol in kids with statins. Changing eating habits and lifestyle of obese kids should consider plant sterols at a daily amount of 1,5 to 3 grams/day, oatmeal and beta-glucan from oats, soy, rich in omega-3 rich oils, and even garlic , says Daniells. [2]
Controversy about Statins [3]
Some scientists take a skeptical view of the need for many people to require statin treatment. Given the wide indications for which statins are prescribed, and the declining benefit in groups at lower baseline risk of cardiovascular events, the evidence base for expanded statin use has been questioned by some researchers. Some groups claim that statins are not as beneficial or safe as suggested.
[1] New AAP policy on lipid screening and heart health in children. For Release: July 7, 2008
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/july08lipidscreening.htm
[2] Foodnavigator: Diet better than statins in kids' cholesterol control. 15.07.2008
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=86498&c=yvW%2FFaETORSd%2ByeOz8%2BMIw%3D%3D
[3] Wikipedia: Statin, Controversy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statins
15.07.2008: ALA from flax, soy and canola may reduce risk of miocardial infarction [1]
According to Campos, Baylin and Willet 2008 the consumption of a diet containing vegetable oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is associated with significant reductions in the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction Investigators say the protective effect of ALA is evident among individuals with low intakes, suggesting the greatest benefit might be in developing countries, where fatty-acid consumption is limited.
Best benefits were noted by approximately 0.65% energy (1.8 g/day) which can be achieved with small amounts, just half a teaspoon, of flaxseed oil, or one to two teaspoons of soybean oil.
The authors stress that in countries with diets poor in fish, cooking with corn or sunflower oil have almost no sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of vegetable oils with ALA could have a major impact on heart disease.
In an editorial William Harris says that these findings are important for people which cannot eat fish. The supply of ALA is limited by reduced fish population. However, these findings are not consistent with studies which found no significant risk of coronary heart disease risk effect of linoleic acid. The author refers to the ongoing Alpha-Omega Study in which the cardio protective effect of 400 mg of EPA plus DHA are compared with 2 g of linolenic acid. [2]
[1] Campos H, Baylin A, Willett WC. Alpha-linolenic acid and risk of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2008;DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.762419. Available at:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.762419v1
[2[ Harris WS. Cardiovascular risk and alpha-linolenic acid. Circulation. 2008;DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.791467.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.791467v1
15.07.2008: Linoleic acid from safflower oul found to reduce blood pressure [1]
Dr Katsuyuki Miura and colleagues 2008 reports an independent inverse correlation between dietary linoleic acid and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The authors found that high linoleic acid consumption of 9 g/day were related to systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction of approximately 1.4 mm Hg and 0.9 mm Hg, respectively.
[1] Miura K, Stamler J, Nakagawa H, et al. Relationship of dietary linoleic acid to blood pressure. Hypertension. 2008;52:DOI:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.108.112383.
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/HYPERTENSIONAHA.108.112383v1
13.07.2008: High-fructose corn syrup in foods and drinks increase obesity and other health risks [1] [2]
According to a study of Miriam B. Vos and colleagues 2008, commented by George A. Bray the intake of fructose has increased in the US diets. The study of Vos and colleagues was part of the third National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES III).
According to the authors fructose intake was estimated in 1977-1978 as 37 g/day (8% of total intake) and raise up to 54.7g/day (range, 38.4-72.8) and accounted for 10.2% of total caloric intake in 2008, and less than 20% of the fructose is consumed in natural form from fruits and vegetables. Fructose is not accompanied by comparable amounts of fiber or other nutrients that promote healthy weight.
The author stress that fructose is found in sugar, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and fruits. Fruit juice and soft drinks have a higher concentration of fructose as found in whole fruit. Fructose intake from sugar or HFCS-sweetened beverages provides no other nutrients, whereas intake of fruit containing fructose provides a variety of natural, beneficial nutrients. Soft drink and fruit juice consumption has largely replaced milk intake, increasing dietary sugar and reducing protein, calcium and vitamin. Fructose increases caloric intake, increases levels of serum uric acid, heart disease risk and gout in men.
The study also points out that total fructose intake in normal-weight and overweight children was a significant predictor of smaller low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particle size, which in turn has been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
To avert the negative effects of fructose the authors recommend to consume a whole-foods diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins and to avoid foods with added sugars.
[1] Miriam B. Vos, Joel E. Kimmons; Cathleen Gillespie, Jean Welsh, Heidi Michels Blanck: Dietary Fructose Consumption Among US Children and Adults: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey CME. Medscape. Posted 07/9/2008
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/576945
[2] George A. Bray: Fructose -How Worried Should We Be? Medscape. Posted 07/09/2008
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/575891
11.07.2008: CSPI publishes guidelines on conflict of interest disclosure for scientific and medical journals [1]
The Center for Science in the Public Interest today urged editors of journals of science and medicine to adopt a common standard for disclosing financial conflicts of interest among their authors, editors, and peer reviewers. According to CSPI, Scientists' undisclosed financial ties to drug or medical device companies have been a major embarrassment for medical journals in recent years.
The guidelines require authors to disclose any financial relationship of any size from the previous three years.
Model conflict of interest disclosure guideline for scientific and medical journals [2]
For Authors:
All manuscripts for articles, original research reports, editorials, comments,
reviews, book reviews and letters that are submitted to the journal must be accompanied
by a conflict of interest disclosure statement, or a declaration by the authors that they
have no conflicts of interest to declare. All articles that are published in the journal will
be accompanied by a conflict-of-interest disclosure statement, or a statement that the
authors have replied that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
What to report: Any financial relationship from the past three years (dating from
the month of submission) of any size should be disclosed. These potential conflicts of
interest include:
* Direct employment, either full or part-time;
* Grants and research funding
* Consultancies;
* Travel grants, speaking fees, writing fees and other honoraria;
* Paid expert testimony for one side in an adversarial proceeding
For Editors, Articles Editors, and Peer Reviewers:
Journals should require that all senior editorial personnel avoid all financial relationships that might constitute a conflict of interest. Editorial managers should also avoid personal, political, or intellectual entanglements, organizational or otherwise, that could be construed as establishing a particular bias that might influence one’s judgements.
The policy also outlines an enforcement mechanism for willful violations of disclosure rules. Journals should make it their policy not to publish authors who have previously failed to disclose their ties to industry.
[1] CSPI: Model Conflict of Interest disclosure Guidelines
http://www.cspinet.org/integrity/guidelines.html
[2] Merrill Goozner, Arthur Caplan, Jonathan Moreno, Barnett S. Kramer, Thomas F.
Babor, Wendy Cowles Husser: A Common Standard for Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/20080711_a_common_standard_for_conflict_of_interest_
disclosure__final_for_conference.pdf
10.07.2008: The Weight Loss Maintenance Behavioral Intervention [1]
Jack F. Hollis and colleagues from the Weight Loss Maintenance Trial Research Group in a randomized trial reported successfull short-term weight loss in a diverse population of high-risk patients. The Weight Loss Maintenance behavioral intervention was based on combined emphasis on dietary intake and physical activity to achieve short- and long-term weight-loss goals,
The intensive weight-loss program was based onreduction of 500 calories per day, exercise for a total amount of 180 minutes each week, consumption of 2400 mg or less of sodium per day, and adherence to the DASH diet. Participants were encouraged to lose up to 2 pounds per week to achieve a total weight loss of at least 4 kg for 20 weeks.
According to the authors behavioral strategies to modify health behaviors are important components of weight-loss interventions because the ability to monitor and regulate behavior, and help to overcome barriers of initial weight loss and long-term maintenance.
[1] Jack F. Hollis, Christina M. Gullion, Victor J. Stevens, Phillip J. Brantley, Lawrence J. Appel, Jamy D. Ard, Catherine M. Champagne, Arlene Dalcin, Thomas P. Erlinger, Kristine Funk, Daniel Laferriere, Pao-Hwa Lin, Catherine M. Loria, Carmen Samuel-Hodge, William M. Vollmer, Laura P. Svetkey and Weight Loss Maintenance Trial Research Group: Weight Loss During the Intensive Intervention Phase of the Weight-Loss Maintenance Trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Volume 35, Issue 2, Pages 118-126 (August 2008)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/07493797
10.07.2008: Tofu found to be a risk of brain decay in elderely persons [1]
Cell culture studies suggest that phytoestrogens, abundant in soy products such as tempe and tofu, could protect against cognitive decline. However, the Honolulu Asia Aging Study reported an increased risk for loss of memory and dementia with high tofu intake. [2]
Phytoestrogens may protect the brains of younger and middle-aged people from damage, however, increase the risk of dementia in old persons . [3]
Eef Hogervorst and colleagues 2008 found that high tofu consumption was associated with worse memory while high tempe consumption (a fermented whole soybean product) was independently related to better memory, particularly in participants over 68 years of age. Fruit consumption also had an independent positive association.
The authors say that tofu is rich in phytoestrogens which tended to promote unhealthy growth among cells in the ageing brain. High doses of estrogens may release free radicals damaging nerve cells. It is also possible that toxic effects of formaldehyde which is sometimes used in Indonesia as a preservative, might have influenced the results of the Honolulu Study. Hogervorst, however, stresses that moderated consume of tofu does not pose heath risks.
According to the authors tempe contains high levels of phytoestrogens, however, it also presents high folate levels which may exert protective effects. Vitamin B9 from tempe is responsible for brain protection of old persons.
[1] Hogervorst,E. ; Sadjimim, T. ; Yesufu, A.; Kreager P. ; Rahardjo,T.B.: High Tofu Intake Is Associated with Worse Memory in Elderly Indonesian Men and Women
Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2008;26:50-57 (DOI:10.1159/000141484)
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowAbstract&ArtikelNr=141484
&Ausgabe=239033&ProduktNr=224226
[2] Prevalence of dementia in older Japanese-American men in Hawaii: The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study
L. White, H. Petrovitch, G. W. Ross, K. H. Masaki, R. D. Abbott, E. L. Teng, B. L. Rodriguez, P. L. Blanchette, R. J. Havlik, G. Wergowske, D. Chiu, D. J. Foley, C. Murdaugh and J. D. Curb
JAMA. Vol. 276 No. 12, September 25, 1996
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/276/12/955
[3] White, Lon R.; Petrovitch, Helen; Ross, G. Webster; Masaki, Kamal; Hardman, John; Nelson, James; Davis, Daron; Markesbery, William: Brain Aging and Midlife Tofu Consumption. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 19, No. 2, 242-255 (2000)
http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/2/242
09.07.2008: US Farmed tilapia and catfish with unhealthy fatty acids characteristics [1]
According to Floyd H. Chilton and colleagues 2008 farm-reared tilapia has very low levels of, beneficial omega-3 fatty acids ranging from almost undetectable to 0,5 g/100g fish, and high levels of long-chain omega-6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, related to pro-inflammatory effects, in ratios up to 11:1 of omega-6:omega-3.
Farmed trout and Atlantic salmon contained a healthy high concentrations of omega-3 PUFA at 3 - 4 g/100 g of fish in a ratio of 1:1 with omega-6 content.
The authors stress that changes in the fishing industry have produced fish with unhealthy fatty acid characteristics such as farmed tilapia which is rich in arachidonic acid known to have pro-inflammatory effects.
[1] Kelly L.; Ivester, Priscilla;. Chilton, Joshua A; Wilson, Martha D.; Pandey, Prativa; Chilton, Floyd H.: The Content of Favorable and Unfavorable Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Found in Commonly Eaten Fish. Journal of the American Dietetic Association July 2008, 108 (7): 1178-1185.
doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.023
http://www.adajournal.org/article/S0002-8223(08)00515-4/abstract
08.07.2008: Neuroprotective effects of polyphenol in vitro and studies using animals should be confirmed by human clinical trials. [1]
Charles Ramassamy and colleagues 2008 studying the protective effects of polyphenols on neurological tissue caution to extrapolate to human effects noted in vitro and in animals Antioxidants from fruits, vegetables wine, chocolate, coffee, tea, and other foods are proposed to reduced risks of a range of diseases including Alzheimer, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These assumptions are mainly based on researches in vitro and in animals and need to be confirmed in clinical trials.
The authors write that these compounds do have great protective potentials, however, it is unknown whether these compounds reach the brain in sufficient concentrations and in a biologically active form to exert beneficial effects. Absorption, bioavailabity, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is not clear. The researchers call for more studies on their intracellular and molecular targets and special pathways to underline neuroprotection claims.
The daily average intakes are difficult to estimate and needs further elucidation.
Bioavailability of polyphenols [2]
Ming Hu, in an editorial 2007 highlights the barriers which polyphenols have to overcome to become bioavailable: solubility, permeability, metabolism, excretion, target tissue uptake, and disposition. The author stresses that hydrophilic polyphenols, which are typically glycosides, are usually too polar or sometimes are too large to rapidly penetrate the intestinal membrane, and they need the action of intestinal or microfloral enzymes to release sugar so the polyphenols are available as the more absorbable aglycon forms. Aglycon forms are highly permeable in animal models and are expected to be rapidly absorbed. However, the bioavailability is not high because pure aglycon forms have very poor solubility. The author stresses that more researches are needed to increase the solubility of the compounds.
More informations on bioavailability of flavonoids and polyphenols may be found in Molecular Phamaceutics Vol. 4, No. 6: December 2007
Featured Topic: Bioavailability of Chemopreventive Flavonoids and Polyphenols
http://pubs3.acs.org/acs/journals/toc.page?incoden=mpohbp&indecade=&involume=4&inissue=6
Absorption of polyphenol in humans [3]
Gallic acid and isoflavones are the most well-absorbed polyphenols, followed by catechins, flavanones, and quercetin glucosides. The least well-absorbed polyphenols are the proanthocyanidins, the galloylated tea catechins, and the anthocyanins. Data are still too limited for assessment of hydroxycinnamic acids and other polyphenols.
The author is concerned about the fact that the use of large amounts of concentrated flavonoids may interact with other drugs. Limited in vivo information are available on this regard.
[1] Singh, Manjeet; Arseneault, Madeleine; Sanderson, Thomas; Murthy, Ven; Ramassamy, Charles: Challenges for Research on Polyphenols from Foods in Alzheimer's Disease: Bioavailability, Metabolism, and Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Volume 56, Issue 13, Pages 4855-4873, doi: 10.1021/jf0735073
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2008/56/i13/abs/jf0735073.html
[2] Hu, Ming: Commentary: bioavailability of flavonoids and polyphenols: call to arms.
Mol Pharm. 2007 Nov-Dec;4(6):803-6. Review.
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/mpohbp/2007/4/i06/html/mp7001363.html
[3] Manach C, Williamson G, Morand C, Scalbert A, Rémésy C.: Bioavailability and bioefficacy of polyphenols in humans. I. Review of 97 bioavailability studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jan;81(1 Suppl):230S-242S.
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/mpohbp/2007/4/i06/html/mp7001363.html
08.07.2008: Green tea protect the walls of blood cells and reduces cardiovascular risk. [1]
Nikolaos Alexopoulos and colleagues 2008, in a small study, found that the polyphenols, but not caffeine of green tea have a beneficial effect on endothelial cells of the walls of blood vessels. reducing cardiovascular risk. This effect is being attributed to the antioxidant properties of green tea which contains between 30 and 40 per cent of water-extractable polyphenols, whereas black tea contains only 3 to 10 percent of polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin. Green tea is also linked to certain kinds of cancer and Alzheimer.
[1] Alexopoulos, Nikolaos; Vlachopoulos, Charalambos; Aznaouridis, Konstantinos; Baou, Katerina; Vasiliadou, Carmen; Pietri, Panagiotis; Xaplanteris, Panagiota; Stefanadi, Elli ; Stefanadis, Christodoulos: The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
2008, Volume 15, Pages 300-305
http://www.jcardiovascularrisk.com/pt/re/ejcpr/abstract.00149831-200806000-00009.htm
06.07.2008: Australia will be severely hit by climate change. Report- adapting farming to climate change CSIRO [1]
Since 2002 Australia has experienced the worst drought in recorded history. Extreme drought are expected to occur every year or every two years, from 2010 on. Half of the rain fall lacking since 1950 is blamed to be related to man made emission of greenhouse gases.
Australian agriculture is being severely hit by the climate change. The continent had been the second world exporter of wheat. Exports dropped in 2007 down to 13 million tons. Regions of 5 percent of Australia experiencing extreme temperatures may expand up to 95 percent of the Australian territory.
These issues have highlighted the reality of global climate change. Australian ecosystems, water resources, agriculture, built infrastructure, regional and remote communities, and health all have vulnerabilities to climate change.
The responses need to embrace nearly all aspects of our economy, society and the environment.
The problem of climate change is serious and demands a major response, which requires two platforms:
- Mitigation of impact, through reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation to the inevitable climate change that will occur while mitigation gradually takes hold. [2]
Australian may use the desert area for solar power plants and hydrogen production for transportation fuel. This could lead to a new export economy based on hydrogen. [3]
[1] Ash, Andrew; Howden, Mark: Report- Adapting farming to climate change. CSIRO. 26.06.2008.
http://www.csiro.au/news/AdaptionForFarming.html
[2] Spiegel Online: Klimawandel. Forscher prophezeien Australien verheerende Hitze. 06.07.2007
http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/0,1518,564149,00.html
[3] www.desertenergyproject.net
05.07.2008: World Bank Report blames Europe and USA for rising food prices [1]
According to a report of the World Bank, released in advance the G-8 Summit in Japan, biofuels have driven up global food prices by 75 percent, accounting for more than half of the 140 percent jump in price since 2002. The report says that a US analyses claiming that just 3 percent of the food price increases could be attributed to biofuels is not true.
Robert Zoellick, president of the world Bank blames the European Union and the United States for increasing biofuel production which is the major factor for food scarcity and rising prices.
To cut CO2 emission the European Union plan to admixture 10 percent of biofuel to petrol by 2020. The US heavily backs bio-ethanol to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.
Cutting down Rain forest and draining peat bogs, natural CO2 sequestration of developing regions will be reduced. Fertilizers used in the biofuel production release nitrous oxide which is up to 300 times more harmful than CO2. Biofuels are therefore not seen as carbon neutral any more.
Bioalcohol from Brazilian sugar cane: The Report says that bioalcohol from sugarcane have not had such a dramatic impact on world food prices, however environment damage, loss of biodiversity and impact on rural population is a catastrophe. [2]
Conclusion: The World Bank report concludes that biofuels production rises food prices by driving grain away from food production, accounting for a third of US corn for ethanol production and half of vegetable oils in the EU used as biodiesel; farmers set aside land for biofuels crops; and grain speculation on the financial markets is being triggered.
Recommendation: The report recommends that the G-8 "agree on action in the US and Europe to ease subsidies, mandates and tariffs on biofuels that are derived from maize and oilseeds."
[1] Guardian.com.uk: Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis. Internal World Bank study delivers blow to plant energy drive. July 4, 2008.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/03/biofuels.renewableenergy
[2] ACTION COP 9: Sugarcane in Brazil reviving the Vietnam War
http://www.ourfood-news.com/ACTION_COP_9.html
04.07.2008: Italian Mozzarella and processed cheese with nauseating ingredients [1]
A new scandal concerning Italian Mozzarella relates 110 000 tons of Mozzarella and processed cheese which was produced from rotten cheese. Maggots, metal parts, mice excrements and other nauseating contaminants were found in Italian produces. Cheese leftovers from 1980 as raw material were found in factories in northern Italy and one Italian factory situated in Bavaria (Germany).
The latest scandal came after dioxin had been found in Italian Mozzarella.
[1] Spiegel Online: Italienischer Ekel-Käse in Deutschland verkauft. 04.07.2008.
http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,564012,00.html
04.07.2008: Aloe vera
Aloe vera (Linné) was taxonomically renamed by Miller in 1768 as Aloe barbadensis (Miller). Both names relate to the same plant. There are about 300 species of Aloe, but only Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens bear compounds with health related effects. The most important of these is the mucopolysaccharid acemannan [1]
Aloe latex and aloe gel can be derived from Aloe vera.
Aloe latex (or aloe juice): It is the bitter yellow exudate from the outer skin of the leaves. Its active compounds are the anthraquinone glycosides aloin A and B. Aloe latex is laxative.
Aloe gel: It is often sold as powder. It is the colourless gel contained in the inner part of the fresh leaves. Important polysaccharides are pectins, cellulose, hemicellulose, glucomannan, acemannan and mannose derivatives. The most important of these compound is acemannan. Aloe gel is often commercialised as powdered concentrate.
Effects in burn wound healing
Maenthaisong and colleagues 2007 say that aloe vera might be an effective interventions used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns, and call for more studies. [2]
Cautions against specific effects
Aterton in 1998 calls for caution against complementary treatments like chronic venous leg ulcers with oral or topical application of Aloe vera that may aid healing. [3]
Aloe vera gel
A preparation of leaf pulp from the parenchymal tissue of the plant Aloe vera (Liliaceae). Aloe vera gel contains carbohydrate polymers, such as glucomannans or pectic acid, and various vitamins and essential amino acids, as well as other organic and inorganic compounds. This agent has been used internally or externally for sunburn, skin problems, insect bites, ulcers, arthritis, constipation, and as an immune system enhancer.
Antitumor activity
Aloe-emodin: It is a compound of the family of anthraquinones, with anti-inflamatory andf anticancer effects. [4]
Aloe–emodin (1,8-dihydroy-3-[hydroxymethyl]-anthraquione) purified from Aloe vera leaves has been reported to have antitumor activity. The authors found that aloe–emodin delayed the number of cells entering and exiting DNA synthesis (S) phase in cells indicating that aloe–emodin may inhibit S phase progression. The cancer growth inhibition by aloe–emodin was due to apoptosis. The authors suggest that aloe–emodin represents a novel antitumor chemotherapeutic drug. [5]
Maxey C. M. Chung and colleagues 2007 found that Aloe-emodin induced anticancer effects in HepG2 cells via multiple pathways by affecting different protein targets and was able to decrease cell migration via up-regulation of the metastasis inhibitor, nm23. [6]
Giorgio Palù and colleagues report that Here we show that aloe-emodin selectively inhibits human neuroectodermal tumor cell growth in tissue cultures and in animal models. Neuroblastoma,
pPNET, and Ewing’s sarcoma cells were found highly susceptible to aloe-emotin, The authors write, however, that human malignant cells from epithelial and blood-derived tumors, as well as human hemopoietic progenitors and normal fibroblasts, were not sensitive to this compound. [7]
Toxicology [8]
Boudreau and Beland 2006 report that ingestion of Aloe vera is associated with diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, kidney dysfunction, and conventional drug interactions; and contact dermatitis, erythema, and phototoxicity with topical applications. The authors reviewed the botany, physical and chemical properties, and biological activities of the Aloe vera plant. The toxic effects are related to aloin.
Alantoin in aloe latex, exudate from outer skin of aloe: It is used in beverages because of its taste and laxative effects.The EU directive 88/388 sets maximum limits of 0,1 mg/kg in foods and beverages, and 50 mg/kg in alcoholic beverages. Incomplete separation of the leaf skin may cause aloin or other hydroxyanthracene derivatives to be present in Aloe vera gel. [9]
Aloe vera and diabetes
According to Vogler and Ernst 1999 the clinical effectiveness of oral or topical aloe vera as adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia is not sufficiently defined at present. [10]
Aloe vera leaf pulp extract devoid of the gel has hypoglycaemic effect non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus:
Okyar and colleagues 2001 report that Aloe vera leaf pulp extract showed hypoglycaemic activity on type 1 diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats. However, Aloe vera leaf gel extract showed hyperglycaemic activity on type 2 diabetic rats. The authors concluded that the pulps of Aloe vera leaves devoid of the gel could be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [11]
Tanaka and colleagues 2006 evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Aloe vera gel in mice. The authors isolated a five active compounds from lophenol, cycloartanol and their derivates. There were no differences between the five phytosterols, which reduced fasting blood glucose levels up to 64% compared with the control group. They concluded that Aloe vera gel and phytosterols derived from Aloe vera gel could be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. [12]
Beppu and colleagues 2006 performed experimental trials to determine antidiabetic effects of Aloe vera. The authors found that The dietary administration of 10 KDa fraction powder to mice exerted an antioxidant activity in the pancreas and blood, which could protect islets of Langerhans from destruction. They also stress that the 10 KDa fraction powder alleviates the burden of insulin secretion as it has an inhibitory action on glucose absorption in the jejunum of rats. [13]
Perez and colleagues 2007 report that Aloe vera gel could be effective for the control of insulin resistance, which precedes type 2 diabetes mellitus. [14]
Analysis of components of Aloe vera [15]
According to A.Bozi and coleagues 2007 glucose, malic acid, and the polysaccharide acemannan, are the three main natural components of aloe vera gel. Maltodextrin remains a common adulterant of aloe vera gel powders.
Organic acid analysis to assess freshness of Aloe vera products: The authors found that lactic acid is a negative quality characteristic of aloe raw materials, indicating improper processing or incorrect storage. Fumaric acid, succinic acid, and pyruvates may be produced by enzymes. During fermentation and enzymatic degradation acemannan is degraded to acetic acid. Malic acid is the only organic acid contained in fresh aloe vera gel. Commercial aloe gel powders have citric and added for preservation and flavour.
Sugars: Acemanan in aloe vera gel powders should be the major polysaccharide. Bozi and colleagues measured the amount of mannose after acid hydrolysis gave a direct and rapid measurement acemannan in the gel powder.
[1] Talmadge JE, Chavez J, Jacobs L, Munger C, Chinnah T, Williamson D, Yates K. 2004 Fractionation of Aloe vera L. inner gel, purification and molecular profiling of activity. IASC Aloe Special Issue. International Immunopharmacology. 14(4): 1757-1773.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531292
[2]Maenthaisong R.; Chaiyakunapruk N.; Niruntraporn S.; Kongkaew C. :The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8. Epub 2007 May 17.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17499928
[3] Aterton, P.; Aloe vera: magic or medicine? Nurs Stand. 1998 Jul 1-7;12(41):49-52, 54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9776900
[4] National Cancer Institute: Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Aloe-emodin
http://www.cancer.gov/templates/drugdictionary.aspx?expand=A
[5] Mildred Acevedo-Duncan, Christopher Russell, Sapna Patel, Rekha Patel: Aloe-emodin modulates PKC isozymes, inhibits proliferantion, and induces apoptosis in U-373MG glioma cells. International Immunopharmacology Volume 4, Issue 14, (20 December 2004) Pages 1775-1784
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16266603
[6] Dong Lu, Guo; Shen, Han-Ming; Nam Ong, Choon; Chung, Maxey C. M.: Anticancer effects of aloe-emodin on HepG2 cells: Cellular and proteomic studies. Proteomics Clinical Applications: Volume 1 Issue 4. Pages 410-419 Published Online: 13 Mar 2007
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/114182354/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
[7] Teresa Pecere, M. Vittoria Gazzola, Carla Mucignat, Cristina Parolin, Francesca Dalla Vecchia, Andrea Cavaggioni, Giuseppe Basso, Alberto Diaspro, Benedetto Salvato, Modesto Carli, and Giorgio Palu: Aloe-emodin Is a New Type of Anticancer Agent with Selective Activity against
Neuroectodermal Tumors1
http://www.ge.infm.it/biofisica/Adobe/Diaspro/Aloe%20pecere00.PDF
[8] Boudreau MD, Beland FA: An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis (miller), Aloe vera. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev, 2006 Apr;24(1):103-54.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16690538
[9] Council Directive 88/388/EEC of 22 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to flavourings for use in foodstuffs and to source materials for their production
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31988L0388:EN:HTML
[10] Vogler BK, Ernst E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. Br J Gen Pract. 1999 Oct;49(447):823-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10885091
[11] Okyar, A.; Can, A.; Akey, N.; Baktir, G.; Sütlüplinar N.: Effect of Aloe vera leaves on blood glucose level in type I and type II diabetic rat models. Phytother Res. 2001 Mar;15(2):157-61.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11268118
[12] Tanaka M, Misawa E, Ito Y, Habara N, Nomaguchi K, Yamada M, Toida T, Hayasawa H, Takase M, Inagaki M, Higuchi R.: Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jul;29(7):1418-22.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16819181
[13] Beppu H, Shimpo K, Chihara T, Kaneko T, Tamai I, Yamaji S, Ozaki S, Kuzuya H, Sonoda S. : Antidiabetic effects of dietary administration of Aloe arborescens Miller components on multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice: investigation on hypoglycemic action and systemic absorption dynamics of aloe components. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 20;103(3):468-77. Epub 2006 Jan 6.