Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Food Labeling”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Future directions in food composition studies.

Food composition studies are essential for many purposes in nutrition, food science, and dietetics. This article reviews uses of food composition information in food labeling, nutrition education, dietary surveys, epidemiological studies, and dietary intervention trials. Research is need to minimize the causes of variation between actual and measured diets. This involves minimizing errors in food sampling, chemical analysis, food composition table construction, nutrient data bases for food groups, and in computations using nutrient analysis systems. Critical knowledge relative to food composition necessary for food science experts, nutrition professionals and other professionals is discussed. Improving the reporting of food composition data will also require more attention by editors of journals: if they demand more documentation, they will get it.

Diet↗

Fluid phase and receptor-mediated endocytosis in Paramecium primaurelia by fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy.

In ciliated protozoa, most nutrients are internalized via phagocytosis by food vacuole formation at the posterior end of the buccal cavity. The uptake of small-sized molecules and external fluid through the plasma membrane is a localized process. That is because most of the cell surface is internally covered by an alveolar system and a fibrous epiplasm, so that only defined areas of the cell surface are potential substance uptake sites. The purpose of this study is to analyze, by fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy, the relationship between WGA (Triticum vulgaris agglutinin) and dextran internalization in Paramecium primaurelia cells blocked in the phagocytic process, so that markers could not be internalized via food vacuole formation. WGA, which binds to surface constituents of fixed and living cells, was used as a marker for membrane transport and dextran as a marker for fluid phase endocytosis. After 3 min incubation, WGA-FITC is found on plasma membrane and cilia, and successively within small cytoplasmic vesicles. After a 10-15 min chase in unlabeled medium, the marked vesicles decrease in number, increase in size and fuse with food vacuoles. This fusion was evidenced by labeling food vacuoles with BSA-Texas red. Dextran enters the cell via endocytic vesicles which first localize in the cortical region, under the plasma membrane, and then migrate in the cytoplasm and fuse with other endocytic vesicles and food vacuoles. When cells are fed with WGA-FITC and dextran-Texas red at the same time, two differently labeled vesicle populations are found. Cytosol acidification and incubation in sucrose medium or in chlorpromazine showed that WGA is internalized via clathrin vesicles, whereas fluid phase endocytosis is a clathrin-independent process.

Animals↗

Mass spectrometric detection of CP4 EPSPS in genetically modified soya and maize.

The potential of protein fractionation hyphenated to mass spectrometry (MS) to detect and characterize the transgenic protein present in Roundup Ready soya and maize has been investigated. Genetically modified (GM) soya and maize contain the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene from Agrobacterium tumefaciens CP4, which confers resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. The GM soya and maize proteomes were fractionated by gel filtration, anion-exchange chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) prior to MS. This facilitated detection of a tryptic peptide map of CP4 EPSPS by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS and nanoelectrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (nanoESI-QTOF) MS. Subsequently, sequence information from the CP4 EPSPS tryptic peptides was obtained by nanoESI-QTOF MS/MS. The identification was accomplished in 0.9% GM soya seeds, which is the current EU threshold for food-labeling requirements.

3-Phosphoshikimate 1-Carboxyvinyltransferase↗

Historical perspective as a guide for identifying and developing applicable methods for dietary fiber.

A review is presented describing the nature and evolving definition of dietary fiber. The historical development of the current definition is discussed as are the efforts to develop analytical methods to support food labeling regulations. Also considered are the characterization and quantitation of resistance starch, a dietary starch that does not digest in the small intestine, behaves like dietary fiber and therefore may have potential as a health-related ingredient in foods. The current status of AOAC methodology is discussed along with the possibility of updating the definition of dietary fiber. The potential impacts of changing the dietary fiber definition on analytical issues and on food composition databases are also considered.

Dietary Carbohydrates↗

The 'Green Keyhole' revisited: nutritional knowledge may influence food selection.

INTRODUCTION: The food-marking symbol the 'Green Keyhole' has been in use since 1989 in Sweden, to make it easier for consumers to select low-fat and high-fibre alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To describe knowledge of the Green Keyhole symbol in a general population of both sexes and the association between knowledge and intake of Green Keyhole labelled foods. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study within the GOT-MONICA project 1995/96. SUBJECTS: 732 males and 859 females, aged 25-64 y. METHODS: Reported intakes of Green Keyhole labelled low-fat and fibre-enriched foods from a food frequency questionnaire, in relation to knowledge of the Green Keyhole symbol. RESULTS: 53% and 76% of the males and females, respectively, understood the meaning of the symbol. SUBJECTS with knowledge were significantly younger (P<0.0001) and (among women) thinner (P=0.0105), than those without knowledge. Intakes of Green Keyhole labelled low-fat foods were significantly higher in males (P=0.0443) and females (P<0.0001) with knowledge of the symbol than without. An interaction between education and knowledge of the Green Keyhole symbol was found for intake of low-fat marked foods (P=0.0088). CONCLUSIONS: Both males and females with knowledge of the symbol seem to have adopted its low-fat message. However, in certain sub-groups, particularly the less educated, the message of the symbol appears to have no association with dietary practices.

Adult↗

Trans fatty acids: are the effects only marginal?

In the process of converting vegetable oils into solid fats, a process known as partial hydrogenation, some unsaturated bonds are converted to an unnatural trans position. In humans, trans fatty acids increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, positive associations between intake of trans fatty acids and coronary heart disease have been observed in epidemiological studies. The combined results of metabolic and epidemiological studies provide strong evidence that trans fatty acid intake is causally related to risk of coronary disease. Because the consumption of partially hydrogenated fats is almost universal in the United States, the number of deaths attributable to such fats is likely to be substantial. Federal regulations should require manufacturers to include trans fatty acid content in food labels and should aim to greatly reduce or eliminate the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable fats.

Coronary Disease↗

Health claims and observational human data: relation between dietary fat and cancer.

The US Food and Drug Administration review that provided the basis for authorizing a food-label health claim linking the risk of cancer to dietary fat intake illustrated several considerations in the use of epidemiologic data, and observational data in particular, to support dietary recommendations. The review suggested the need for clear and established criteria for judging the quality of observational human data as well as the importance of making the evaluation process for individual studies transparent and organized. The review, which provided for a claim in the absence of controlled human studies, also suggested that observational data may play a greater role when the nature of the relation to be described by a health-claim statement is broad and general rather than targeted and specific. Of particular importance was the relevance of available data to the questions inherent in showing a diet-disease relation, the need to consider the totality of the evidence, and the key role that existing authoritative reports must play in establishing the basis for relation.

Animals↗

Patients' knowledge about fats and cholesterol in the Community Cholesterol Survey Project.

OBJECTIVE: The Community Cholesterol Survey Project assessed attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors relating to cholesterol. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Six outpatient primary care practice sites (two urban, two suburban, and two rural) in northeast Ohio. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred seventy-seven site-, age-, and gender-stratified adult patients were enrolled from a total of 604 approached (79% recruitment). INTERVENTIONS: Self-administered questionnaire and structured dietitian interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A knowledge score derived from responses to multiple-choice questions and a knowledge rating given by the study dietitian. Motivation and dietary health were similarly measured. RESULTS: Subjects did worse than random guessing for seven of 12 knowledge questions regarding label reading, fats, and cholesterol. In particular, the meaning of "hydrogenated" and the relative energy content of fats was poorly understood. Knowledge scores and ratings were significantly correlated (r = .52). Knowledge ratings were higher in those who were receiving a cholesterol-lowering diet or who had received other advice or treatment from their physician for high cholesterol level. By analysis of variance, knowledge measures were found to have significant independent positive associations with higher social status (P < .001) and living in a suburban area (P < .05). Motivation and dietary health demonstrated similar relationships to social status. CONCLUSIONS: To make use of patients' motivation for change, it will be essential to provide education at an effective level. Instruction in label reading or creation of more meaningful food labels may have the greatest impact. A particular challenge is the education of less advantaged patients to promote healthy nutrition practices.

Adult↗

The role of nutritional modifications in the prevention of macrovascular complications of diabetes.

A wide range of dietary changes is likely to reduce the risk of macrovascular complications of diabetes. It is critically important to recommend a balance of macronutrients different from that currently consumed in most Western countries. Saturated fatty acids, especially myristic and palmitic acids, and trans fatty acids must be reduced to lower LDL cholesterol. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids should not be excessive (less than 10% total energy). Fiber-rich carbohydrate, derived from cereals, vegetables, and fruit with intact cell walls, and cis monounsaturated fatty acids should provide the bulk of total energy. These changes are likely to be associated with the most favorable lipoprotein profile and increase intake of dietary antioxidants and so reduce the level of oxidative stress. A reduction of sodium to below 6 g per day will help to reduce blood pressure levels. Optimal glycemic control has not yet been proved to reduce the risk of macrovascular complications, though this is a desirable goal for many other reasons. Ensuring appropriate energy balance (so that BMI is within the desirable range), using low glycemic index foods, and appropriately balancing carbohydrate intake with hypoglycemic drug therapy provide the best nutritional means of achieving satisfactory blood glucose levels. Successful implementation of nutritional recommendations requires the availability of dietitians capable of translating appropriate nutrition into appropriate foods acceptable to people with diabetes and their families. Clear food labeling and the availability of appropriate manufactured foods will further help patients with diabetes to achieve the dietary recommendations.

Antioxidants↗

Dietary needs for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is identified as a painful, disabling and disfiguring health deficit that is entirely preventable given early detection and reversal of the causes--one of which is deficiency of nutrients required for bone health. The notable examples of nutrients where deficiency is directly related to the onset of osteoporosis are identified as calcium and vitamin D. The reasons why deficiency occurs are analysed in this article and high-risk situations for deficiency identified and discussed. The use of phytooestrogens in dietary prevention of osteoporosis is explored to include analysis of foods containing phytooestrogens, the quantities required, and product variability. Given the increasing role of phytooestrogens in dietary prevention of osteoporosis, discussion in this section looks at the need for food labelling, including phytooestrogen content, so that consumers can make reasoned choices as to the quantities they require and the dietary sources from which this will be obtained.

Bone and Bones↗

Teaching, learning, doing: best practices in education.

As many as 90 million Americans lack basic skills needed to access, understand, and use health information and services to make healthy dietary choices. Effective teaching by physicians can bridge the learning gap and arrest the epidemic of obesity. The Academy at Harvard Medical School is developing best practices in teaching that will equip future doctors to reduce health illiteracy and promote positive changes in thinking and behavior in their patients. Models of how people learn can help physicians select tasks, questions, and prompts that advance teaching and learning. To keep and use new information, adults need to integrate new ideas into existing frameworks of understanding and participate in the learning process by linking new information to what is already known. By teaching patients how to read a single food label, starting with calories, physicians can set the stage for future learning. The process of change is challenging, particularly in adults. Best practices in teaching and learning can help physicians be more effective agents of change.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Tracking genes from seed to supermarket: techniques and trends.

Analytical techniques to track plant genes in the environment and the food chain are essential for environmental risk assessment, government regulation and production and trade of genetically modified (GM) crops. Here, I review laboratory techniques to track plant genes during pre-commercialization research on gene flow and post-commercialization detection, identification and quantification of GM crops from seed to supermarket. At present, DNA- and protein-based assays support both activities but the demand for fast, inexpensive, sensitive methods is increasing. Part of the demand has been generated by stringent food labeling and traceability regulations for GM crops. The increase in GM crops, changes in GM crop design, evolution of government regulations and adoption of risk-assessment frameworks will continue to drive development of analytical techniques.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

The impact of a gluten-free diet on adults with coeliac disease: results of a national survey.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of the gluten-free diet on the 5,240 members of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA). Data are presented on 2,681 adults (>or=16 years) with biopsy-proven celiac disease (CD). METHODS: A mail-out survey was used. Quality of life was evaluated using the 'SF12', and celiac-specific questions. RESULTS: Mean age was 56 years, mean age at diagnosis was 45 years, and 75% were female. The 'SF12' summary scores were similar to normative Canadian data, but were significantly lower for females and newly diagnosed patients. Respondents reported: following a gluten-free (GF) diet (90%), improvement on the diet (83%), and difficulties following the diet (44%), which included: determining if foods were GF (85%), finding GF foods in stores (83%), avoiding restaurants (79%), and avoiding travel (38%). Most common reactions to consumed gluten (among 73%) included pain, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nausea, and headache. Excellent information on CD and its treatment was provided by the CCA (64%), gastroenterologists (28%), dietitians (26%) and family doctor (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life in those with CD could be increased with early diagnosis, increased availability of gluten-free foods, improved food labelling, and better dietary instruction. Education of physicians and dietitians about CD and its treatment is essential.

Canada↗

Dietary guidance and nutrient requirements of the elderly.

Basic practical advice about healthy food choices is reviewed via the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Food Guide Pyramid, and Daily Values on Food Labels. Special considerations for their use with the healthy elderly are included. Nutrient requirements of the elderly are presented for the oldest RDA age category, "51+ years and older" as is newer research on altered nutrient needs that accompany aging. The Nutrition Counseling Checklist helps determine when referral for in-depth diet therapy is needed.

Aged↗

Factors relating to compliance with a gluten-free diet in patients with coeliac disease: comparison of white Caucasian and South Asian patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To identify factors relating to compliance with a gluten-free diet amongst white Caucasian and South Asians with coeliac disease. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey, with case note review of 130 adult patients with coeliac disease (90 white Caucasian and 40 South Asians). RESULTS: 87 (66.9%) of the 130 questionnaires were returned; whites: 73.3%, South Asians: 52.5% (P = 0.02). White Caucasians' assessment of their own strictness to the gluten-free diet correlated with small bowel histological recovery (OR 10.00, 95% CI 3.2-33.06) and negative endomysial antibodies (OR 34.94, CI 6.58-185.40). This was not seen in the South Asian patients. Amongst the white coeliacs, factors correlating with compliance with a gluten-free diet were: Coeliac Society membership, understanding food labelling, obtaining sufficient gluten-free products, explanation by a physician, and regular dietetic follow-up. These factors were not identified amongst the South Asians, who were less likely to attend dietetic clinics, join the Coeliac Society and be satisfied with information provided by doctors and dieticians. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the South Asians, factors were identified which related to compliance with a gluten-free diet amongst white Caucasian coeliac patients. This study has shown that the treatment approach to ethnic minorities with coeliac disease must be improved.

Adult↗

Development of a specific monoclonal antibody for grouper (Epinephelus guaza) identification by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Identification of fish species adulteration is important for consumer protection and the enforcement of food-labeling laws. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) generated against soluble muscle proteins from grouper (Epinephelus guaza) has been used in two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) formats (microtiter plates and immunostick tubes) for the rapid authentication of grouper fillets. The 3D12 MAb was produced with the use of the hybridoma technique and tested against several commonly consumed fish species by ELISA. The 3D12 MAb specifically reacted with grouper samples and could be useful for the discrimination of grouper among other, less-valued, fish species sold in the marketplace.

Animals↗