Fructans and Mineral Nutrition
Pages 68-74
Noureddine Benkeblia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.03.2

Published: 07 October 2016

Abstract: Fructan molecules have a history of more than 150 years and ancient peoples used fructans containing plants as food, feed or medicine. The modern history of fructans began with their discovery by Rose (1804) and known at the turn of the 20^th century considerable development with Edelman's proposal concerning their metabolism in higher plant. At present time, fructans are considered food not food ingredients, and are found in more than 500 food products resulting in significant daily consumption. Because the science of nutrition itself has changed, fructans are now considered as functional foods and the passionate history of their health benefits continues to arise interest of scientists. Contrary to the fact that non-digestible carbohydrates have been accused of causing an impairment in the small intestine absorption of minerals, research conducted during the last three decades demonstrated that fructans enhanced mineral absorption, and the scientific evidence claiming that fructans enhance mineral absorption is based on both animal and human experiments which are very conclusive. Although different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the roles of fructans in enhancing minerals absorption, the mechanisms behind this enhancement are still unclear, even though investigation have demonstrated that different fructans-related mechanisms may be involved in the increased absorption of minerals due to fructans intake. This review paper aims to report on the recent development and the roles of fructans in enhancing mineral absorption and their deficiencies prevention.

EDITORIAL: Functional Food Products & Ingredients For Gut Health
Pages 28-29
Sebnem Tellioglu Harsa

Published: 25 July 2016

Editorial
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Determination of Sugar Content in Commercial Fruit Juices by Refractometric, Volumetric and Chromatographic Methods
Pages 75-84
Francesca Buiarelli, Patrizia Di Filippo, Donatella Pomata, Carmela Riccardi and Daniela Rago

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.03.3

Published: 07 October 2016

Abstract: In this paper several approaches are discussed for the direct analysis of the main sugars in different fruit juices. Refractometry, thin layer chromatography, volumetric analysis and high performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detector were tested and the results compared, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Whereas the first method gives generically indications on the whole content of sugar and it doesn’t require any prior manipulation of the sample, thin layer chromatography is useful only for qualitative purpose, on the other hand the third method, after removal of interferences, makes possible the determination of the reducing and not reducing sugar, and the last one allows the qualitative and quantitative determination of the saccharides singularly. It’s very important to have not only knowledge about the chemical analysis of carbohydrates and their physicochemical properties, but especially how the methods can be used in product development for benefit of the public.

In the wide range of options for the determination of the mono and disaccharides in beverages, the approach selected must be robust, accurate, powerful and reproducible.

Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Administration in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants: A Review
Pages 29-37
Steffi Beinlich and John V. Logomarsino

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2016.05.02.1

Published: 25 July 2016

Abstract: The aim of this review was to evaluate the beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation on extremely low birthweight infants (birthweight <1000 g). Extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants are the most vulnerable population in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They are at the highest risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and inadequate nutrition due to their immature gastrointestinal (GI) function. Nutrition plays an important role in the future neurodevelopmental outcomes of these infants. Research methods for the review were conducted using PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). In total, eight research studies evaluated the effect of probiotic use in ELBW infants: three studies assessed GI colonization, five studies assessed enteral feeding and GI tolerance, one study assessed growth, five studies assessed NEC, five studies assessed sepsis, and two studies assessed length of hospital stay. This review found the use of probiotics improved GI tolerance, weight gain and length of hospital stay in ELBW infants, but was unable to make conclusions on the effect of probiotic use on incidences of NEC and sepsis. More research is needed in ELBW infants before making probiotic supplementation a standard of care in this population.