Search Results (27)

A dysphagia diet is a special dietary programme. The development and design of foods for dysphagia should consider both swallowing safety and food nutritional quality. In this study, we investigated the rheological properties (viscosity, thixotropy, and viscoelasticity), textural properties, and swallowing behaviour of commercially available natural, pregelatinised, acetylated, and phosphorylated maize starch and tapioca starch. The results showed that all the samples belonged to food grade 3 in the framework of the International Dysphagia Dietary Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) and exhibited shear-thinning behaviour in favour of dysphagia patients, except for the sample containing pregelatinised starch, which was grade 2. Rheological tests showed that the samples had good structural recovery properties. At the same starch concentration, the elastic modulus of phosphorylated cassava starch FSMP was significantly greater than that of the starch solution, whereas that of acetylated starch was significantly less than that of the starch solution, and the combination of acetylated starch and protein led to a significant viscosity reduction phenomenon, resulting in FSMPs with good stability and fluidity; this may provide an opportunity for the incorporation of more high-energy substructures. The textural results showed that all the samples possessed textural properties of low hardness, low adhesion, and high cohesion, all of which could be used as food for dysphagia patients. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the creation and design of novel nutritional foods for dysphagia. Full article

Newly developed formulas of ready-to-eat (RTE) products, despite conforming to the latest nutritional trends involving low-processed and high-protein products, may pose a risk of promoting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes during shelf life. Food safety experts recommend challenge tests to assess the growth potential of L. monocytogenes, which will ultimately provide microbiological evidence to determine the food safety limit. The present study evaluated whether RTE uncured vacuum-packed pork bars with dried plasma met the 100 CFU/g safety level at the end of shelf life under certain storage conditions and aimed to develop predictive models for the growth of L. monocytogenes in the above product. The bars were artificially inoculated with a mixture of three strains of L. monocytogenes at two different inoculum densities of 2 log CFU/g and 5 log CFU/g and stored at three different temperatures (2, 4, and 6 °C) and then subjected to microbiological evaluation at specific time intervals up to 21 storage days. The growth potential (Δ-value) for RTE pork bars contaminated with 2 log CFU/g L. monocytogenes inoculum was 0.36, 0.14, and 0.91 log CFU/g at 2, 4, and 6 °C, respectively, while for bars contaminated with 5 log CFU/g inoculum, they were −0.36, −0.40, and 0.64 at 2, 4, and 6 °C, respectively. Statistically higher growth potential (p < 0.05) was detected for RTE bars contaminated with 2 log CFU/g inoculum than with 5 log CFU/g. The results indicate that this type of product must be classified as a food category: “Ready-to-eat foods able to support the growth of L. monocytogenes, other than those intended for infants and for special medical purposes” (Category 1.2. according to EU Regulation 2073/2005). The newly created models can also describe L. monocytogenes growth in an environment where factors, such as temperature, pH, and a_w, change with time. The results showed that a higher inoculum density statistically reduced the growth potential values of L. monocytogenes compared to a lower density. Full article

Background/Objectives: Melanoma malignum is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer, characterized by the exceptional resistance to many conventional chemotherapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Nutramil^TM Complex (NC)—Food for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP), on two types of melanoma cell lines, primary WM115 and malignant WM266-4. Methods: At 24 h after seeding, growth medium was replaced with a medium containing encoded treatments of NC or NC-CC (Nutramil^TM Complex without calcium caseinate) at various concentrations. Cells were treated for 24, 48, and 72 h. Results: Our results showed that Nutramil^TM Complex reduces proliferation of malignant melanoma WM266-4 cells but did not affect the proliferation of WM115 primary melanoma. This was followed by measured down-regulation of selected pro-survival proteins expression in WM266-4 cells, specifically ERK1/2, AKT-1, HSP27, Survivin, and TAK1. Interestingly, our results showed elevated levels of some pro-apoptotic proteins in both cell lines, including Bad, Smad2, p38MAPK, cleaved forms of Caspase-3/7, as well as cleaved PARP. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that various melanoma cancer cell lines may respond in a different way to the same compound. They also suggest induction of apoptotic pathway by Nutramil^TM Complex as the most likely mechanism of its anticarcinogenic activity. Full article

Background: Disease-related malnutrition, with or without inflammation, in older adults is currently emerging as a public health priority. The use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes, including Oral Nutritional Supplements, and supplements is crucial to support patients in achieving their nutritional needs. Therefore, this article aims to comprehensively provide an analysis of the adequacy of FSMPs in meeting the nutritional requirements of different age-related diseases and takes into account the emerging role of inflammation. Moreover, it provides an identikit of the ideal products, following the pathology-specific guidelines. Methods: Data on 132 products were gathered through face-to-face meetings with companies’ consultants. Specifically, information on energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient contents were collected, as well as on texture and flavors, osmolarity, cost, and packaging. Results: Most FSMPs met the daily recommendations for energy and protein intake. Nonetheless, few products contained β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, optimal Branched-Chain Amino Acids ratios, arginine, glutamine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, a marked predominance of FSMPs with a high osmolarity (85.7%), sweet taste (72%), and only animal protein content (79.5%) was observed. Cost analysis of FSMPs revealed a mean cost of EUR 5.35/portion. Products were mostly adequate for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, end-stage kidney disease, dysphagiam and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, gaps have been found for sarcopenia and abdominal surgery. Conclusion: In light of the current market landscape, there is a need for a comprehensive regulation that indicates the optimal composition of FSMPs and the production of such products to tackle disease-related malnutrition. Full article

Enteral nutrition (EN) and foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) can be used to meet the specific nutritional needs of patients. There are multiple types of EN products and nutritionally complete FSMPs on the market. The peptides in these products are important nutritional components, while their presence in different products remains unclear. To provide better clinical guidelines, we analyzed and compared the molecular weight (MW) distribution, types, and quantities of peptides and bioactive peptides of two EN products (liquid products) and two FSMPs with nutritionally complete formulas (powder products). Our results showed that each product had a unique peptide profile. The two liquid products and one powder product (Samples 1–3) had a higher content of peptides. Sample 1 contained 75.60% peptides with an MW less than 375 Da and contained 95.21% peptides with an MW less than 1000 Da, being rich in short peptides. Sample 2 and 3 had high levels of peptides with MW values between 180 Da and 2000 Da. Additionally, Sample 4 contained high levels of proteins, containing 69.18% peptides with MW values larger than 10,000 Da. Further, Sample 1 had more bioactive dipeptides and Sample 2 had more long bioactive peptides. Our results suggest that peptides in different EN and FSMP products are very different and should be evaluated in more detail. This will provide valuable information for clinical medical professionals, help them to guide patients with different physiological conditions better, and ultimately benefit patients. Full article

Postbiotics could exert different metabolic activities in animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and in humans affected by metabolic syndrome. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial that enrolled a sample of 50 Caucasian healthy individuals with NAFLD, defined as liver steatosis, and metabolic syndrome. After a 4-week run-in, the enrolled individuals were randomized to take a food for special medical purposes with functional release, one tablet a day, containing calcium butyrate (500 mg/tablet), zinc gluconate (zinc 5 mg/tablet), and vitamin D3 (500 IU/tablet), or an identical placebo for 3 months. Liver and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. No subject experienced any adverse events during the trial. In both groups, a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) plasma levels was observed at the randomization visit vs. pre-run-in visit (p < 0.05). Regarding liver parameters, after treatment, the fatty liver index (FLI) improved significantly vs. baseline values (p < 0.05) and vs. placebo group (p < 0.05) in the active treatment group, and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) improved significantly vs. baseline values (p < 0.05). Moreover, after active treatment, TC, TG, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT) improved significantly vs. baseline values (p < 0.05), and TC and TG improved vs. placebo group (p < 0.05), as well. In the placebo group, liver parameters remained unchanged after treatment; only TG improved significantly vs. baseline values (p < 0.05). In our study, we observed that the butyrate-based formula improved FLI and plasma lipid patterns in individuals affected by liver steatosis and metabolic syndrome. Full article

Background: Patients during radiotherapy due to head and neck cancers experience a lot of side effects which may have a considerable impact on the patients’ ability to meet individual daily energy demands by means of oral diet. Methods: The study included 104 head and neck cancer patients who qualified for radical radiotherapy. Radical treatment takes 6 weeks and every week the patients were assessed for dietary intake. The subjects were covered with the constant care of a dietician, received FSMP (food for special medical purposes), and, if necessary, enteral nutrition. Results: In the first week of treatment, the patients, from the kitchen diet alone, met 91.5% of the energy demand, while in the last week of treatment, only 40.9%. After introducing the FSMP or enteral nutrition, the patients met 120% of the demand in the first week of therapy and 95% in the last week, respectively. The patients who followed the dietary recommendations were characterized by significantly lower weight loss (3.07 kg) compared to non-adherent patients (5.56 kg). Conclusions: The used therapy significantly contributed to decreasing nutritional intake in the subsequent weeks of treatment. On the other hand, incorporating FSMP in the diet and enteral nutrition with industrial diets significantly increased the fulfilled energy demand of patients. Full article

Adequate diet, physical activity, and dietary supplementation with muscle-targeted food for special medical purposes (FSMP) or dietary supplement (DS) are currently considered fundamental pillars in sarcopenia treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a DS (containing hydroxy-methyl-butyrate, carnosine, and magnesium, for its action on muscle function and protein synthesis and butyrate and lactoferrin for their contribution to the regulation of gut permeability and antioxidant/anti-inflammation activity) on muscle mass (assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), muscle function (by handgrip test, chair test, short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, and walking speed test), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), C-reactive protein (CRP), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) and gut axis (by zonulin). A total of 59 participants (age 79.7 ± 4.8 years, body mass index 20.99 ± 2.12 kg/m²) were enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) or placebo (n = 28). The skeletal muscle index (SMI) significantly improved in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one, +1.02 (CI 95%: −0.77; 1.26), p = 0.001; a significant reduction in VAT was observed in the intervention group, −70.91 g (−13.13; −4.70), p = 0.036. Regarding muscle function, all the tests significantly improved (p = 0.001) in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one. CRP, zonulin, and TNF-alpha significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in intervention, compared to placebo, −0.74 mg/dL (CI 95%: −1.30; −0.18), −0.30 ng/mL (CI 95%: −0.37; −0.23), −6.45 pg/mL (CI 95%: −8.71; −4.18), respectively. This DS improves muscle mass and function, and the gut muscle has emerged as a new intervention target for sarcopenia. Full article

In the ready-to-eat food industry, Listeria control is mandatory to ensure the food safety of the products since its presence could cause a disease called listeriosis. The objective of the present study was to carry out a challenge test to verify the efficiency of different combinations of natural antimicrobial ingredients against Listeria monocytogenes to be used in ready-to-eat foods. Six different formulations of cooked ham were prepared: a control formulation and five different formulations. An initial inoculation of 2 log cycles was used in the different products, and the growth of Listeria was monitored at different temperatures and times (4 °C for 17 w and 7 °C for 12 w). Control samples showed a progressive growth, reaching 5–6 log after 3 or 4 weeks. The rest of the samples showed constant counts of Listeria during the entire study. Only samples containing 100 ppm nitrite + 250 PPM ascorbic acid + 0.7% PRS-DV-5 did not control the growth of Listeria at 7 °C after 7 w of storage. The results obtained allowed us to classify the cooked ham prepared using natural ingredient combinations as a “Ready-to-eat food unable to support the growth of L. monocytogenes other than those intended for infants and for special medical purposes”. Full article

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians’ awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding the use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that physicians were aware of FSMPs and recommended them to their patients based on nutritional deficits, weight loss, or deglutition impairments. In addition, disease stage, treatment scheme, taste, affordability, and availability were identified as factors influencing the recommendation and use of FSMPs. While physicians generally did not consult clinical trials, clinical experience was deemed essential for recommending FSMPs to patients. Patients’ feedback regarding the usage and sourcing of FSMPs was generally positive, with some expressing concerns about the availability of different flavours and the costs of purchasing the products. This study concluded that physicians play a vital role in recommending FSMPs to patients and ensuring they have the necessary nutritional support during treatment. However, it may be imperative to consider the provision of additional patient education materials and fostering collaborative efforts with nutritionists in order to optimise the prospects of positive outcomes in oncology treatment, while simultaneously alleviating the financial burdens faced by patients. Full article

The differentiation in the development of regions remains a major challenge for the working out-of-state industrial and regional policies aimed at balanced and sustainable development. In theory, regional differences between internal and border regions can be explained by differences in natural resources, and economic and industrial potential, as well as by the existence of external boundaries. Border regions have higher risks in ensuring the geo-political sustainability of an industry. External boundaries, as well as differences in industry dynamics between regions, cycle stages, and industry trends, are often overlooked in industrial policy making, which in itself can be a factor of volatility. In this research based upon the Russian economy, we test the hypothesis that it is possible to define the industrial cycle with the help of the index of production. The analysis is based on the official Russian statistics from January 2005 to December 2021. To test the hypothesis, an original 12-step method of analysis was used, which allows such a mathematical model to be selected that will best describe the industry cycle and allows the trend to be estimated. The cyclic dynamics were assessed with the help of structural and parametric identification of modeling and the forecasting of trajectories of evolving dynamics based upon econophysics methodology, the use of median trends, and wavelet analysis. The comparative study was made based on the example of four sectors: the food, chemical, pharmaceutical (production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes), and automotive industries. The results show, first, that there are significant differences in the dynamics of industry cycles in both the internal and the border regions, which need to be taken into account to implement the progressive economic structure and specialization strategies of a region. Secondly, the group of border regions in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries is growing at a higher rate. Full article

Background: Schoolchildren are likely to consume meals and snacks at school, with a possibility of allergic food reactions and anaphylaxis in the school environment. The school personnel should be informed of the presence of schoolchildren with food allergy (FA) and need to be trained in the management of allergic reactions, as to prepare them to intervene appropriately when necessary. Limited knowledge of FA and its management is documented globally among school staff and there is no uniform protocol in schools. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, teachers at state schools throughout Greece completed an online anonymous questionnaire on their awareness of FA reactions and the plans for the management of medical emergencies in their schools of employment. Results: Among the 289 teachers who responded the online invitation, 203 (70.24%) were female and 157 (54%) were aged under 40 years. Females expressed a higher level of concern about the presence of school personnel trained to manage FA symptoms (p = 0.001), written instructions, and the availability of adrenaline (epinephrine) at school (p < 0.001). A younger age was associated with a higher level of both interest and knowledge on FA management in schools. School directors were more certain about the availability of a special record of children with FA at school (p = 0.01), the availability of adrenaline (p = 0.006), and written guidelines on the management of serious health incidents at school (p = 0.04). Written guidelines instructing children to avoid sharing cutlery, glasses, home-prepared meals, and snacks bought from the school canteen were more common in schools in urban areas (p = 0.015). Only 20% of respondents could confirm with certainty that adrenaline autoinjectors (AAIs) were available at their schools, for the purpose of administering to children in the case of a severe FA reaction. Approximately 3/4 of the participating teachers stated that completion of this questionnaire raised their awareness of the risk of FA reactions in children at school. Conclusions: This study, the first in Greece to explore the knowledge of teachers about FA in schoolchildren, revealed the following absences in many schools: a process for identifying children with FA, a written emergency treatment plan, and immediate access to emergency AAI. School FA guidelines are necessary in Greece, and training, which includes the use of AAIs, is required to prepare teachers to manage FA reactions in children at school. Full article

Approximately 110 types of medicinal materials are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, both for medicinal purposes and for use as food. There are several domestic scholars who have carried out research on edible plant medicine in China and the results are satisfactory. Though these related articles have appeared in domestic magazines and journals, many of them are yet to be translated into English. Most of the research stays in the extraction and quantitative testing stage, and there are a few medicinal and edible plants that are still under in-depth study. A majority of these edible and herbal plants are also highly enriched in polysaccharides, and this has an effect on immune systems for the prevention of cancer, inflammation, and infection. Comparing the polysaccharide composition of medicinal and edible plants, the monosaccharide and polysaccharide species were identified. It is found that different polysaccharides of different sizes have different pharmacological properties, with some polysaccharides containing special monosaccharides. The pharmacological properties of polysaccharides can be summarized as immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and anti-hyperlipemic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. There have been no poisonous effects found in studies of plant polysaccharides, probably because the substances have a long history of use and are safe. In this paper, the application potential of polysaccharides in medicinal and edible plants in Xinjiang was reviewed, and the research progress in the extraction, separation, identification, and pharmacology of these plant polysaccharides was reviewed. At present, the research progress of plant polysaccharides in medicines and food in Xinjiang has not been reported. This paper will provide a data summary for the development and utilization of medical and food plant resources in Xinjiang. Full article

The scoping review aimed to characterise the role of selected essential elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Mn) in food for special medical purposes (FSMPs) aimed at oncology patients. The scope review was conducted using Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to find published references on this subject. Data from the reviewed literature were related to the physiological functions of the element in the body, and the effects of deficiencies and excesses, referring to the latest ESPEN and EFSA guidelines, among others. Important dietary indices/parameters based on the literature review are provided for each element. On the basis of the literature, data on the level of elements in patients with cancer were collected. The content of these elements in 100 mL of FSMPs was read from the manufacturers’ declarations. The literature has been provided on the importance of each element in cancer. Our findings show that the essential elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, and Mn) of FSMPs for cancer patients are not adequately treated. We suggest solutions to ensure the safe use of FSMPs in oncology patients. Full article

There are many factors causing T2DM; thus, it is difficult to prevent and cure it with conventional treatment. In order to realize the continuous intervention of T2DM, the treatment strategy of combining diet therapy and traditional medication came into being. As a natural product with the concept of being healthy, konjac flour and its derivatives are popular with the public. Its main component, Konjac glucomannan (KGM), can not only be applied as a food additive, which greatly improves the taste and flavor of food and extends the shelf life of food but also occupies an important role in T2DM. KGM can extend gastric emptying time, increase satiety, and promote liver glycogen synthesis, and also has the potential to improve intestinal flora and the metabolic system through a variety of molecular pathways in order to positively regulate oxidative stress and immune inflammation, and protect the liver and kidneys. In order to establish the theoretical justification for the adjunctive treatment of T2DM, we have outlined the physicochemical features of KGM in this article, emphasizing the advantages of KGM as a meal for special medical purposes of T2DM. Full article