Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición

Ovo: Conceitos, análises e controvérsias na saúde humana

O consumo de alimentos ricos em colesterol vem sendo relacionado como causador de doenças isquêmicas do coração. O ovo por conter grande quantidade de colesterol em sua gema, vem tendo seu consumo diminuído. É um alimento completo, rico em nutrientes, e economicamente acessível. O colesterol presente em sua gema, também possui propriedades importantes para o organismo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo revisar as bibliografias científicas sobre o colesterol do ovo, descrevendo as possíveis causas sobre a saúde humana, seus efeitos quando estes são enriquecidos, e a composição química em relação ao seu perfil lipídico. Os dados utilizados para a pesquisa foram coletados através de investigações nacionais e internacionais. Através desses dados, pode-se identificar, na maioria dos estudos que o consumo do ovo, não obteve nenhuma relação com o risco de cardiopatias em pessoas saudáveis, porém, em pessoas com diabetes mellitus, os estudos mostraram-se escassos para qualquer tipo de conclusão sobre seu efeito. Quanto aos ovos enriquecidos com ômega 3, mostrou que estes possuem um efeito protetor contra o câncer, porém a adição destes no ovo não diminuem a quantidade de colesterol presente na gema. As diferentes tabelas de composição química dos alimentos mostraram-se diferentes quanto à composição das gorduras. Existe a necessidade de mais estudos para aprofundamento das conclusões sobre os efeitos do consumo do ovo enriquecido. As tabelas de composição química dos alimentos devem ser atualizadas continuamente para diminuição das discrepâncias encontradas entre os nutrientes.

Cholesterol rich-foods consumption has been related as a causing factor for heart ischemic disease. Because the high cholesterol content of the yolk, the egg consumption has been decreased in spite of it, egg is a complete food, rich in many nutrients, and economically accessible. The cholesterol content in egg yolk has also important properties for the human organism. The present work had the objective to review the scientific literature about eggs cholesterol, describing the possible consequences on the human health and wellbeing, its effect when they are enriched, and the chemical composition in relation to its lipidic profile. Information for this review was collected through national and international inquiries. According to this information, most of the studies on egg consumption are not related to the risk of cardiopathies in healthy people. Also, in people with diabetes mellitus, there is scarce evidence to drawn any conclusion about egg consumption and cardiopathies. Omega-3 egg enrichment presumably possesses a protective effect against cancer, despite its cholesterol content remains unaltered. Many of the Food Chemical Composition Tables contain different values on eggs fat composition, so it should be continuously update to reduce these discrepancies. Also, more studies on omega-3 enriched eggs are necessary for deeper conclusions on their cardio-protective effect.

Tendência secular do crescimento em adolescentes do sexo masculino: ganho estatural e ponderal, estado nutricional e sua relação com a escolaridade

Objetivou-se caracterizar as modificações do estado nutricional dos adolescentes ao longo do tempo, a evolução do seu crescimento, a escolaridade e sua correlação com a estatura, o peso e o índice de massa corporal. Avaliou-se dados de 2616 adolescentes do sexo masculino com idade entre 17 e 19 anos, que se alistaram no Tiro de Guerra do município de Viçosa-Minas Gerais - Brasil, no decênio 1995-2004. Foi encontrada tendência secular positiva para estatura e peso com incremento mediano de 4 cm e 3 kg, respectivamente, ao longo dos anos. Houve redução nas prevalências de baixa estatura de 28,0% para 11,6% entre os anos de 1995 e 2004. Constatou-se correlação positiva (p<0,05) entre escolaridade e estatura, peso e IMC. A prevalência de excesso de peso (risco de sobrepeso e sobrepeso) aumentou de 7,1% (1995) para 9,1% (2004). Apesar da ocorrência de tendência secular positiva para estatura e peso, essa não foi suficiente para alcançar a mediana do NationalCenter for Health Statistics/Center for Disease Control and Prevention. O aumento da prevalência de excesso de peso e a alta prevalência de baixa estatura devem ser monitorados, sendo necessária a implementação de medidas que visem prevenir a ocorrência desses distúrbios e objetivem o alcance ou a manutenção de um adequado estado nutricional para as gerações futuras.

This work aimed at characterizing the modifications in adolescentsnutritional status, growth evolution and education along time and the correlation with the height, weight and body mass index. Data came from 2616 male adolescents soldiers between 17 and 19 years old enlisted for Armed Services in the city of Viçosa-Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 1995 and 2004. There was a positive secular trend for height and weight, with a 4cm and 3kg median increment, respectively, along time. There was a reduction from 28.0% to 11.6% on the prevalence of short stature in the period. It was estimated positive correlation (p<0,05) between education and stature, weight and BMI. The prevalence of weight excess (risk of overweight and overweight) increased from 7.1% (1995) to 9.1% (2004). Although it was observed positive secular trend for stature and weight, it was not sufficient to reach the median of the National Center for Health Statistics/Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Weight excess and short stature prevalence must be monitored, being necessary the implementation of measures that focus to prevent these disturbance and aim at reaching or maintaining an adequate nutritional state for future generations.

Serum levels of interferon-gamma and interleukine- 10 in anemic children with vitamin A deficiency.

Estudios realizados en humanos y animales han mostrado que la baja ingesta de vitamina A puede provocar anemia, sin embargo, aún no se conocen los mecanismos etiopatogénicos involucrados en tal proceso, lo cual puede ser debido a las complejas interacciones de los micronutrientes entre sí y con el sistema inmune. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las concentraciones séricas del Interferón gamma (IFN- ã) y la Interleucina 10 (IL-10) en niños anémicos y no anémicos según el estado nutricional de la vitamina A. Para ello, se estudiaron 53 niños eutróficos (45-77 meses; F=29, M=24), procedentes de Maracaibo-Venezuela, en quienes se evaluó: la presencia de anemia mediante el análisis de la concentración de hemoglobina, según los criterios de la OMS (Hb<110g/L <60 meses, Hb<115g/L >60 meses); y el estado de la vitamina A por la técnica de Citología de Impresión Conjuntival (CIC), considerando la prueba de CIC Normal=suficiencia de vitamina A y CIC Anormal=DVA. Asimismo, fueron determinadas las concentraciones séricas de las citocinas (IFN-gamma e IL-10) en pg/mL con el método de ELISA. Los datos fueron analizados con el programa estadístico SAS/STAT, los grupos fueron comparadas aplicando ANOVA (p<0,05). En nuestros resultados la prevalencia de anemia observada fue de 75,50%; DVA 50,94% y de Anemia+DVA 35,86%. Los niños anémicos con DVA mostraron valores séricos significativamente más bajos de IFN- ã e IL-10 que el resto de los grupos. Esta alteración de los complejos mecanismos regulatorios del sistema inmunitario pudiera ser un elemento responsable de los trastornos en la formación de los eritrocitos.

Studies done with human and animals have shown that the diminished vitamin A intake can produce anemia, but the ethiopathogenic mechanism hasnt been known due to the few studies about the complex interactions between micronutrients deficiencies, immune system and cytokine productions. The objective of the present study was to analyze the serum concentration of IFN- ã and IL-10 in anemic and non anemic children according to vitamin A nutritional status. A descriptive study of 53 euthrophic children, without infectious diseases (45-77 month old; 29 girls, 24 boys), living in a slum in Maracaibo-Venezuela. Anemia was evaluated by means of blood hemoglobin concentration analysis, standard WHO criteria for anemia were Hb<110g/L in <60 month old children; Hb<115g/L in >60 month old children. Vitamin A status was assessed by Conjunctival Impression Cytology (CIC) technique, which determines Normal CIC=Control or Abnormal CIC=VAD. The serum concentration of IFN- ã and IL-10 (pg/mL; X±DE), was determined by the ELISA method. Statistical significance of differences was tested by ANOVA (p<0.05). Prevalence of anemia was 75.50%; VAD 50.94% and anemia+VAD 35.86%. The anemic children with VAD showed significant serum values of IFN-ã e IL-10 lower than in other groups. This alteration of the complex immunoregulatory mechanism could be responsible for dysfunction eritrhoid cell formation.

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica.

Se estudió el perfil de lípidos y los niveles séricos de homocisteína total de una población de 400 adultos con edades entre 20 y 40 años residentes de áreas rurales y urbanas del valle central de Costa Rica. Los resultados indican que la proporción de sujetos de zona urbana con niveles elevados de LDL-C (= 4,13 mmol/L) fue un 11% mayor que la proporción de individuos de zona rural (29,2% y 18,0%, p=0,045). Por el contrario, la proporción de individuos de zona rural con niveles de HDL-C bajos (< 1,03 mmol/L) fue superior en un 19% que los sujetos de la zona urbana (56,0% y 75,3%, p=0,001). Los adultos rurales también mostraron niveles séricos más altos de triglicéridos y homocisteína total que las personas de origen urbano, aunque las diferencias no mostraron ser significativas (TG: 1,94 mmol/L y 2,02 mmol/L, p=0,529; HT: 9,33 ìmol/L y 9,84 ìmol/ L, p=0,145). La prevalencia total de hiperhomocisteinemia (>15 ìmol/L), hipercolesterolemia (= 5,17 mmol/L) e hipertrigliceridemia (= 1,69 mmol/L) en la población estudiada fue 5,8%; 53,6% y 50,1% respectivamente. El 82% de la población estudiada presentó valores de LDL-C = 2,58 mmol/L y un 61% aproximadamente de los adultos tenían las HDL-C en niveles inferiores a 1,03 mmol/L. Los datos indican que la población costarricense estudiada presenta un alto riesgo cardiovascular. La prevalencia de niveles bajos de HDL-C (< 1,03 mmol/L), niveles marginales de homocisteína total y una tendencia a presentar niveles altos de triglicéridos fueron los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más característicos encontrados en esta población, principalmente en los individuos de áreas rurales, lo cual podría estar asociado a la calidad de la dieta de los habitantes de estas áreas. Es necesario desarrollar intervenciones efectivas orientadas a promover los estilos de vida saludables en la población con el fin de reducir las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular en Costa Rica.

This study evaluated the lipid profile and the serum levels of total homocysteine of 400 adults aged 20 to 40 years, residents of rural and urban areas of the central valley of Costa Rica. The results showed that the proportion of subjects from urban areas with high levels of LDL-C (= 4,13 mmol/L) was 11% higher than the proportion of adults from rural areas (29,2% y 18,0%, p=0,045). On the contrary, the proportion of rural subjects with low HDL-C levels (< 1,03 mmol/ L) was higher 19% than the proportion of urban adults (56,0% y 75,3%, p=0,001). Rural residents also showed higher serum levels of triglycerides and total homocysteine than the urban residents, although the differences were not significant (TG: 1,94 mmol/L y 2,02 mmol/L, p=0,529; TH: 9,33 ìmol/L y 9,84 ìmol/L, p=0,145). The prevalences of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 ìmol/L), hypercholesterolemia (= 5,17 mmol/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (=1,69 mmol/L) in the studied population were 5,8%, 53,6% y 50,1% respectively. 82% of the studied population had LDL-C levels above 2,58 mmol/L and approximately 61% of the adults had HDL-C levels lower than 1,03 mmol/L. Our data suggest that the studied costarrican population has a very high cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of low levels of HDL-C (< 1,03 mmol/L), marginal levels of total homocysteine and a tendency to have high levels of triglycerides were the most outstanding cardiovascular risk factors found in this population, specially in rural subjects, which could be associated with the quality of the diet of these habitants. It is necessary to develop effective intervention strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in the population in order to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rates in Costa Rica.

Helicobacter pylori infection (¹³C-UBT), and its relationship with nutritional and socioeconomic factors in low income school children from Valencia, Venezuela.

La infección con Helicobacter pylori (Hp) está altamente diseminada a nivel mundial y es considerada una de las causas principales de gastritis crónica, úlceras pépticas y duodenales y cáncer gástrico. Trabajos recientes han mostrado que esta puede tener implicaciones nutricionales, principalmente sobre el estado de hierro y otros micronutrientes. El objetivo fue evaluar la prevalencia de infección con Hp y el patrón de infección según edad, sexo, estado nutricional y condiciones socioeconómicas, en niños que asistían a Unidad Educativa "Valentín Espinal" de Valencia. Se evaluaron 170 niños entre 3 y 14 años de edad, de ambos géneros. Se determinó: Infección por Hp (test de aliento con urea-C13), edad, estado nutricional según IMC y Talla-Edad, hemoglobina (cianometahemoglobina), ferritina sérica (ELISA), estrato socioeconómico (Graffar-Méndez-Castellano), condición de vivienda, número de personas y familias que viven en el hogar y calidad de los servicios. El 78,8% de los niños estaban infectados con Hp, no encontrándose correlación significativa con el género pero si con la edad; 25,9% presentaron déficit nutricional y 46,5% talla baja, El 98,1% de las familias se encontraban en situación de pobreza (estratos IV y V) y 98% de las viviendas presentaban deficiencias sanitarias; En promedio vivían 6,0±2,4 personas en el hogar (rango: 2 a 15) y 3,2 personas compartían un mismo dormitorio. Se encontró que la probabilidad de infección era mayor en aquellos niños que presentaban déficit de talla y que el estrato socioeconómico, el nivel de instrucción materno, las precarias condiciones de alojamiento y el hacinamiento se asociaban significativamente a la infección. La deprivación socioeconómica en la niñez esta asociada con una alta colonización del Hp, la edad, el hacinamiento y un bajo nivel de instrucción de la madre pueden aumentar el riesgo a esta infección.

Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp) is widely spread around the world, and it is considered one of the main causes of chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. Resent research has shown that it can be associated with nutritional disorders, mainly with iron and other micronutrient deficiencies. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Hp infection, and infection pattern according to age, sex, nutritional status, and socioeconomic conditions in children who attended the Unidad Educativa "Valentin Espinal" in the city of Valencia. 170 children, between 3 and 14 years of age were studied to assess H pylori infection (13C-urea breath test), age, nutritional status according to BMI and Height for age, hemoglobin (cianometahemoglobin), serum ferritin (ELISA), socioeconomic status (Graffar-Méndez-Castellano), housing conditions, number of families and of people cohabitating in the same household, and quality of services. 78.8% of the children were infected with Hp, witch was significantly correlated with age but not gender. 25.9% of the sample had undernutrition, and 46.5% were stunted. 98.1% of the families lived in poverty, and 98% of the households showed sanitary deficiencies. A mean of 6.0±2.4 persons lived in each household (range: 2-15), and an average of 3.2 person shared bedrooms. The odds of being infected were higher in those children who were stunted. Also, socioeconomic status, mothers education level, and poor hosing conditions were significantly associated to being infected. H pylori is highly prevalent among socially and economically deprived children, and age, overcrowding, and a low education level of the mother increases the risk of being infected.

Study of the reineta protein modifications (Brama australis), put under freezing and storage to - 18º C and - 30º C.

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar las propiedades funcionales y térmicas en carne de reineta (Brama australis) congelada, mediante los análisis de capacidad de retención de agua (CRA), capacidad formadora de gel (CFG), textura, capacidad emulsionante (CE) y calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC). Para este estudio se utilizaron filetes de reineta obtenidos y extraídos bajo las mismas condiciones, los cuales fueron trozados, envasados, congelados y almacenados a temperaturas de -18ºC y -30ºC durante 7 meses. Los resultados para todos los tratamientos térmicos empleados no mostraron diferencias significativas entre individuos. Para los pescados congelados a -18ºC y -30ºC, los valores de proteínas totales fluctuaron entre 23,5 ± 0,0 y 25,4 ± 1,0 % respectivamente. Para el caso de CRA los valores se encontraron en un rango de 0,45 ± 0,1 y 1,59 ± 0,0 g agua/ g proteínas. En cuanto a la CFG sólo hubo formación de gel para la reineta fresca, existiendo producción de agregados proteicos para las muestras almacenadas. Por otra parte los valores de CE fluctuaron entre 960 a 1400 g de aceite/g proteína, con una tendencia al aumento a medida que el tiempo de almacenamiento fue mayor. Para el caso del DSC los valores de temperatura de desnaturalización (Td) y entalpía de desnaturalización (?H) de miosina fluctuaron entre 39,2 ± 0,5 y 44,8 ± 0,8 ºC y entre 1,12 ± 0,3 y 0,52 ± 0,2 J/g. Para la actina los valores fluctuaron entre 71,0 0,6 y 75,3 ± 0,5 ºC y entre 0,5 ± 0,1 y 0,7 ± 0,1 J/g, la cooperatividad disminuyó a medida que pasó el tiempo, lo cual está mostrando un cierto grado de desplazamiento de las proteínas. Los valores encontrados para propiedades térmicas presentan una directa relación con respecto a los valores de propiedades funcionales estudiadas, presentando ambos una disminución en el tiempo.

The objective of the present work was to study functional and thermal properties of reineta ( Brama australis) frozen meat, analysed by water retention capacity (WRC), gel forming capacity ( GFC), texture, emulsifying capacity and differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC). For this study, reineta fillets were obtained and extracted by the same conditions, and cutted, packaged, frozen and stored at -18ºC and - 30ºC for 7 months. The results obtained, showed that there were no signifficant differences in the responses to thermal treatment for all the specimens. For samples frozen at -18ºC and -30ºC, the protein contents were 23.5 + 0.0 and 25.4 + 1.0%, respectively. The WRC values were 0.45 + 0.1 and 1.59 + 0.0 g water/ g protein, respectively. The gel forming capacity was only present in the fresh samples, whereas the frozen stored ones only form protein aggregates. The emulsifying capacity was between 960 and 1400 g oil / g protein, and the storage time increased this value. The miosin denaturation temperature (Td) and denaturation enthalpy ( ?H), obtained by DSC, fluctuated between 39.2 + 0.5 to 44.8 + 0.8 ºC and 1.12 + 0.3 to 0.52 + 0.2 J/g, respectively. The actina values were between 71.0 + 0.6 to 75.3 + 0.5 ºC and between 0.5 + 0.1 to 0.7 + 0.1 J/g. Cooperativity decreased as the storage time increased. This is showing a certain degree of protein displacement. The values found by thermal analyses showed a direct relationship with the functional properties, both decreasing with storage time.

Acceptability and nutritional quality of a beverage based on orange juice and whey powder, preserved by heat or high-intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF).

El zumo de naranja puede ser vehículo de nutrientes para mejorar la calidad de una dieta, pero es preciso que tenga buena aceptabilidad. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: a) estudiar la aceptabilidad de bebidas preparadas a partir de zumo de naranja (Z) con agregado de suero lácteo en polvo (SL) al 7% (Z+SL7) ó al 13% (Z+SL13); b) evaluar el contenido de lisina disponible y la retención de ácido ascórbico, del preparado de mayor aceptación, comparando el efecto del tratamiento de Campos Eléctricos Pulsados De Alta Intensidad (CEPAI) (29 kV/cm, tacum: 59ìs) con un proceso térmico convencional a 75°C, 15 minutos (TT). Las bebidas se sometieron a una evaluación sensorial (test de Friedman). Se determinó lisina disponible por el método de Carpenter modificado por Booth y vitamina C por HPLC; minerales: Na y K, por fotometría de llama; Ca, Mg y Zn por espectrometría de absorción atómica. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la aceptación de Z y Z+SL7. La de Z+SL13 fue significativamente menor (p<0,01), por lo cual se descartó. El contenido de lisina disponible (mg/g de proteína) en Z+SL7 sin tratar fue 60,2±0,15; después de los tratamientos fue: 50,0±2,8 (TT) y 51,0±3,4 (CEPAI). Los productos Z y (Z+SL7) tratados con CEPAI retuvieron 100 y 98% de vitamina C, y los sometidos a TT, 91% y 88%, respectivamente. La cantidad agregada de suero lácteo condicionó la aceptabilidad. La formulación de la bebida a base de zumo de naranja con 7% de suero lácteo tuvo buena aceptación y, después del tratamiento con CEPAI, retuvo una buena calidad nutricional, en relación al contenido de lisina disponible y vitamina C, constituyendo una fuente importante de algunos nutrientes minerales.

Orange juice may be a nutrient vehicle that helps to improve diet quality. The addition of whey allows the incorporation of high quality proteins. However, a good acceptability is necessary. The aims of the present study were: a) to assess the acceptability of a beverage prepared with orange juice (J) and whey powder (WP) at 7 g/100 g (J+WP7) or at 13g/100 g (J+WP13); b) to measure available lysine content and ascorbic acid retention of the more accepted formulation, comparing the effect of HIPEF treatment (29 kV/cm, tacum: 59ìs) with a conventional heat treatment at 75°C, for 15 minutes (HT). The beverages were subjected to sensory evaluation (Friedman test). Available lysine was assessed by the Carpenter method, modified by Booth, and vitamin C by HPLC; minerals Na and K, by flame photometry; Ca, Mg and Zn by atomic absorption spectrometry. There were no significant differences between the acceptance of J and J+WP7. J+WP13 was significantly less accepted (p<0.01), so it was discarded. Available lysine (mg/g protein) in untreated J+WP7 was 60.2±0.15; after treatments: 50.0±2.8 (HT) and 51.0±3.4 (HIPEF). The HIPEF treated J and (J+WP7) retained 100% and 98% of their vitamin C initial content and the HT treated, 91% and 88%, respectively. The amount of whey powder added to the orange juice conditioned the acceptability. The juice containing 7% of whey powder was well accepted, and after treatment by HIPEF, it retained a good nutritional quality, regarding available lysine, vitamin C retention and provision of mineral nutrients.

Antioxidant capacity of fruits and vegetables cultivated in Chile.

El aumento de la prevalencia de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) relacionadas con la alimentación ha conducido a un mayor interés por estudiar la relación alimentación y salud. Se ha demostrado una menor incidencia de las mismas con patrones alimentarios que involucran un alto consumo de frutas y verduras, lo que ha motivado a investigar las propiedades químicas de estos alimentos. El efecto protector de los alimentos de origen vegetal se ha atribuido a diversos nutrientes y fitoquímicos con actividad antioxidante lo cual es frecuentemente olvidado en las recomendaciones alimentarias. Para determinar la capacidad antioxidante de alimentos vegetales cultivados en Chile, se analizaron frutas y verduras naturales según el método FRAP (ferric reducing activity power), realizando la lectura a los 4 minutos . En las verduras se observaron valores, expresados en base húmeda, comprendidos entre 0,002 y 1,91 milimoles de Fe/100g para zanahoria cocida y ají rojo respectivamente. Los valores de las frutas estuvieron comprendidos entre 0,02 milimoles de Fe/100g para el pepino hasta 12,32 para el maqui, destacando el alto valor de este último y los obtenidos en los berries: frutilla 3,10 y zarzamora 3,55. En la zona intermedia se ubicaron frutos como el limón y el membrillo con 0,25 y 0,23 respectivamente; los valores más bajos dentro de las frutas correspondieron a manzana (variedad fuji) y duraznos.

The high prevalence of non transmissible chronic diseases (NCD) related to food consumption had increased the studies conducted to investigate the relationship between diet and health. A smaller incidence of NCD, with food patterns with high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been observed and chemical compounds of these foods have been one of the main subjects of the actual research in the reaqltion between food consumption and health. The effect of vegetable foods has been attributed to various nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. In order to determine the antioxidant capacity of vegetable foods cultivated in Chile, natural fruits and vegetables were analyzed according to the FRAP (ferric reducing activity power) method, reading to the 4 minutes. In vegetables, the values were between 0.002 and 1.91 milimoles of Fe/100g for cooked carrot and red pepper respectively. The values of the fruits ranged between 0.02 milimoles of Fe/100g for the cucumber and 12.32 for maqui, the berries studies showed values between 3.10 for strawberry and 3.55 for wild blackberry. Lemmon and quince with 0.25 and 0.23 respectively are located in the intermediate leveland the lowest values within the fruits corresponded to apple (fuji variety) and peaches.

Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos TBCA-USP (Versões 3 e 4) no contexto internacional

A Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos-USP (TBCA-USP) tem como meta divulgar informações de qualidade sobre a composição química de alimentos brasileiros. Para isso adota padrões internacionais que definem diretrizes e critérios para a área de composição de alimentos, através de guias e manuais com protocolos a serem usados na geração e compilação de dados, o que amplia a comunicação e o intercâmbio entre laboratórios. Entre os anos de 2001 a 2004, foram introduzidos 863 novos dados na TBCAUSP, totalizando 1838, sendo 1200 referente à composição centesimal. Durante este período foram desenvolvidas e disponibilizadas na Internet as versões TBCA-USP 3.0, 4.0 e 4.1, que apresentaram inúmeras modificações estruturais e de layout em relação às versões anteriores. A versão 3.0 da TBCA-USP apresentava uma tabela blocada com os alimentos separados por grupos, devido ao grande número de informações. Como esse número continuou aumentando, as versões 4.0/4.1 passaram a apresentar os dados dos alimentos de maneira individualizada, acessada por busca, pelo nome do alimento (em português, inglês ou nome científico). Os dados são apresentados por 100g/alimento e medidas caseiras usuais. Está disponível um formulário para compilação de dados de composição de alimentos, para incentivar o envio e a publicação de dados que possam ser avaliados de maneira adequada. A TBCA-USP está estruturada de forma similar às demais tabelas internacionais que seguem padrões da rede INFOODS (International Network of Food Data Systems); e está centralizando esforços para a criação de bancos específicos de nutrientes ou alimentos com propriedade funcional.

The Brazilian Food Composition Table (TBCA-USP) aims to divulge information about Brazilian food composition. Therefore, it adopts international patterns that define rules and criteria for the food composition area, through guides and manuals with protocols to be used for data generation and compilation, which amplifies the communication and exchange between laboratories. From 2001 to 2004, 863 new data were introduced in the TBCA-USP, in a total of 1838 data, 1200 of which refers to proximal composition. During this period, the versions 3.0, 4.0 and 4.1 of the TBCA-USP were developed and put on the Internet. These versions had several structural modifications in relation to the ones before. The version 3.0 of the TBCA-USP used to be separated by groups of foods, due to its large number of information. Once this number kept growing, the versions 4.0/4.1 turnedto have their food data showed individually, accessed through thename of the food (in Portuguese, English or scientific name). All data is presented as 100g/food and domestic measurement. There is a form available for compilation of food composition data, in order to stimulate researchers to send and publish data that may be evaluated correctly. The TBCA-USP is being structured similarly to the other international tables that follow patterns of INFOODS (International Network of Food Data Systems); and it is making an effort to create specific databases of nutrients or foods that have functional properties.

Evaluación de harinas y almidones de mapuey (Dioscorea trifida), variedades blanco y morado

El mapuey (Dioscorea trifida), tubérculo nativo de América tropical y apreciado por su sabor y fina textura, ha sido poco explotado en Venezuela. Su cultivo pudiera sustituir harinas y almidones de uso convencional. En este trabajo se estudiaron física y químicamente harinas de mapuey (variedades blanco y morado), así como algunos micronutrientes. Se evaluaron física, química, fisicoquímica y reológicamente los almidones extraídos. La obtención de las harinas y almidones, se realizó por secado y extracción acuosa respectivamente. El análisis químico se efectuó siguiendo los métodos oficiales. El mayor rendimiento y el más alto contenido de proteínas lo presentó la harina de mapuey morado. En cuanto a los minerales, existen diferencias significativas entre variedades, resultando el mapuey morado con mayor contenido. Los almidones extraídos fueron de alta pureza, corroborada en la microscopía electrónica de barrido. Las micrografías revelaron forma irregular de gránulos (ovalados y alargados), con extremo truncado y superficies lisas; encontrándose gránulos más pequeños en el mapuey morado. Ambas variedades exhibieron un espectro de difracción tipo B. El mayor poder de hinchamiento y capacidad de absorción de agua lo presentó el mapuey blanco; y la mayor solubilidad, el morado. La máxima viscosidad y el más alto valor de Estabilidad ó "Breakdown" lo tuvo el mapuey blanco, sugiriendo gránulos más frágiles. El Asentamiento ó "Setback" resultó menor en el mapuey blanco, infiriéndose menor tendencia a retrogradar. No hubo diferencias significativas en la consistencia de ambos almidones, aún cuando el almidón de mapuey morado tuvo el mayor contenido de amilosa.

Evaluation of the flour and starch from white and purple varieties of mapuey (Dioscorea trifida). Mapuey (Dioscorea trifida), is a tropical America tuber, which is appreciated for its taste and fine texture. It has not been fully cultivated in Venezuela, even though products like its flour and starch could replace conventional used products. In this work physical and chemical characteristic of flours from mapuey (varieties white and purple), were assessed, as well as some of their micronutrients. Physical, physicochemical and rheological properties, and chemical composition of isolated starches were also evaluated. Flours were obtained by a drying process and starches by aqueous extraction. Chemical analysis was performed following standard methodologies. The flour yield of purple mapuey was the highest, as was its protein content. The minerals content, showed significant differences between both varieties, presenting purple variety a higher content. Isolated starches showed high purity, this was corroborated by the scanning electron microscopy which showed irregular shaped granules (oval and elongated), with truncated end and smooth surfaces. Purple mapuey granules were smaller. Both varieties exhibited a B type diffraction pattern. The greater swelling power and water absorption capacity was presented by white mapuey, while the highest solubility was shown by the purple one. The white mapuey had maximum viscosity, as well as the highest value of breakdown, suggesting more fragile granules. Setback was lower in the white mapuey, suggesting lower tendency to retrogradation. The purple mapuey although, it showed a higher amylose content, presented lower consistency, even though the difference was not relevant.