Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición

El "Registro Internacional de Plataformas de Ensayos Clínicos -ICTRP-"

Orthorexia or when a healthy diet becomes an obsession.

La ortorexia es un cuadro obsesivo-compulsivo caracterizado por una extremada apetencia y selección de alimentos considerados saludables. Este ritual conduce con frecuencia a una dieta restrictiva y un aislamiento social compensatorio Las personas adscritas a esta tendencia evitan obsesivamente los alimentos que contienen o podrían tener colorantes, conservantes, pesticidas, ingredientes genéticamente modificados, grasas poco saludables o contenidos excesivos en sal, azúcares y otros componentes. La forma de preparación de los alimentos y los materiales utilizados para ello también son parte del ritual obsesivo. Las personas con tendencia ortoréxica a menudo tienen antecedentes o rasgos comunes con los pacientes que padecen anorexia. Son personas meticulosas, ordenadas, con una exagerada necesidad de autocuidado y protección. Las mujeres, el periodo de adolescencia y quienes se dedican a deportes como el culturismo, el atletismo y otros, son los grupos más vulnerables. Se ha propuesto un test corto como herramienta de cribado y diagnóstico precoz de este trastorno. El tratamiento de la ortorexia requiere la intervención de un equipo de ayuda en el que participen médicos, psicoterapeutas y dietistas. En algunos casos puede ser necesario el uso de antiserotoninérgicos como parte del tratamiento.

Orthorexia is an obsessive-compulsive process characterized by extreme care for and selection of what is considered to be pure healthy food. This ritual leads to a very restrictive diet and social isolation as a compensation. Orthorexics obsessively avoid foods which may contain artificial colours, flavours, preservant agents, pesticide residues or genetically modified ingredients, unhealthy fats, foods containing too much salt or too much sugar and other components. The way of preparation, kitchenware and other tools used are also part of the obsessive ritual. People with orthorexia often have a history or features in common with anorexic patients. They are very careful, detailed and tidy persons with an exagerated need for selfcare and protection. Women, adolescents and those who practice sports suchs as bodybuidling or ahthetics are the gruops at higher risk. A short test has been suggested as a screening tool and useful for early diagnosis of the disorder. Treatment of orthorexia require a multidisciplinary team involving physicians, psychoterapists and dietitians. In some cases, antiserotoninergic drugs may be required as part of the treatment.

Programs destined to decrease the chronic malnutrition: A review in Latin American

En América Latina la desnutrición crónica afecta al 16% de los menores de cinco años, y es el resultado de la acumulación de una dieta inadecuada y la recurrencia de enfermedades. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar el impacto de los programas destinados a mejorar el crecimiento de los menores de 5 años en América Latina, considerando aquellos que han tenido como finalidad aumentar la oferta alimentaria a nivel familiar y entre estos los que han sido evaluados y publicados. Para esto se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO y de informes de organismos internacionales entre 1995 a 2005. Se identificaron tres tipos de programas: Transferencia Económica Condicionada (PTEC), Alimentación Complementaria (PAC) y Seguridad Alimentaria (PSA). Se reportaron algunas dificultades en su gestión, entre los que destacan que beneficiarios no permanecen el tiempo establecido y los suplementos nutricionales no son aceptados o se diluyen a nivel familiar Los niños beneficiarios del PTEC alcanzaron ganancias hasta de un centímetro (menores de 36 meses); los del PAC registraron impacto sólo en los más pobres; en tanto los PSA no reportaron efectos demostrables. Este impacto reducido es explicable porque para desarrollar todo el potencial de crecimiento del niño, hay que asegurar intervenciones coordinadas ligados al combate a la pobreza y de esta forma actuar sobre sus mecanismos de acción. Por eso no es de extrañar que los programas que presentan mejores resultados sean los que están insertos en una lucha coordinada para disminuir la pobreza, los que presentan una mayor continuidad y cuya acción se ha focalizado prioritariamente en los más vulnerables.

Stunting affects 16 % of children under 5 years old, in Latin America. This is a cumulative effect of poor diets and repeated episodes of infectious diseases. Our aim was to analyze the impact of nutrition programs oriented to increase food availability at the family level on the growth of under fives in Latin America. We included all evaluated and published interventions on food availability. An electronic and manual search of papers published between 1995 - 2005 in PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and international organizations, was performed. Three type of programs were identified: Conditioned Economical Transference Programs (CETP) (n= ), Complementary Feeding Programs (CFP) (n= ), and Food Security Programs (FSP) (n=). Operational deficiencies were reported, some of them being participants attrition, non acceptance of the food supplement or its dilution among other members of the family. Beneficiaries of CETP (< 36 months) gained up to 1 cm while the CFP registered impact but only in the low socioeconomic children. Conversely, the (FSP) did not show the expected effects on growth. This reduced impact is understandable because in order to permit the development of the childrens growth potential interventions should be directed to strike on poverty as the main mechanism of the childrens hampered growth. Hence, the best results are obtained by coordinated programs that combat povertyoptimizing the interventions continuity and management and give priority to the most vulnerable groups.

Critical revision of the available methods for evaluate the body composition in population-based and clinical studies.

A avaliação da composição corporal é de extrema importância para o diagnóstico do estado nutricional individual e populacional e para o estabelecimento de condutas clíniconutricionais adequadas. O excesso de gordura corporal está, freqüentemente, associado a alterações metabólicas importantes e às doenças crônicas, como diabetes, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemias. A disponibilidade de métodos que permitam estimar a composição corporal é fundamental para avaliação de atletas e do estado de saúde de indivíduos. Há diversos métodos para análise da composição corporal, e é importante conhecer a limitação de cada um e a sua validade para que as estimativas obtidas sejam confiáveis e interpretadas corretamente. Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar a aplicabilidade de alguns indicadores do estado nutricional e de métodos de avaliação da composição corporal, tais como índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e relação cintura-quadril, medidas de dobras cutâneas, bioimpedância elétrica e interactância de infravermelho próximo.

The corporal composition evaluation is extremely important for the individual and population nutritional state diagnosis and for the establishment of appropriate clinical-nutritional conducts. An excess of body fat is frequently associated with important metabolic alterations and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia The availability of methods to assess body composition is essential to evaluate health status of individuals.There are several methods for the corporal composition analysis, and it is important to know the limitation of each one and his/her validity so that the obtained estimates are reliable and correctly interpreted. The purpose of this study was to revise the applicability of some nutritional state indicators and corporal composition evaluation methods, such as corporal mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip relation, skinfold measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis and near-infrared interactance.

Standardization and reliability of anthropometric measurements for population surveys.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi padronizar e determinar a confiabilidade das medidas realizadas por cinco antropometristas de uma pesquisa populacional. A padronização, com conteúdos teóricos e práticos relativos à técnica de mensuração antropométrica, foi realizada em setembro de 2006 e março de 2007, quando foram aferidos o erro técnico de medição (ETM) intra-avaliador e interavaliador, respectivamente. Para determinar o ETM intra-avaliador, 107 escolares foram avaliados em dois dias distintos. Para a aferição do ETM inter-avaliadores, 22 escolares foram avaliados um de cada vez, durante o mesmo período, pelos cinco avaliadores e por um avaliador padrão. De forma geral, o resultado de ETM absoluto intraavaliador para as dobras cutâneas foi menor que 1 mm. Para as circunferências quase todos tiveram valores menores que 1 cm. A análise do ETM relativo intra-avaliador indica que, para as dobras cutâneas subescapular, suprailíaca e panturrilha medial a maioria dos valores esteve acima dos valores limites para antropometristas iniciantes. Quase todos os valores de R intra-avaliadores foram maiores que 0,95 para as dobras cutâneas e maiores que 0,99 para as circunferências. Observa-se que os resultados de ETM absoluto e de R do estudo interavaliador foram similares aos do estudo intraavaliador. Em relação ao ETM relativo interavaliador verificou-se uma melhora dos antropometristas, devido a maior ocorrência de valores dentro dos limites aceitáveis. Este estudo mostrou que após a realização de duas aferições do ETM, os antropometristas melhoraram seu desempenho e pode-se considerar que o processo de treinamento e de padronização de medidas antropométricas foi bem sucedido.

In this paper we describe the standardization and reliability of anthropometric measurements carried out by five population survey anthropometrists. For the standardization of anthropometric measurement techniques, one expert anthropometrist conducted two theoretical and practical workshops, in September 2006 and March 2007, where the intra- and interobserver technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were assessed, respectively. For the intraobserver assessment of anthropometric measurements, we studied 121 schoolchildren on two different days. For interobserver assessment, we studied 22 schoolchildren that were measured, during the same period, once by each of the five anthropometrists and by an expert anthropometrist. For skinfold thickness, intraobserver TEMs in general were smaller than 1 mm; for circumferences, TEMs in general were smaller than 1 cm. For the subscapular, suprailiac and calf skinfolds, the intraobserver relative TEMs were greater than the acceptable limit for beginner anthropometrists. Intraobserver reliability for skinfold thickness was greater than 0.95 and for circumferences was greater than 0.99 in almost all cases. The results of interobserver TEMs and reliability were similar to intraobserver assessment. The anthropometrists performed better in the intraobserver relative TEMs because their values were smaller than the acceptable limit. We conclude that the anthropometrists showed a better performance after two assessments of the error of measurement. This suggests that the standardization process of anthropometric measurements was carried out with success.

Comparison in the dietary intake of preschool children, attending national daycare centres (Junji), in the eastern area of Santiago, Chile.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ingesta alimentaria de preescolares eutróficos y obesos de 4 a 5 años, asistentes a jardines infantiles del sector oriente de Santiago. La muestra fue de 85 niños eutróficos y 35 obesos, representativa de una población de 450 niños. La ingesta se realizó durante dos días de semana y uno de fin de semana. En el jardín infantil, se evaluó la ingesta alimentaria mediante el pesaje de la ración servida y de los residuos. La alimentación recibida en el hogar, se efectuó por registro de los alimentos y preparaciones consumidos por el menor. Para calcular las necesidades energéticas se utilizaron los requerimientos de energía FAO 2001. Los resultados mostraron una ingesta energética similar tanto en el jardín infantil como en el hogar, demostrando que el exceso energético consumido por los niños proviene del hogar, dado que en el establecimiento educacional se ofrecen tres tiempos de comida y en el hogar, el preescolar debiese sólo ingerir la cena. Respecto de los requerimientos energéticos de los preescolares, tanto los niños obesos como eutróficos están en balance energético durante la semana (90-110%), no así las niñas obesas y eutróficas, que exceden la adecuación energética entre 116 y 111% respectivamente. En conclusión, en el hogar, se ofrece la mayor oferta de alimentos y de menor calidad, lo que empeora durante el fin de semana, en todos los preescolares, independiente de su estado nutricional (adecuación energética mayor 114%).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy intake of obese and normal nutritional status preschoolers, from four to five years old, attending several day care centres (JUNJI), in the eastern area of Santiago. The sample comprised 85 normal nutritional status and 35 obese children, representative of a population of 450 children. The food intake was evaluated twice a week and on one weekend day. At the day care centre, food intake was measured by food weighing and at the home; it was measured by food-recording. FAO 2001 energy requirements were used to calculate the energy requirements of the children. In both obese and normal nutritional status, energy intake was similar in the educational institution and home, although this energy intake corresponds to there meals time at JUNJI and only one serving at home. In respect to energy requirements of preschool children, both obese and normal nutritional status boys are at energy balance during the week (90 versus 110%). In the corresponding female groups, energy intake exceeds their energy requirement (116 and 111 % respectively). In conclusion, energy intake at home, is greater and of minor quality, situation that worsens over the weekend in all preschoolers, independently of their nutritional condition (energy adequacy > 114 %).

Abdominal obesity epidemiology amongst adult women resident in Southern Brazil.

Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional com uma amostra representativa de 981 mulheres de 20 a 60 anosresidentes no sul do Brasil para investigar o efeito de fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e do estilo de vida na ocorrência deobesidade abdominal. Adiposidade abdominal foi avaliada através da circunferência da cintura (CC) em centímetros (cm). Para descrevera amostra CC foi agrupada em três categorias: adequada (CC < 80 cm), adiposidade abdominal nível I (circunferência da cintura: 80 = CC = 87,9 cm) e adiposidade abdominal nível II (circunferência da cintura: CC = 88 cm) - considerada como obesidade abdominal. Para as outras análises, CC foi tratada como dicotômica: ausência ou presença de obesidade abdominal, respectivamente, CC < 88 cm e CC = 88 cm. A análise multivariada foi realizada com Regressão de Poisson. As prevalências de adiposidade abdominal foram 23% (IC95%: 20,5-25,8) e 23,3% (IC95%: 20,7-26,0), respectivamente, nível I e nivel II. Ter baixa escolaridade, não estar trabalhando, idade superior a 40 anos, história de obesidade familiar e estar casada/união foram fatores de risco para obesidade abdominal. Houve maior risco também para a presença de hipertensão arterial (Prevalence Ratio - PR=2,06; CI95%: 1,58-2,69) e mulheres com maior número de filhos (PR=1,17; CI95% 1,00 - 1,37). Menarca tardia, aos 12-13 anos e aos 14 anos, foi fator protetor para obesidade abdominal comparada com mulheresque tiveram menarca entre 8 e 11 anos de idade, respectivamente,proteções de 31% e 46%. A compreensão de como a obesidade abdominal se distribui na população permite o planejamento de ações mais efetivas para a redução deste relevante problema de nutrição e saúde pública

The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with abdominal obesity in women. A cross-sectional population based study was carried out on 981 women aged 20 to 60 years living in Southern Brazil. Abdominal adiposity was assessed by waist circumference (WC) = 88 cm. Poisson regression models were used to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) and their confidence intervals. The abdominal obesity prevalence was 23,3% (IC95%: 20,7-26,0). The main factors associated with the outcome were: having low education level, being unemployed, being more than 40 years old, having family obesity history, and being married. Adjusted analyses showed increased obesity prevalence in hypertensive women (Prevalence Ratio - PR=2,06; CI95%: 1,58 - 2,69) and those having higher number of children (PR=1,17; CI95% 1,00 - 1,37). Later menarche, at 12-13 years and at 14 years of age, protected against obesity comparing to women with earlier menarche at 8-11 years, respectively, 31% and 46% of protection. The understanding of how the abdominal obesity is distributed among the population allows effective planning and action implementation towards the reduction rates of this nutritional and public health problem.

Validity of an equation based on anthropometry to estimate body fat in older adults.

Se diseñó y validó una ecuación de predicción basada en antropometría para estimar la masa grasa en adultos mayores, usando como método de referencia el modelo de 4 compartimientos (4C). Se incluyeron 202 sujetos = 60 años. Se midió el agua corporal total por dilución con oxido de deuterio, contenido mineral óseo por DEXA y la densidad corporal por pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire. Para el diseño y validación la muestra se dividió aleatoriamente. En la sub-muestra uno se generaron los modelos de predicción de la masa grasa, los cuales se aplicaron en la sub-muestra dos. La exactitud y precisión se probó por análisis de regresión simple y el sesgo mediante la prueba de Bland y Altman y regresión lineal simple. La ecuación incluyó peso corporal, sexo, pliegue del tríceps y pantorrilla; con una R2, un error estándar del estimador y el estadístico de Mallow (Cp) de 0.86, 3.2 y 3.2, respectivamente. En la sub-muestra dos se observó equivalencia entre los métodos, con un intercepto no estadísticamente diferente de cero (p>0.05) y pendiente diferente de cero (p <0.05) o similar a 1. La ecuación explicó un 86% de la varianza de la media de la masa grasa determinada por el modelo de 4C, asimismo no presentó sesgo significativo tanto en la muestra total y por sexo. La ecuación generada puede ser de granutilidad para estimar la composición corporal de adultos mayores con características similares al grupo estudiado, utilizando medicione santropométricas simples de medir. Así mismo puede ser aplicada en estudios clínicos y epidemiológicos en este grupo poblacional.

A prediction equation to estimate body fat mass from skinfold thickness for healthy elderly was developed using a four compartmental (4C) model as criterion method. This study included 202 subjects = 60 y old. The measurements of total body water, bone mineral content and body density were included in the 4C model equation. Total sample was randomly partitioned. Sub-sample one was used to design the equations, which were applied in sub-sample two. Its accuracy and precision was evaluated by lineal regression analysis and the bias by Bland and Altman analysis and simple lineal regression. The best model included body mass, sex and the calf and triceps skinfolds thicknesses, with an R2, standard error of the estimate and Cp of 0.85, 3.2 and 3.2, respectively. When the equation was applied in sub-sample two, it was accurate and precise, it showed no significant deviation from the line of identity (the intercept was no significantly different from zero, P>0.05), and slope was different from cero (or similar to 1) (P<0.05). Fat mass by the equation accounted for 86% of the variability of the mean fat mass estimated by the 4C model, having a low standard error of the estimate (3.2 kg) and low pure error (3.1 kg). The new equation was accurate and precise as well as free of significant bias in men and women together and for separately. This equation can be a good option to estimate fat mass in elderly men and women with similar physical characteristics to subjects of this study, and it can be used in clinical and epidemiological studies in this growing group.

Alimentary, nutritional and health aspects of elderly women in attendance at the Núcleo de Atenção ao Idoso, Recife/2005.

O envelhecimento populacional se apresenta atualmente como um fenômeno mundial. Com o objetivo de identificar aspectos alimentares, nutricionais e de saúde em idosas, foi desenvolvido em 2005 um estudo transversal com amostra de 106 idosas > 60 anos atendidas no Núcleo de Atenção ao Idoso - NAI, da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Foram investigadas variáveis clínicas esóciodemográficas, estado nutricional pelo IMC (OMS e Lipschtz) e freqüência de consumo por grupos de alimentos. Os resultados evidenciaram 38,7% de idosas com pré-obesidade (OMS) e 47,2% com excesso de peso (Lipschitz). Quanto à pressão arterial (PA), 69% eram hipertensas e 31% normotensas. A média do IMC das idosas hipertensas e normotensas foi estatisticamente significante (p= 0,027). Os grupos de cereais e de pães foram os mais consumidos todos os dias pelas idosas, 89% e 82% respectivamente e o das leguminosas esteve presente na alimentação de 53% das idosas, as verduras em 61% e frutas em 66%. Em relação à ingestão de água, 51,9% referiram consumir 1 a 4 copos por dia. Houve correlação positiva entre IMC e as pressões sistólicas (PS) e diastólicas (PD) p<0,001). Os níveis de PS e PD não apresentaram correlação com o consumo de alimentos estudados. Os resultados indicam uma população com excesso de peso e com inadequado consumo alimentar, e reforça a necessidade de ações mais efetivas no controle e/ou prevenção, principalmente em idosos considerados jovens.

Aging has become a worldwide problem. In order to identify food, nutritional and health aspects of elderly women, a across-sectional study was carried out in 2005 with 106 women over 60 years of age cared for at Núcleo de Atenção ao idoso-NAI at Federal University of Pernambuco. Clinical and social-demographic variables, along with the nutritional status by BMI (OMS and Lipschtz) were assessed, and the frequency of food intake according to food groups. The results disclosed that 38% of the elderly were pre-obese (WHO) and 47.2% were overweight (Lipschitz). As for blood pressure (BP) 69% was found to be hypertensive and 31% normotensive. The BMI mean of hypertensive and normal elderly women was statistically significant (p=0.027). Cereal and bread groups were reported to have been the highest consumption on a daily basis by the elderly women, 89% and 82% respectively. Legumes were present in 53% of the womens meals followed by vegetables with 61% and fruits with 66%. Concerning water intake, 51.9% stated to have ingested one to four glasses of water daily. There was a positive correlation between BMI and systolic (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP) (p<0.001). SP and DP levels showed no correlation with the food intake studied. The results are indicative of an overweight and not conscientious population as regards adequate food intake and point to the necessity of more effective actions in control and/ or prevention, particularly for those still young

Bacteria of Lactobacillus casei group: characterization, viability as probiotic in food products and their importance for human health.

O grupo Lactobacillus casei compreende bactérias láticas fenotipicamente e geneticamente heterogêneas, aptas a colonizar vários ambientes naturais e criados pelo homem. As bactérias do grupo Lactobacillus casei têm sido amplamente estudadas com relação a suas propriedades promotoras à saúde. Várias funções benéficas ao organismo humano têm sido atribuídas ao consumo regular de alimentos contendo bactérias desse grupo. Tais bactériassão freqüentemente empregadas nas indústrias alimentícias visando a melhoria da qualidade de diferentes produtos. Diversos estudos têm sido conduzidos para avaliar a viabilidade de emprego de cepas do grupo Lactobacillus casei como probióticos em laticínios, sobremesas e outros alimentos. Mesmo com a importância desses microrganismos para a indústria, a taxonomia das bactérias dessegrupo ainda permanece confusa. Esta revisão discute importantes estudos relacionados à caracterização das bactérias do grupo Lactobacillus casei, a aplicação dessas bactérias como probióticos em diferentes alimentos e os principais efeitos benéficos atribuídos ao consumo regular de produtos contendo tais microrganismos.

Lactobacillus casei is a group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous lactic acid bacteria, able to colonize various natural and man-made environments. Strains of the Lactobacillus casei group have been widely studied with respect to their health-promoting properties. Several beneficial functions for the human organism have been attributed to regular consumption of food products containing these strains. Bacteria of the Lactobacillus casei group are of great interest for the food industry to improve food quality. A number of studies have been conducted in order to evaluate the viability of strains of Lactobacillus casei group as probiotic in dairy products, desserts, among others food products. Despite its importance for the food industry, the taxonomy of the Lactobacillus casei group is still unclear. This review discusses important studies related to characterization of strains of Lactobacillus casei group, the application of these bacteria as probiotic in different food products and the main beneficial effects attributed to regular consumption of products containing such microorganisms.

Food habits and caries experience in young adultsfrom Rosario, Argentina.

En Rosario la atención odontológica se brinda en ámbitos privados y públicos. Los servicios públicos carecen de programas para evitar la pérdida dentaria en adultos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el perfil epidemiológico de experiencia de caries y hábitos dietéticos en tres sub-poblaciones de adultos jóvenes. Aplicando una anamnesis estandarizada se investigaron 517 pacientes, ambos sexos, 15-45 años, concurrentes a un servicio privado (19%) y dos públicos (81%), uno céntrico y otro marginal. Variables investigadas: consumo de lácteos y alimentos dulces, estado bucal y escolaridad. Se aplicaron pruebas estadísticas t de student, ANOVA y chi-cuadrado. Promedios hallados: cariados 1,7±2,0 en privado, 4,1±2,8 en públicos (p<0.0001); ausentes 5,4±5,2 en privado, 6,8±5,4 en públicos (p=0.04); obturados 4,4±4,2 en privado, 1,3±2,2 en públicos (p<0.0001). Nivel de escolaridad: superior en el privado (p<0.0001). Consumo diario de lácteos: mayoría en privados (p<0.001). En los servicios públicos los pacientes reemplazan la leche por el mate y relacionan su ingesta con la gravidez, lactancia o la dejan para los niños. Tipos de golosinas o dulces de riesgo consumidos: en el sector privado fueron panificados tipo facturas, tortas, galletitas y dulces, y en los públicos caramelos blandos, alfajores y dulce de leche. El consumo de alimentos dulces de menor riesgo fue de helados, pastillas, gaseosas y chocolates en los privados y de caramelos duros y chicles con y sin azúcar en los públicos. Si bien un alto número de personas los ingieren a cualquier hora, los pacientes privados fueron minoría, mientras que en su consumo sólo después de una comida éstos fueron mayoría.

Odontological assistance in Rosary City is offered in private and public services. The public ones lack programs to avoid dental loss in adults. Our aim was to describe the caries experience and dietetic habits in three sub-populations of young adults. Applying a standardized anamnesis, 517 patients, both sexes, 15-45 years old, attending to a private service (19%) and two public ones (81%), were investigated. Studied variables: oral health, lacteal and sweet food consumed, and instruction level. Student t-test, ANOVA and chi-square tests were applied. Average decayed teeth were 1,7±2,0 in the private service, and 4,1±2,8 in the public ones (p<0.0001); missing teeth were 5,4±5,2 and 6,8±5,4 (p=0.04); and filled teeth were 4,4±4,2 and 1,3±2,2, respectively (p<0.0001). Dairy foods daily consumption was higher in the private service (p<0.001). Patients in the public services expressed to replace milk by mate, and to relate its consumption with pregnancy and lactation, or to leave it for children. Sweets delicacies consumed in the private sector -considered of risk- were sweet breads, cakes, cookies and sweets, and in the public ones were soft candies, «alfajores» and sweet made with milk. Minor risk sweets consumption in private patients were ice creams, sodas and chocolates, and in the public ones, hard candies and chewing gums, with and without sugar. Although a high number of patients consume delicacies and sweet foods at any hour, private patients were a minority; and they were a majority when considering its ingestion only after a food.

Inulin and derivates as key ingredients in functional foods.

La inulina es un carbohidrato no digerible que está presente en muchos vegetales, frutas y cereales. En la actualidad, a nivel industrial se extrae de la raíz de la achicoria (Cichorium intybus)y se utiliza ampliamente como ingrediente en alimentos funcionales. La inulina y sus derivados (oligofructosa, fructooligosacáridos) son generalmente llamados fructanos, que están constituidos básicamente por cadenas lineales de fructosa. En esta revisión se presenta una descripción de la inulina y sus compuestos derivados más comunes, su estructura química, fuentes de obtención, características físicas y químicas, funcionalidad tecnológica, producción industrial, método analítico de determinación, sus beneficios a la salud como prebiótico, aporte de fibra dietética, bajo valor calórico, hipoglicemiante, mejorador de la biodisponibilidad de calcio y magnesio. Se presentan evidencias promisorias de su actuación en la regulación de parámetros lipídicos, reducción del riesgo de cáncer, refuerzo de la respuesta inmune y protección contra desórdenes intestinales. En una amplia variedad de productos alimenticios se usa la inulina y sus derivados como: espesante, emulsificante, gelificante, sustituto de azúcares y de grasas, humectante, depresor del punto de congelación. También se emplean en la industria química-farmacéutica y de procesamiento como excipiente, aditivo, agente tecnológico o coadyudante; en la industria de la alimentación animal, y se está considerando su uso como constituyente de los empaques por su carácter de material bioactivo. Se ha propuesto catalogar a los fructanos como "fibra funcional", en base a una nueva clasificación de la fibra dietética que considera el efecto fisiológico en el individuo. A través de esta revisión se evidenció el vasto alcance de estos compuestos en la industria alimentaria y las razones por las que resultan ser ingredientes claves en el pujante mercado de los alimentos funcionales.

Inulin is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is contained in many vegetables, fruits and cereals. It is industrially produced from the chicorys root (Cichorium intybus) and it is widely used as ingredient in functional foods. Inulin and its derivate compounds (oligofructose, fructooligosaccharides) are usually called fructans, as they are basically based on linear fructose chains. This review presents a description of inulin and its most common derivate compounds: chemical structure, natural sources, physic-chemical properties, technological functionality, industrial manufacturing, analytical method for determination and health benefits: prebiotic, dietary fiber, low caloric value, hypoglycemic action, enhancement of calcium and magnesium bioavailability. Potential benefits: lipid parameters regulation, reduction of colon cancer risk and others, improvement of immune response, intestinal disorders protection. From technological point of view, these compounds exhibit a variety of properties: thickener, emulsifier, gel forming, sugar and fat substitute, humectant, freezing point depression. Inulin and derivates are been used in pharmaceutical, chemical and processing industry as technologicaladditives and excipients. They are also been used for animal feeding. They are been considered as "bioactive" compounds to be proposed as future packaging material. Fructans are proposed to be classified as "functional fiber", according to recent concepts based on physiological effects on individuals. This review of inulin and its derivates was useful to show the broad boundaries of these compounds in the food industry and why they may be considered as key ingredients in the expanding functional food market.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in 4 types of vegetable oils.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivos identificar y cuantificar residuos de los plaguicidas organoclorados (POC) hexaclorobenceno (HCB), lindano, cis-clordano, heptacloro, aldrín, dieldrín, endrín y o,p-diclorodifeniltricloroetano (o,p-DDT) en aceites de maíz, soya, girasol y mezclas de aceites, que se expenden en la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Se analizaron 30 muestras de 4 tipos de aceites de 10 marcas comerciales. La extracción de residuos de POC se realizó según la técnica de la AOAC. Para la identificación y cuantificación se utilizó un cromatógrafo de gases con detector de captura electrónica (GC-ECD), y para la confirmación, un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas (GCMS). Todos los residuos de POC investigados fueron detectados en las muestras analizadas. Se detectaron en mayor concentración (mg/ g) aldrín (0,0088), lindano (0,0054) y o,p-DDT (0,0035). El análisis estadístico demostró diferencias significativas (P<0,05) para la concentración de POC en los diferentes tipos y marcas comerciales de aceites vegetales. La concentración de lindano en el aceite de maíz (0,0125 mg/g), de cis-clordano (0,0091 mg/g) y aldrín (0,0287 mg/g) en el aceite de soya sobrepasaron los límites máximos de residuos (LMRs) establecidos por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación/Organización Mundial de la Salud (FAO/WHO). En conclusión, se detectó una elevada incidencia de residuos de POC en los aceites vegetales analizados.

The present study had as objectives to identify and to quantify organochlorine pesticide residues (OCP) hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lindane, cis-chlordane, heptachlor, aldrín, dieldrín, endrín and o,p-DDT in vegetable oils of corn, soybean, sunflower and mixtures of oils, sold in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. 30 samples of 4 types of vegetable oils of 10 commercial brands were analyzed. The extraction of OCP residues was done according to the Official Method of AOAC. A gas chromatograph with an electronic capture detector (GC-ECD) was used for identification and quantification of OCP residues and confirmation was done with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). All the OCP residues investigated were detected in the analyzed samples. Aldrin (0.0088), lindane (0.0054) and o,p-DDT (0.0035) were the OCP residues detected in higher concentrations (mg/g). The statistical analysis showed significant differences (P<0.05) for the concentration of OCP in the different types and commercial brands of vegetable oils. Lindane concentration in the corn oil (0.0125 mg/g), as well as cischlordane (0.0091mg/g) and aldrín (0.0287 mg/g) in the soybean oil exceeded maximal residual limits (MRL) established by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). In conclusion, it was detected a high incidence of OCP residues in vegetable oils analyzed.