Milk products are only moderate sources of folate. Nevertheless, they are of interest due to their content of folate-binding proteins (FBP), which in some studies have been reported to increase folate bioavailability. The effect of FBP on folate bioavailability has been widely discussed. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccessibility of folic acid and (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-CH3-H4folate) from fortified yogurt using a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal model (TIM). In addition, the effect of FBP on folate bioaccessibility and the stability of FBP added to yogurt during gastrointestinal passage were investigated. Folate bioaccessibility was 82% from yogurt fortified with folic acid and 5-CH3-H4folate. The addition of FBP to yogurt decreased (P < 0.05) folate bioaccessibility. The lowering effect of FBP was more pronounced in yogurt fortified with folic acid (34% folate bioaccessibility) than from yogurt fortified with 5-CH3-H4folate (57% folate bioaccessibility). After gastrointestinal passage, 17% of the FBP in yogurt fortified with 5-CH3-H4folate and 34% of the FBP in yogurt fortified with folic acid were recovered. No difference in folate bioaccessibility was found between folate-fortified yogurt and folate-fortified pasteurized milk (P = 0.10), whereas the lowering effect of FBP was (P < 0.05) greater in yogurt compared with pasteurized milk. In conclusion, based on the high bioaccessibility of folic acid and 5-CH3-H4folate, yogurt without active FBP can be considered to be an appropriate food matrix for folate fortification.

The aim of this work was to study vitamin B-12 retention during manufacture of six fermented dairy products. Careful validation of a commercial radio protein-binding kit showed this assay to be suitable after optimisation of sample pre-treatment and control of the kit for possible matrix effects. In fermented milks, vitamin B-12 concentrations decreased by 40-60%, compared with the starting milk, during storage of the final product at 4degreesC for 14 days, most likely attributed to consumption by starter cultures. In cottage cheese, hard cheeses and blue cheese, 18-56% of the vitamin B-12 originally present in the milk was retained. Removal of the whey fraction was the dominant factor reducing vitamin B-12 retention in cheeses, while the fermentation by starter cultures hardly affected vitamin B-12 concentrations.

Green tea catechins (GTC) have been shown to inhibit the activities of enzymes involved in folate uptake. Hence, regular green tea drinkers may be at risk of impaired folate status. The present experiments aimed at studying the impact of dietary GTC on folate concentrations and metabolism. In a human pilot study (parallel design) healthy men consumed for 3 weeks 6 capsules (approximately 670 mg GTC) per day (2 capsules with each principal meal) containing aqueous extracts of the leaves of Camellia sinensis (n=17) or placebo (n=16). No differences in plasma folate concentrations were observed between treatments. We further fed groups of 10 male rats diets fortified with 0, 0.05, 0.5, 1, or 5 g GTC/kg for 6 weeks. Only at the highest intake, GTC significantly decreased serum 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate concentrations in rats, while mRNA concentrations of reduced folate carrier, proton-coupled folate transporter/heme carrier protein 1, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) remained unchanged in intestinal mucosa. Using an in vitro enzyme activity assay, we observed a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of DHFR activity by epigallocatechin gallate and a green tea extract. Our data suggest that regular green tea consumption is unlikely to impair folate status in healthy males, despite the DHFR inhibitory activity of GTC.

SCOPE: The objective was to perform an inventory and critical evaluation of folate data in selected European and international databases. The ultimate aim was to establish guidelines for compiling standardized folate databases for international nutritional studies.

METHODS AND RESULTS: An ad hoc questionnaire was prepared to critically compare and evaluate folate data completeness, quantification, terminologies, and documentation of 18 European and international databases, and national fortification regulations. Selected countries participated in the European Prospective Investigation into Nutrition and Cancer project and European Food Information Resource Network (EuroFIR). Folate completeness was generally high. "Total folate" was the most common terminology and microbiological assay was the most frequently reported quantification method. There is a lack of comparability within and between databases due to a lack of value documentation, the use of generic or non-appropriate terminologies, folate value conversions, and/or lack of identification of synthetic folic acid.

CONCLUSION: Full value documentation and the use of EuroFIR component identifiers and/or INFOODS tagnames for total folate ("FOL") and synthetic folic acid ("FOLAC"), with the additional use of individual folates, will increase comparability between databases. For now, the standardized microbiological assay for total folate and HPLC for synthetic folic acid are the recommended quantification methods.

BACKGROUND: Breastmilk is the recommended aliment for preterm infants. Milk banks provide donated breastmilk for the neonatal care of preterm infants when mother's own milk is not is available. To avoid pathogen transmission, donated breastmilk is heat-treated according to different procedures before administration. There is varying information on the effect of heat treatment on folate in breastmilk. Sufficient folate intake, however, is essential for normal growth and brain development. This study determined and compared the effects of different heat treatments on breastmilk folate content and pattern of individual folate forms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Donated Swedish breastmilk samples were heat-treated according to three procedures: two low temperature treatments (57°C, 23 minutes; 62.5°C, 12 minutes) and a rapid high temperature treatment (heating to 73°C in boiling water). The folate content and pattern were determined before and after treatment by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS: The folate content in 38 untreated Swedish breastmilk samples was 150±46 nmol/L. Two different folate vitamers were detected: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (78±7%) and tetrahydrofolate (22±7%). Heat treatment affected only tetrahydrofolate stability and decreased folate content by 15-24%; however, the effects on folate content did not differ among the investigated heat treatment procedures.

CONCLUSIONS: Folate losses during heat treatment of human milk were considered acceptable. Yet, native folate content of heat-treated, non-fortified breastmilk supplied only 25% of the recommended daily intake for preterm infants.

Dual-label stable isotope dilution assays for the simultaneous quantification of isotopologic folates in clinical samples offer the perspective for differentiating between unlabeled folates from endogenous body pools and administered [13C5]-labeled folates from a test dose when performing bioavailability trials. In contrast to intact folates, this methodology could hitherto not be applied to the quantification of the folate catabolites, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate. In this study, [2H4]-p-aminobenzoyl glutamate, [2H4]-p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, and unlabeled p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate were synthesized. The synthesis of the [2H4]-labeled compounds started at unlabeled p-aminobenzoic acid. For the formation of p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate was acetylated. The new substances were applied successfully in stable isotope dilution assays for the simultaneous quantification of the [13C5]-labeled and unlabeled folate catabolites, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, along with the predominant folate vitamers in urine. The assays were based on clean-up by strong anion exchange followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection. Assay sensitivity was sufficient to detect the folate catabolites in physiologic concentrations. The limit of detection was below 0.4 and 0.3 nmol/100 g for p-aminobenzoyl glutamate isotopologues and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate isotopologues in urine, respectively. The successful synthesis of [2H4]-p-aminobenzoyl glutamate, [2H4]-p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, and unlabeled p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate and the implementation of these substances in stable isotope dilution assays allows dual-label designs that provide a more detailed insight into human folate metabolism.

New stable isotope dilution assays were developed for the simultaneous quantitation of [(13)C(5)]-labelled and unlabelled 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid, folic acid along with unlabelled tetrahydrofolic acid and 10-formylfolic acid in clinical samples deriving from human bioavailability studies, i.e. plasma, ileostomy samples, and food. The methods were based on clean-up by strong anion exchange followed by LC-MS/MS detection. Deuterated analogues of the folates were applied as the internal standards in the stable isotope dilution assays. Assay sensitivity was sufficient to detect all relevant folates in the respective samples as their limits of detection were below 0.62 nmol/L in plasma and below 0.73 μg/100 g in food or ileostomy samples. Quantification of the [(13)C(5)]-label in clinical samples offers the possibility to differentiate between folate from endogenous body pools and the administered dose when executing bioavailability trials.

Despite the high nutritional profile in pulses, pulse consumption in Sweden is still low. However, the recent increase in consumption of sustainable and locally produced food in Sweden is driving demand for a versatile, functional pulse-based ingredient that can be incorporated into different food products. This study assessed different treatments (boiling, roasting, and germination) when preparing flour from domes- tically grown pulses (yellow pea, gray pea, faba bean, and white bean). Functional properties (water and oil absorption capacity, emulsion and foaming properties, and gelation concentration) of the flours produced following different treatments and their nutrient content (total dietary fiber, total choline, and folate content) were de- termined. Depending on pulse type, all treatments increased (p < .001) water ab- sorption capacity up to threefold and gelation concentration up to twofold, whereas emulsion activity and foaming capacity decreased by 3%–33% and 5%–19%, respec- tively, compared with flour made from raw pulses. All treatments also had a signifi- cant effect (p < .001) on nutrient content. Total dietary fiber increased (p < .02) by 11%–33%, depending on treatment and pulse type. Boiling decreased (p < .001) total choline and folate content in all pulse flours, by 17%–27% and 15%–32%, respec- tively. Germination doubled folate content (p < .001) in flour from both pea types compared with flour from the raw peas. In conclusion, treated pulse flours could be useful in food applications such as coating batter, dressings, beverages, or bakery goods, to improve the content of fiber, total choline, and folate.

Despite the many benefits of pulses, their consumption is still very low in many Western countries. One approach to solving this issue is to develop attractive pulse-based foods, e.g., plant-based cheeses. This study aimed to assess the suitability of different types of pulse flour, from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans, to develop plant-based cheese analogues. Different stabilizer combinations (kappa- and iota-carrageenan, kappa-carrageenan, and xanthan gum) were tested. The results showed that firm and sliceable pulse-based cheese analogues could be prepared using all types of pulse flour using a flour-to-water ratio of 1:4 with the addition of 1% (w/w) kappa-carrageenan. The hardness levels of the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were higher (1883–2903 g, p < 0.01) than the reference Gouda cheese (1636 g) but lower than the commercial vegan cheese analogue (5787 g, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the crude protein (4–6% wb) and total dietary fiber (6–8% wb) contents in the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in the commercial vegan cheese analogue, whereas the fat contents were lower. In conclusion, flours from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans have been shown to be suitable as raw materials for developing cheese analogues with nutritional benefits.

There is a growing demand for alternative protein‐source ingredients from domestically cultivated pulses in Europe, including Sweden. However, the use of legumes as a food ingredient is limited by the presence of a distinct beany flavor. Mapping the volatile compounds composition in a standardized approach will aid in comparing different legume varieties and processing treatments. The composition of volatile compounds in flour from yellow and gray peas (raw and boiled) was investigated and compared. Volatile compounds were isolated by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrophotometry (GC‐MS). A total of 43 volatiles were identified, consisting mostly of aldehydes, followed by alkanes, alcohols, ketones, alkenes, furans, terpenes, aromatics, and sulfur‐containing compounds. Boiling led to a marked reduction in alcohols and an increase in aldehydes. Several markers of beany flavor, such as 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 2‐pentylfuran, and 3,5‐octadien‐2‐one, were significantly decreased after boiling. The composition of volatiles collected from yellow and gray peas was comparable, but boiled yellow pea had a higher abundance of beany flavor as compared to gray pea. Gray pea is an interesting variety to be explored further as a potential alternative to the well‐known yellow pea.

Yellow pea and faba bean are potential candidates to replace soybean-based ingredients due to their suitability for cultivation in the northern hemisphere, non-genetically modified organisms cultivation practice and low risk of allergenicity. This study examined the functionality of local yellow pea and faba bean protein isolates/concentrate as meat analogue products. The most critical factors affecting the texture properties of meat analogue were also determined. Extrusion was used to produce high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs) from yellow pea and faba bean protein isolates/concentrates and HMMAs with fibrous layered structures was successfully produced from both imported commercial and local sources. The texture properties of the HMMA produced were mainly affected by the ash, fiber and protein content and water-holding capacity of the source protein. Three extrusion process parameters (target moisture content, extrusion temperature, screw speed), also significantly affected HMMA texture. In conclusion, functional HMMA can be produced using protein isolates derived from locally grown pulses.

The aim of this work was to evaluate current in-house HPLC procedures for the determination of naturally-occurring folates in food, and to identify problem areas for further improvement. Five intercomparison studies were completed over the period 1990-1997 in which nine participants from six countries took part. Through careful validations and detailed discussions held at evaluation meetings, possible biases and sources of systematic error have been identified and reduced. The use of ascorbic acid and nitrogen flushing during extraction, sample clean-up using strong anion exchange columns, spectrophometrically calibrated standards and fluorescence detection are all recommended. Both in-house hog kidney and human plasma deconjugase enzymes gave similar results to the circulated common hog kidney enzyme which was prepared from fresh pig's kidneys. The most consistently reported values were for 5-CH3H4-PteGlu, and to a lesser extent, for H(4)PteGlu. Four candidate reference materials (CRM 121, wholemeal flour; CRM 421, milk powder; CRM 485, lyophilised mixed vegetables, and CRM 487, lyophilised pig's liver) have been proposed with both indicative values (mean +/- uncertainty) for 5-CH3H4-PteGlu in CRM 421 (0.25; +/- 0.02 mg/kg) and CRM 485 (2.14; +/- 0.42 mg/kg), and information values (mean; range) for 5-CH3H4-PteGlu in CRh4 121 (0.04; 0.03-0.08 mg/kg) and CRM 487 (2.6; 1.9-3.8 mg/kg), Certified values are also given for total folate by microbiological assay: CRM 121 (0.50; +/- 0.07 mg/kg), CRM 421 (1.42; +/- 0.14 mg/kg), CRM 485 (3.15; 0.28 mg/kg), and CRM 487 (13.4; 1.3 mg/kg). Average recovery of 5-CH3H4-PteGlu, added prior to extraction and deconjugation, was 91% (84-95%) for the four CRMs. The average within- and between-laboratory variations were 6 and 15% for the determination of 5-CH3H4-PteGlu by HPLC, and 9 and 18% for the determination of total folate by microbiological assay. These CRMs will be used for quality control of folate measurements for nutritional labelling, and validation of new techniques. Further methodology work is required for the HPLC analyses of folate forms other than 5-CH3H4-PteGlu. 

Folic acid fortification, mandatory in the United States, is currently being considered by the UK. The hypothesis that the matrix of some cereal-product vehicles may result in low fortificant bioavailability was tested using a dual oral/intravenous (i.v.) isotopic-label approach, which was evaluated concurrently. Fifteen women received 225 microg oral folate (capsules, fortified white bread and fortified branflakes), mainly as folic acid labeled with (13)C on 6 carbons of the benzoyl ring ((13)C(6)-PteGlu), followed by i.v. injection of 100 microg folic acid labeled with (2)H on 4 hydrogens of the glutamic acid group ((2)H(4)-PteGlu). The urinary excretion ratio (UER) in intact folate of the percentage of labeled oral dose excreted divided by the percentage of i.v. dose excreted was used as the primary index of absorption. The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) UER for folic acid capsules was 3.68 (1.90, 7.14) at 24 h and 2.18 (1.24, 3.83) at 48 h. Because these were significantly in excess of 1.0, indicative of 100% absorption of the oral dose, it was concluded that oral and i.v. labeled folic acid are handled differently by the body and that "absolute" absorption cannot be calculated. Compared with the 48-h UER for folic acid capsules, the "relative" 48-h UER for white bread and branflakes was 0.71 and 0.37, respectively, indicating that some cereal-based vehicles may inhibit absorption of fortificant. However, even the validity of this "relative" approach is questioned.

In recent years, folates have come into focus due to their protective role against child birth defects, for example, neural tube defects. In addition, folates may have a protective role to play against coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer. During the last few years most countries have established increased recommended intakes of folates, for example, between 300-400 microg per day for adults. This review of folates in milk and dairy products compares some recent data based on high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses and radioprotein-binding assays, with previous data based on microbiological assays. All three methods show similar ranges for folates in cow's milk, 5-10 microg per 100 g, the variation being due to seasonal variations. Data on folates in fermented milk (buttermilk and yogurt) are also similar for these methods. Different starter cultures, however, might explain some of the variations in folate content and folate forms. Most cheese varieties contain between 10 microg and 40 microg folate per kg, with slightly higher values for whey cheese. Ripened soft cheeses may contain up to 100 microg folate per 100 g. Most previous and recent studies using HPLC indicate that 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF) is the major folate form in milk, but more studies are needed concerning folate forms in other, especially fermented dairy products. Relatively new data on actual concentrations in different dairy products show folate-binding proteins (FBP) to occur in unprocessed milk, but also in pasteurised milk, spray-dried skim milk powder and whey. In contrast, UHT milk, fermented milk and most cheeses only contain low levels or trace amounts.

Dricksvatten är vårt viktigaste livsmedel men detta rena vatten används även för bevattningsändamål, i vårt avloppssystem och inom industrin. Våra samlade vattenresurser ger dessutom ekosystemtjänster i form av fiske, rekreationsvärde m.m. (Bergek m. fl., 2017). Trots att Sverige är ett mycket vattenrikt land sett ur ett internationellt perspektiv har vattenbrist uppstått i flera delar av landet under senare år. Vidare förväntas pågående och kommande klimatförändringar, befolkningstillväxt och urbanisering påverka vattenkvaliteten negativt samt öka konkurrensen om vatten ytterligare (IPCC, 2014; SMHI, 2020a). Med ökad konkurrens uppstår dessutom målkonflikter mellan olika viktiga samhällsfunktioner. Det finns således ett stort behov av tvärsektoriell forskning samt policyutveckling för att säkerställa en hållbar framtida vattenförsörjning.

Denna rapport syftar till att sammanställa kunskapsläget vad gäller förutsättningarna för en hållbar vattenförsörjning i Kronobergs län. Först beskrivs tillgång och uttag av dricksvatten i Kronoberg i jämförelse med Kalmar och Skåne län samt förutsättningarna för god framtida vattenkvalitet med Bolmen som exempel. Därefter fokuserar vi på de målkonflikter som kan förväntas uppstå kring dricksvattnet och diskuterar slutligen de kunskapsluckor samt det behov av tvärsektoriell forskning och samhällsutveckling som behövs för en hållbar vattenförsörjning.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Capacity development (CD) in food and nutrition is much more than formal training and includes human resource development, and organisational, institutional and legal framework development with the aim of enhancing nutrition-relevant knowledge and skills to support infrastructural development. The goal of the European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) Network of Excellence has been to develop and integrate food composition data throughout Europe. EuroFIR joined forces in CD with the United Nations (UN) University and UN System Standing Committee on Nutrition, the Network for Capacity Development in Nutrition in Central and Eastern Europe, the Central and Eastern European Countries Food Data Systems network and with the Middle East and North African Capacity Building Initiative. The aim of this paper is to discuss an inventory of the status of food composition databases (FCDBs) and the training needs of compilers in non-EuroFIR countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to present the CD achieved through EuroFIR and other network collaborations.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two online questionnaires were created addressing the FCDB status and specific training needs in countries of the targeted regions. Data were collected during 2006-2008 and then analysed. Subsequently, CD activities were organised.

RESULTS: Contacts were established in 19 CEE and 7 MENA countries, of which several had national food composition tables, but no electronic versions. Education, training, workshops, networking and the sharing of experiences were uniformly requested. Subsequently, CD activities in EuroFIR were organised focussing on food composition courses, exchange visits, workshops and individual training for PhD students, junior scientists and other staff categories, as well as conferences linked to food composition research and food information. To facilitate CD activities, EuroFIR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Estonia.

CONCLUSIONS: EuroFIR has created training activities that complement national activities. Collaboration with other networks has provided an overview of FCDB status and training needs, providing directions for CD activities in those countries. This provides a platform for new funding and further development and networking for CD, which would be conducive to European Commission objectives and public health strategies for CD.

Cereals are a good source of phenolic acids, most of which are present in bound form. The aim of this study was to develop a method for quantifying total phenolic acids in cereals that includes a robust step for hydrolysis of bound forms. Different hydrolysis procedures were evaluated. Acid hydrolysis, even with subsequent use of enzymes, proved unsuitable for releasing bound phenolic acids from the cereal matrix. Base hydrolysis (3 M, 90 min) resulted in the highest extractability, with average recoveries of 88-108% for cereal phenolic acids. The phenolic acid content in cereals (two cultivars each of rye, barley, and oats, and eight cultivars of wheat) varied up to 2-fold between cereal genotypes and 1.5-fold within genotypes. The highest content was found in rye, followed by wheat, barley, and oats. Ferulic acid dominated in all cereals, amounting to 48-72% of total phenolic acid content.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a microbiome-derived metabolite from the metabolism of choline, betaine, and carnitines, is associated to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A method suitable for routine quantification of TMAO and its precursors (trimethylamine (TMA), choline, betaine, creatinine, and propionyl-, acetyl-, and l-carnitine) in clinical and food samples has been developed based on LC-MS. TMA was successfully derivatized using iodoacetonitrile, and no cross-reactions with TMAO or the other methylamines were detected. Extraction from clinical samples (plasma and urine) was performed after protein precipitation using acetonitrile:methanol. For food samples (meatballs and eggs), water extraction was shown to be sufficient, but acid hydrolysis was required to release bound choline before extraction. Baseline separation of the methylamines was achieved using a neutral HILIC column and a mobile phase consisting of 25 mmol/L ammonium formate in water:ACN (30:70). Quantification was performed by MS using external calibration and isotopic labelled internal standards. The assay proved suitable for both clinical and food samples and was linear from approximate to 0.1 up to 200 mu mol/L for all methylamines except for TMA and TMAO, which were linear up to 100 mu mol/L. Recoveries were 91-107% in clinical samples and 76-98% in food samples. The interday (n=8, four duplicate analysis) CVs were below 9% for all metabolites in clinical and food samples. The method was applied successfully to determine the methylamine concentrations in plasma and urine from the subjects participating in an intervention trial (n=10) to determine the effect of animal food ingestion on methylamine concentrations.

The importance of dietary methyl donors, e.g. betaine, choline and folate, is increasingly being recognised. This study examined variations in methyl donor concentrations in different cereals grown in Sweden. Fourteen cereal samples, representing different genera and cultivars, were analysed using HPLC- UV/FLD. The content of methyl donors in the cereals varied significantly due to cereal genotype. Betaine content varied most, with 28 mg/100 g DM in oats and 176 mg/100 g DM in rye. Total choline varied less, with 67 mg/100 g DM in rye and 149 mg/100 g DM in naked barley. In wheat, the lowest concentration of folate with 36 mg/100 g DM was found, and the highest of 91 mg/100 g DM in barley. Esterified choline was the major contributor to total choline content (80e95%) in the cereals. Free choline was less abundant, ranging from 3 to 27mg/100g DM. 5-CHO-H4folate was the dominant folate form in all cereals, amounting to approx. 35e50% of the sum of folates, as determined after pre-column conversion. Due to the limited number of available cultivars, no interpretation regarding effects from cultivar can be made. In conclusion, the studied cereal genotypes are good sources of methyl donors, but concentrations show considerable variation between different cereals.

The Egyptian government introduced wheat-flour fortification with iron and folic acid to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects, but suspended it for technical reasons. We previously developed novel legume foods with enhanced folate content. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 12-week intervention with folate-en- hanced foods versus folic acid supplement in improving folate status in Egyptian women. A randomized, parallel intervention trial with two active groups (n = 19, n = 18) and one blinded control group (n = 20) was executed over 12 weeks. Volunteers received either germinated legume foods and orange juice (≈250 μg/d folate) or folic acid supplement (500 μg/d) or apple juice (0 μg/d folate). Folate status was assessed by erythrocyte and plasma folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) at day 0, and after 8 and 12 weeks of intervention. After 12 weeks, mean plasma folate increased by 14 (P < 0.0001) and 12 (P < 0.0001) nmoL in the folic acid and food group, respectively. Erythrocyte folate concentration increased in the folic acid group from 614 to 912 (P < 0.0001) and in the food group from 631 to 914 nmoL (P < 0.0001). After 12 weeks, 90% of subjects in the folic acid group and 70% in the food group had erythrocyte folate concentrations exceeding 906 nmol/L. tHcy concentration was decreased by 20% (P = 0.007) and 18% (P = 0.006) in the folic acid and food group, respectively, but remained unchanged in the control group during intervention. Folate-enhanced foods effectively improve folate status in women of reproductive age. These foods could be used as a complement to folic acid fortification 

Faba beans are an important source of folate and commonly consumed in Egypt. This study examined the effects of Egyptian industrial food processing (e.g., canning and freezing), germination, cultivar, and maturity stages on folate content, with the aim to develop a candidate functional canned faba bean food with increased folate content. The folate content in four cultivars of green faba beans ranged from 110 to 130 μg 100 g(-1) fresh weight (535-620 μg 100 g(-1) dry matter [DM]), which was four- to sixfold higher than in dried seeds. Industrial canning of dried seeds resulted in significant folate losses of ∼20% (P = 0.004), while industrial freezing had no effect. Germination of faba beans increased the folate content by >40% (P < 0.0001). A novel industrial canning process involving pregermination of dried faba beans resulted in a net folate content of 194 μg 100 g(-1) DM, which is 52% more than in conventional canned beans. The consumption of green faba beans should be recommended, providing ∼120 μg dietary folate equivalents per 100 g/portion.

The concept of glycaemic index (GI) has led to efforts to develop low-GI foods. Bread contributes around one-quarter of carbohydrate intake in the Swedish diet. In this study, we sought to develop low-GI bread prototypes and examined the effects of bread making on content of total dietary fibre (TDF) and resistant starch (RS). Five bread prototypes were made in a commercial bakery, using sourdough fermentation and intact cereal and legume kernels. Predicted (p-GI) andin vivoGI values were determined, and TDF and RS were quantified. The p-GI value of the five prototypes was between 56 and 68. The confirmedin vivoGI value was 65 and 67 for two of the breads. The TDF content (>= 17%) was not affected by bread making, but RS content was increased by three-fold. All breads were categorised as medium-GI, but with low glycaemic load (GL).

Cereals are recognised as an important food source of folate, and germinated cereals are reported to contain even more folate. This study examined the effects of germination and oven-drying on folate content in different wheat and rye cultivars. The native folate content in four wheat cultivars ranged from 23 to 33 μg/100 g dry matter (DM) and that in six rye cultivars from 31 to 39 μg/100 g DM. Mean folate content in rye was 25% higher than in wheat. Germination of both cereals resulted in a 4- to 6-fold increase in folate content, depending on cultivar and duration of germination. The highest folate content in both cereals was found after 96 h of germination and was 181 μg/100 g DM for cv. Kaskelott (rye) and 155 μg/100 g DM for cv. Kosack (wheat). Germination increased the amount of 5-CH ₃-H ₄folate in both cereals from 45 to 75%. Oven-drying of germinated wheat grains (for 48 and 72 h) at 50 °C did not affect the folate content. In conclusion, germination increases the folate content in wheat and rye cultivars, while subsequent oven-drying does not affect the folate content. Germination can therefore be recommended for producing bakery ingredients with increased folate content. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Legumes and cereals play an important role in the traditional diet in several regions of the world (Messina 1999). In egypt, cereals occupy the first place in the human diet as a source of calories, with proteins and legumes as the second (FaO 2011). public health authorities around the world recommend the consumption of cereals and legumes because of health benefits deriving from their chemical composition, e.g., a low content of saturated fat and a high content of essential nutrients and phytochemicals (anderson 2004, Messina 2014).

INTRODUCTION: Egypt has a high incidence of neural tube defects related to folate deficiency. One major food source for folate is pita (baladi) bread, which is consumed daily. Bioprocessing (e.g. germination) has been reported to increase the folate content in cereals. The aim was to produce pita bread with increased folate content using germinated wheat flour (GWF).

METHODS: Prior to milling the effects of germination and drying conditions on folate content in wheat grains were studied. Pita bread was baked from wheat flour substituted with different levels of GWF. The folate content in dough and bread and rheological properties of dough were determined.

RESULTS: Germination of wheat grains resulted in, depending on temperature, 3- to 4-fold higher folate content with a maximum of 61 µg/100 g DM (dry matter). The folate content in both flour and bread increased 1.5 to 4-fold depending on the level of flour replacement with GWF. Pita bread baked with 50% sieved GWF was acceptable with respect to colour and layer separation, and had a folate content of 50 µg/100 g DM compared with 30 µg/100 g DM in conventional pita bread (0% GWF).

CONCLUSION: Using 50% GWF, pita bread with increased folate content, acceptable for the Egyptian consumer, was produced. Consumption of this bread would increase the average daily folate intake by 75 µg.

Industrial food processing and household cooking are reported to affect folate content. This study examined the effects of industrial and household processing methods on folate content in traditional Egyptian foods from faba beans (Vicia faba) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). Overnight soaking increased folate content by ∼40–60%. Industrial canning including soaking, blanching and retorting did not affect folate content (p = 0.11) in faba beans, but resulted in losses of ∼24% (p = 0.0005) in chickpeas. Germination increased folate content 0.4–2.4-fold. Household preparation increased the folate content in germinated faba bean soup (nabet soup) one-fold and in bean stew (foul) by 20% (p < 0.0001). After deep-frying of falafel balls made from soaked faba bean paste, losses of 10% (p = 0.2932) compared with the raw faba beans were observed. The folate content (fresh weight) in the traditional Egyptian foods foul and falafel and in the beans in nabet soup was 30 ± 2, 45 ± 2 and 56 ± 6 μg/100 g, respectively. The traditional Egyptian foods foul, falafel and nabet soup are good folate sources and techniques like germination and soaking, which increase the folate content, can therefore be recommended.

The main objective of this study was to increase the folate content in Egyptian baladi bread using germinated wheat flour (GWF). The effect of germination temperature and drying conditions on the folate content of wheat grains was studied. Wheat flour was substituted with unsieved and sieved GWF at different levels and the effects on folate content and the rheological properties of dough were determined. Germination of wheat grains resulted in a 3- to 4-fold higher folate content depending on the germination temperature. Maximum folate content (61 mu g/100 g dry matter (DM)) occurred at 30 degrees C. Drying did not affect folate content in germinated grains. After replacement with GWF, folate content in both flour and bread increased 1.5- to 4-fold depending on the level of replacement. Rheological properties of dough were adversely affected by increasing replacement level (as determined by farinograph). While the folate content in bread was as high as 66 mu g/100 g DM at complete replacement of flour with sieved GWF, the bread was dark and layers were not separated. After replacement of half of the flour with sieved GWF (50 g/100 g), the baladi bread was acceptable with respect to colour and layer separation. The folate content in this bread was 50 mu g/100 g DM, compared with 30 mu g/100 g DM in bread without GWF (0 g/100 g). (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Public health authorities recommend all fertile women to increase their folate intake to 400 μg/d by eating folate-rich foods or by taking a folic acid supplement to protect against neural tube defects. In a previous study it was shown that folate-rich foods improved folate blood status as effectively as folic acid supplementation. The aim of the present study was to investigate, using NMR metabolomics, the effects of an intervention with a synthetic folic acid supplement v. native food folate on the profile of plasma metabolites. Healthy women with normal folate status received, in parallel, 500 μg/d synthetic folic acid from a supplement (n 18), 250 μg/d folate from intervention foods (n 19), or no additional folate (0 μg/d) through a portion of apple juice (n 20). The metabolic profile of plasma was measured using 1H-NMR in fasted blood drawn at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Metabolic differences between the groups at baseline and after intervention were assessed using a univariate statistical approach (P ≤ 0·001, Bonferroni-adjusted significance level). At baseline, the groups showed no significant differences in measured metabolite concentrations. After intervention, eight metabolites, of which six (glycine, choline, betaine, formate, histidine and threonine) are related to one-carbon metabolism, were identified as discriminative metabolites. The present study suggests that different folate forms (synthetic v. natural) may affect related one-carbon metabolites differently.

The folate content in some Egyptian foods was determined using RP-HPLC-FL. Trienzyme treatment was used for legumes, dienzyme treatment for cereals and starchy vegetables, and monoenzyme treatment for vegetables and fruits. The highest folate content (633 mu g/100 g) was found in dried Jew's mellow due to low water content, followed by legumes (e.g. 150 mu g/100 g for chick peas) and leafy vegetables (100 mu g/100 g). For other foods, folate content ranged from 10-90 mu g/100 g. In all foods, the predominant folate form was 5-CH(3)-H(4)folate, except for dried Jew's mellow, which contained more than 80% 10-HCO-PteGlu. Using folate data from our own analyses and food tables and food consumption data, the dietary folate intake per capita in Egypt was estimated. However, representative and validated food composition data for folate in Egyptian foods are needed for estimating and evaluating the adequacy of the population's folate intake. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An increasing number of national food databases have been published on the internet. However, these internet databases can only be searched individually, and the data have been compiled at a national level, resulting in incompatibilities. To resolve these problems, the Network of Excellence EuroFIR develops an internet based platform for online access to various national authoritative sources of food composition data in Europe. Training is essential for its use, and for the development of harmonised procedures of data production, evaluation, compilation, and retrieval. The training program developed within EuroFIR consists of individual training, supported by exchange grants, and a collection of workshops and training courses. Supportive E-learning modules are under construction. Procedures for the evaluation of each training activity have been made to measure its efficacy, and to learn about new training needs. Attention is given to special training needs of compilers in central and eastern European countries. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A sensitive HPLC method with fluorescence detection and gradient elution has been developed for the determination of folates in vegetables. The method involved extraction of folates from food matrix by heat treatment, deconjugation of folate polyglutamates to monoglutamates by incubation with hog kidney conjugase and purification of food extracts by solid-phase extraction with strong-anion exchange cartridges. The chromatographic separation of folates was achieved on Zorbax SB C-8 column, which was found to be superior over conventional C-18 column in terms of selectivity and sensitivity. Validation of the method included linearity tests, the addition of standard folates for the determination of recovery, repeatability and stability tests. The method developed was applied to analysis of raw and processed beetroots; 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was found to be the main folate form in beetroots. Cultivar differences and growing conditions were found to have a pronounced effect on the folate content in beetroots. Processing resulted in considerable losses of folates, whereas losses during storage appeared to be moderate.

Strawberries are a good dietary source of folate and are of interest because of their importance as raw material for the Swedish food industry. The aim of this study was to quantify the total folate content in strawberries, after different conditions of storage, at different grades of ripeness and in different cultivars, using a strictly controlled RPBA-kit, optimised for food analysis. In the study fresh strawberries were stored imitating commercial conditions no losses of folate could be observed. Regarding ripeness, the highest folate concentration was found in unripe strawberries, which differed significantly from ripe and overripe. A significant variation (p<0.01) was found for six different cultivars. All results are given for both fresh and dry matter in order to exclude interference from possible variations in water content.

BACKGROUND: Folate has come into focus due to its protective role against child birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTD). Swedish authorities recommend all fertile women to increase their folate intake to 400 microg/day by eating folate-rich foods. Because not all women follow these recommendations, there is a discussion today about whether Sweden should introduce folic acid fortification in wheat flour and sifted rye flour. This decision needs knowledge about the bioavailability of folic acid from fortified foods.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate effects of two folic acid fortification levels on folate status in healthy female volunteers and to study the folic acid stability during the baking procedure and storage of the fortified breakfast rolls.

METHOD: Twenty-nine healthy women were recruited. Folic acid-fortified wheat breakfast rolls were baked with the purpose to contain 200 microg folic acid/roll (roll L) and 400 microg folic acid/roll (roll H). Fourteen women were given one roll/day of roll L (group L) and 15 one roll/day of roll H (group H) during 12 weeks of intervention. Fasting venous blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, 60 and 90. Serum homocysteine concentrations were determined using an immunoassay. Serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations were analysed using a protein-binding assay with fluorescent quantification. The folic acid concentration in the breakfast rolls was analysed by HPLC on days 0, 30, 60 and 90. Total folate concentration was measured with microbiological assay on day 45.

RESULTS: Group L Group L had initially an average erythrocyte folate concentration of 577 +/- 93 nmol/L. After 90 days of intervention, an increase of 20 % (p < 0.05) was observed. At day 0, mean serum folate concentrations were 16.9 +/- 4.3 nmol/L. The mean serum folate concentrations increased by 30 % (p < 0.001) after 90 days. At day 0, mean serum homocysteine concentrations were 9.1 +/- 2.0 micromol/L, which decreased by 20 % (p < 0.01) after 30 days. Group H Group H had an initial erythrocyte folate concentration of 784 +/- 238 nmol/L. After 90 days, an increase of 26 % (p < 0.05) was observed. Serum folate increased at least 22 % after 30 days, from a level of 18.7 +/- 4.8 nmol/L at day 0. Thereafter, all women of group H had serum concentrations at or above the upper limit of quantification (23 nmol/L). At day 0, mean serum homocysteine concentrations were 8.4 +/- 1.7 micromol/L, which decreased by 16 % (p < 0.05) after 30 days. The baking procedure resulted in 20-25 % loss of fortified folic acid in the rolls used in the present study. The size of the rolls affected the retention of folic acid during baking. No significant loss was seen in folic acid concentration in the rolls during the intervention period.

CONCLUSION: The present study showed that in healthy women, subjected to a 12-week intervention with breakfast rolls fortified with either 166 microg or 355 microg folic acid, serum homocysteine concentration decreased (p < 0.05) and erythrocyte folate increased (p < 0.05). The lower level of fortification seems to be sufficient to improve the folate status. Together with the average daily intake of natural folates, these women reach the recommended intake of 400 microg/day. Folic acid is stable in fortified bread for 90 days storage at -20 degrees C.

Berries are considered an ideal source of polyphenols, especially from the flavonoid group. In this study, we examined the flavonoid content in 16 varieties of Swedish lingonberry, raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry. Nineteen flavonoids were simultaneously quantified using external standards. An additional 29 flavonoids were tentatively identified using MS as no standards were available. Quantification was done using HPLC-UV after optimization of chromatographic and extraction procedures. The method showed high linearity within the range of 2–100 µg/mL (correlation co-efficient >0.999), intra- and inter-day precision of 1.7–7.3% and average recovery above 84% for all compounds. Blueberries and lingonberries were found to contain higher contents of flavonoids (1100 mg/100 g dry weight) than raspberries and strawberries (500 mg/100 g dry weight). Anthocyanins were the dominant flavonoids in all berries. The tentatively characterized compounds contribute 18%, 29%, 61%, and 67% of the total flavonoid content in strawberries, lingonberries, raspberries, and blueberries, respectively. Overall, Swedish berries were shown to be good sources of polyphenols.