Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Several Mexican Wild Lupins

We have performed chemical proximate analysis and determined the oil fatty acid profile of seeds fromLupinus mexicanus Cerv. ex Lag., Lupinus exaltatus Zucc., Lupinus montanus H.B.K. and Lupinus stipulatus J. Agardh collected at various locations in four Mexican states. Protein and fiber content from lupin seeds ranged from 334 to 467 and 106 to 172g/kg on dry weight basis, respectively. The oil content fluctuated from 57g/kg for L. mexicanus to 115g/kg for L. montanus. All lupin oils contained a high concentration of palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2), ranging from 175 to 287 and 324 to 517g/kg, respectively. The ratio of oleic (C18:1) to linoleic (C18:2) acid and total saturated to total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 0.22 to 0.5 and 1.5 to 3.3, respectively. Erucic acid (C22:1) was not present in any of the lupin oils analyzed while eicosanoic acid (C20:0) was found only in L. mexicanus (Manalisco). Behenic acid (C22:0) was found in all oil samples of L. montanus, L. stipulatus and L. mexicanus oils. Thus, we conclude that the oil content and fatty acid profile of the Mexican lupins studied are similar to those already reported for most lupin oils, except for the absence of erucic acid and greater palmitic acid concentration found in our samples.     

Quelle pharmaconutrition pour lutter contre la sarcopénie ?

Sarcopenia is characterized by the depletion of muscle protein pool and is frequently observed in elderly but also in obese patients. The underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia are complex. It is well documented that the postprandial anabolic response of the muscle is blunted consequently to an increased splanchnic extraction of amino acids and to the resistance of muscle to the anabolic effects of amino acids and insulin. Optimized nutritional strategies have been developed to improve muscle protein metabolism by increasing protein synthesis and/or decreasing proteasome-mediated proteolysis: concentrating a high amount of nitrogen intake (> 60% of daily intake) in one meal, supplying specific amino acids (leucine, citrulline) or providing “fast” proteins to increase postprandial hyperaminoacidemia. An other possible strategy could be to target systemic inflammation or insulin resistance observed during aging through the use of other pharmaconutrients, that is polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 or glutamine.     

The quality properties and saturated and unsaturated fatty acid profiles of quail egg: the alterations of fatty acids with process effects

The nutritional composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, available carbohydrates, total lipids), energy value, some quality characteristics (yolk weight, albumen weight and shell weight), cholesterol level and fatty acid profiles of quail egg were determined (p<0.01). The protein content of quail egg was higher than laying hen's egg. The fatty acid composition of quail egg yolk consisted of 24 fatty acids including saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:0), monounsaturated fatty acids (C15:1, C16:1, C17:1, C18:1n9, C18:1n7, C22:1n9, C24:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6t , C18:2n6c , C18:3n6, C18:3n3, C20:2, C20:3n6, C20:3n3, C20:4n6, C22:2, C20:5n3, C22:6n3). The total cholesterol level of quail egg was found to be 73.45+/-1.07 mg/100 g. Linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) (10.28%), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (1.92%) and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) (0.63%) were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid content of quail egg yolk, whereas oleic acid (C18:1n9c) was the major monounsaturated fatty acid comprising 26.71% in the yolk. The palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) levels were 16.62% and 6.89%, respectively. Total omega-3 was detected as 1.16% in raw egg whereas it was 0.82% in soft-boiled (rafadan) egg. The polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid proportion was 0.58 and 0.64 for raw and processed yolk, respectively.     

Composition and protein quality of Lupinus mutabilis

The chemical composition and the protein quality of three samples of Lupinus mutabilis (a raw, semi-sweet variety; cooked, water-extracted seeds; and alcohol-extracted oil cake) were studied. The protein content varied from 47.7% dry weight (raw seeds) to 65.3% (oil-cake). Compared to the FAO reference pattern sulfur- containing amino acids are first limiting. The water-extracted sample contained 26.9% oil and the polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio of 30 seed samples was 5.3. Alkaloid content of raw seed was high (3.3%), but could be reduced or nearly eliminated by water-and-alcohol extraction or plant breeding. Other anti-nutritive substances were present only in trace quantities. Protein quality measured as protein efficiency ratio (PER) gave low values for the non-supplemented lupin proteins (1.34 semi-sweet variety; 1.53 water-extracted seeds; 1.19 oil-cake; 3.09 casein), but the PER's were improved by the addition of 0.2% DL-methionine to the diets (3.05, 2.69, 2,81, respectively). Raw as well as processed lupin protein showed an excellent apparent digestibility (80.0-85.8%, casein 87.1%). Studies of net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value (BV) confirmed the importance of methionine supplementation, The true digestibility of 92% was equivalent to that of casein.     

The quality properties and saturated and unsaturated fatty acid profiles of quail egg: the alterations of fatty acids with process effects

The nutritional composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, available carbohydrates, total lipids), energy value, some quality characteristics (yolk weight, albumen weight and shell weight), cholesterol level and fatty acid profiles of quail egg were determined (p<0.01). The protein content of quail egg was higher than laying hen's egg. The fatty acid composition of quail egg yolk consisted of 24 fatty acids including saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C24:0), monounsaturated fatty acids (C15:1, C16:1, C17:1, C18:1n9, C18:1n7, C22:1n9, C24:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6t, C18:2n6c, C18:3n6, C18:3n3, C20:2, C20:3n6, C20:3n3, C20:4n6, C22:2, C20:5n3, C22:6n3). The total cholesterol level of quail egg was found to be 73.45±1.07 mg/100 g. Linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) (10.28%), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (1.92%) and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) (0.63%) were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid content of quail egg yolk, whereas oleic acid (C18:1n9c) was the major monounsaturated fatty acid comprising 26.71% in the yolk. The palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) levels were 16.62% and 6.89%, respectively. Total omega-3 was detected as 1.16% in raw egg whereas it was 0.82% in soft-boiled (rafadan) egg. The polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid proportion was 0.58 and 0.64 for raw and processed yolk, respectively.     

Fatty acid and amino acid compositions of selected wild-edible mushrooms consumed in Turkey

The fatty acid and amino acid compositions of 11 mushroom species commonly consumed were collected from the East Black Sea region of Turkey and analyzed. All species were characterized by a high content of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and glutamic acid. The highest content of linoleic acid (78.0%) and glutamic acid (29.4 μg/mg dry weight [d.w.]) was found in Agaricus arvensis and the lowest in Cantharellus tubaeformis, 19.8% and 10.9 μg/mg d.w., respectively. The average content of amino acids for all species was 148 μg/mg d.w. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 11 different kinds of wild edible mushrooms gathered from the region represent substantial sources of fatty acids and amino acids that are essential in the diet of humans. Quality of the mushroom protein compares favorably with the FAO/WHO Standard. The present study demonstrates that macrofungi from the East Black Sea region (Turkey) are a good source of many nutrients essential to human well-being.     

Fatty acid and amino acid compositions of selected wild-edible mushrooms consumed in Turkey

The fatty acid and amino acid compositions of 11 mushroom species commonly consumed were collected from the East Black Sea region of Turkey and analyzed. All species were characterized by a high content of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and glutamic acid. The highest content of linoleic acid (78.0%) and glutamic acid (29.4 μg/mg dry weight [d.w.]) was found in Agaricus arvensis and the lowest in Cantharellus tubaeformis, 19.8% and 10.9 μg/mg d.w., respectively. The average content of amino acids for all species was 148 μg/mg d.w. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 11 different kinds of wild edible mushrooms gathered from the region represent substantial sources of fatty acids and amino acids that are essential in the diet of humans. Quality of the mushroom protein compares favorably with the FAO/WHO Standard. The present study demonstrates that macrofungi from the East Black Sea region (Turkey) are a good source of many nutrients essential to human well-being.     

Characterization of Oilseed Lipids from “DHA-Producing Camelina sativa”: A New Transformed Land Plant Containing Long-Chain Omega-3 Oils

New and sustainable sources of long-chain (LC, ≥C₂₀) omega-3 oils containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6ω3) are required to meet increasing demands. The lipid content of the oilseed of a novel transgenic, DHA-producing land plant, Camelina sativa, containing microalgal genes able to produce LC omega-3 oils, contained 36% lipid by weight with triacylglycerols (TAG) as the major lipid class in hexane extracts (96% of total lipid). Subsequent chloroform-methanol (CM) extraction recovered further lipid (~50% polar lipid, comprising glycolipids and phospholipids) and residual TAG. The main phospholipid species were phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The % DHA was: 6.8% (of total fatty acids) in the TAG-rich hexane extract and 4.2% in the polar lipid-rich CM extract. The relative level of ALA (α-linolenic acid, 18:3ω3) in DHA-camelina seed was higher than the control. Major sterols in both DHA- and control camelina seeds were: sitosterol, campesterol, cholesterol, brassicasterol and isofucosterol. C₁₆–C₂₂ fatty alcohols, including iso-branched and odd-chain alcohols were present, including high levels of iso-17:0, 17:0 and 19:0. Other alcohols present were: 16:0, iso-18:0, 18:0 and 18:1 and the proportions varied between the hexane and CM extracts. These iso-branched odd-chain fatty alcohols, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported. These components may be derived from wax esters, or free fatty alcohols.     

Long-term consumption of a carbohydrate-restricted diet does not induce deleterious metabolic effects

Carbohydrate (CHO)-restricted diets have been recommended for weight loss and to prevent obesity, but their long-term effects have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of long-term (>1 year) consumption of a low-CHO high-fat diet (“The optimal diet,” developed by Dr Kwaśniewski referenced herein) on lipid profile, glycemic control, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy subjects. Of 31 “optimal” dieters enrolled in the study (17 women and 14 men, aged 51.7 ± 16.6 years), 22 declared adherence to the diet for more than 3 years. Average energy intake and principal nutrients consumed were assessed from 6-day dietary records provided by the participants. In most dieters, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exceeded the upper limits of the reference ranges for nonstarved subjects. The metabolic profiles of most subjects were positive for several indicators, including relatively low concentrations of triacylglycerols, high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and normal ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL-C. In most subjects, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, homocysteine, glycerol, and C-reactive protein were within reference ranges. Notably, in all but one subject, the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance remained below the threshold for diagnosis of insulin resistance. These results indicate that long-term (>1 year) compliance with a low-CHO high-fat “optimal diet” does not induce deleterious metabolic effects and does not increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by maintenance of adequate glycemic control and relatively low values for conventional cardiovascular risk factors.     

Prise en charge à long terme du grêle court (adulte)

Short bowel is the main cause for chronic intestinal failure. The small bowel is considered to be “short” when the length of the remaining gut is less than 2 meters; the anatomy of the residual intestine may influence the adaptative capacities of the gut. Almost half of the patients with a “short bowel” need a long-term parenteral support. The amount of parenteral lipids must be ranged between 1 g/kg body weight/week and 1 g/kg body weight/day in order to prevent essential fatty acids deficiency and, on the other hand, to limit the risk of lipid-related hepatopathy. Vitamins and trace-elements must be regularly provided; there is a risk of brain toxicity due to excessive iv administration of manganese. Advantages of glutamine or growth hormones are still debated.     

Using a Paleo Ratio to Assess Adherence to Paleolithic Dietary Recommendations in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial using Paleolithic diet and exercise in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that increased adherence to the Paleolithic diet was associated with greater effects on blood pressure, blood lipids and HbA1c independent of weight loss. Participants were asked to follow a Paleolithic diet for 12 weeks and were randomized to supervised exercise or general exercise recommendations. Four-day food records were analyzed, and food items characterized as “Paleolithic” or “not Paleolithic”. Foods considered Paleolithic were lean meat, poultry, fish, seafood, fruits, nuts, berries, seeds, vegetables, and water to drink; “not Paleolithic” were legumes, cereals, sugar, salt, processed foods, and dairy products. A Paleo ratio was calculated by dividing the Paleolithic calorie intake by total calorie intake. A multiple regression model predicted the outcome at 12 weeks using the Paleo ratio, group affiliation, and outcome at baseline as predictors. The Paleo ratio increased from 28% at baseline to 94% after the intervention. A higher Paleo ratio was associated with lower fat mass, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and serum triglycerides at 12 weeks, but not with lower HbA1c levels. The Paleo ratio predicted triglyceride levels independent of weight loss (p = 0.046). Moreover, an increased monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio and an increased polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio was associated with lower triglyceride levels independent of weight loss. (p = 0.017 and p = 0.019 respectively). We conclude that a higher degree of adherence to the Paleolithic diet recommendations improved fat quality and was associated with improved triglyceride levels independent of weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes.     

Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Maternal dietary patterns before and during pregnancy play important roles in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to identify dietary patterns during pregnancy that are associated with GDM risk in pregnant U.S. women. From a 24 h dietary recall of 253 pregnant women (16–41 years) included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2012, food items were aggregated into 28 food groups based on Food Patterns Equivalents Database. Three dietary patterns were identified by reduced rank regression with responses including prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), dietary fiber, and ratio of poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acid: “high refined grains, fats, oils and fruit juice”, “high nuts, seeds, fat and soybean; low milk and cheese”, and “high added sugar and organ meats; low fruits, vegetables and seafood”. GDM was diagnosed using fasting plasma glucose levels ≥5.1 mmol/L for gestation <24 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for GDM, after controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, family poverty income ratio, marital status, prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, energy intake, physical activity, and log-transformed C-reactive protein (CRP). All statistical analyses accounted for the appropriate survey design and sample weights of the NHANES. Of 249 pregnant women, 34 pregnant women (14%) had GDM. Multivariable AOR (95% CIs) of GDM for comparisons between the highest vs. lowest tertiles were 4.9 (1.4–17.0) for “high refined grains, fats, oils and fruit juice” pattern, 7.5 (1.8–32.3) for “high nuts, seeds, fat and soybean; low milk and cheese” pattern, and 22.3 (3.9–127.4) for “high added sugar and organ meats; low fruits, vegetables and seafood” pattern after controlling for maternal sociodemographic variables, prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, energy intake and log-transformed CRP. These findings suggest that dietary patterns during pregnancy are associated with risk of GDM after controlling for potential confounders. The observed connection between a high consumption of refined grains, fat, added sugars and low intake of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy with higher odds for GDM, are consistent with general health benefits of healthy diets, but warrants further research to understand underlying pathophysiology of GDM associated with dietary behaviors during pregnancy.     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of an unconventional legume,Canavalia cathartica of mangroves

Seeds of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica from the mangroves of the southwest coast of India, were screened for proximate composition, minerals, protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids and some anti-nutritional factors. The seeds consisted of 31.2%, 1.86%, 61.4% and 1580 kJ crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrates and calories, respectively. The crude protein content of seeds was higher than common cereals, whole-wheat flour (8.55%), parboiled rice (7.7%) and egg (12.6%). Essential amino acids, threonine, cysteine?+?methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine?+?phenylalanine and lysine were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization patterns. On comparing the amino acid profile of mangrove and sand dune C. cathartica seeds, the latter were found to be superior (total amino acid content, 123.5% versus 60.8%), while the result was vice versa with respect to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (105.9 versus 2.52). The seeds possessed 1420 mg/100 g total phenolics and strong hemagglutination activity, while tannins and trypsin inhibition activity were absent. Physical, nutritional and anti-nutritional features of seeds of C. cathartica of the mangrove have been compared with those of C. cathartica of the sand dunes of the southwest coast of India. A significant difference (P?<?0.05) was observed between the physical, proximal and mineral composition except for ash, magnesium and copper. The protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, net protein retention, protein retention efficiency, biological value, net protein utilization and true digestibility of C. cathartica seeds were significantly different (P?<?0.05) from casein. In spite of the high protein content, animal-feeding trials indicated low nutritional quality. Nutritional, anti-nutritional factors and protein qualities of seeds C. cathartica have been discussed in comparison with other species of Canavalia.     

Fatty Acids Profile and Cholesterol Contents of Three Brazilian Brycon Freshwater Fishes

This study was carried out to determine the cholesterol and fatty acids in muscle tissue (filet) of three in natura species of Brazilian fishes Brycon cephalus (matrinxã), B. microlepis (piraputanga) and B. orbignyanus (piracanjuba). The non-native fishes were collected in farms (cultured in pond and cages) near Maringá. The native species were collected in Cuiabá–Manso rivers (B. microlepis), and Paraná river (B. orbignyanus) that belong to the Platina hydrographic basin. Differences were observed (P<0.05) for moisture (70.48–74.06%), ashes (1.05–1.32) and crude protein (18.84–20.03%). The total lipids and cholesterol contents were found in the range of 2.49–7.94% and 40.99–52.79 mg/100 g, respectively. The native species presented the smallest values when compared to the non-native. All species presented oleic acid, C18:1 n -9, as predominant, (38.34–48.77%), followed by palmitic acid, C16:0, (21.90–26.57%) and stearic acid, C18:0, (8.32–15.66%). The largest amount of total n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed in the wild B. microlepis (3.61%) and B. orbignyanus (3.06%).     

Evaluation of fatty acid profiles and mineral content of grape seed oil of some grape genotypes

The grape seeds of seven grape cultivars (Alphonse Lavallée, Muscat of Hamburg, Alicante Bouschet, Razak?, Narince, Öküzgözü and Horoz karas?) and two rootstocks (Salt creek and Cosmo 2) were evaluated in terms of quality properties including protein, oil, moisture, ash, fatty acid composition and mineral contents. The oil contents were found to be different for each cultivar, which ranged from 10.45% (Razak?) to 16.73% (Salt creek). Saturated fatty acid values were less than the values of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in all genotypes. Among the identified fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the predominant fatty acid and followed by oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0) in all varieties. The results of mineral analysis showed that all varieties contained considerable amount of macro and micro elements. These grape seeds could be used as a food supplement to improve the nutritive value of the human diet.     

Chemical composition,nutritional and antioxidant properties of the red edible seaweed Porphyra columbina

Proximate composition, fatty acids and amino acid profiles and nutritional (chemical score, protein digestibility, PDCAAS and mineral dialyzability) and antioxidant properties (TEAC, DPPH and power reduction) from Porphyra columbina were evaluated. Total dietary fiber (48.02?±?1.13?g/100?g dry weight) and protein (24.61?±?0.21?g/100?g dry weight) were the two most abundant components in this seaweed. The main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were C16:0 and C20:5 (n?3), respectively. The limiting amino acid was tryptophan with a chemical score of 57%. Protein digestibility was 74.33?±?3.0%. Porphyra columbina has high mineral content with good Na/K relationship and medium value of potential mineral accessibility (P, Ca and Zn dializability: 18.75?±?0.01, 17.62?±?0.16 and 16.70?±?0.44, respectively). The highest antioxidant properties were obtained with an acetone/water extraction system. This work provides important information about chemical composition and nutraceutical new properties of P. columbina.     

Composition of goat and cow milk produced under similar conditions and analyzed by identical methodology

The aim of this study was to identify, under the best possible conditions, the interspecific differences between the proteins, fat and minerals in goat and cow milk. The protein fractions presented evident differences, especially concerning the amount of α_S1-casein, which was lower in the goat milk (62.8%; P < 0.05). The amino acid profile of the two proteins revealed certain differences, although the total quantity of essential amino acids did not vary (P > 0.05). The composition of fats was well-differentiated, mainly as concerns the content of medium-chain fatty acids (C6–14), which were higher in the goat milk (28.8%; P < 0.05). The same was true for n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (10.0%; P < 0.05) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (51.0%; P < 0.05), and also the total level of conjugated linoleic acid (33.8%; P < 0.05). The quantities of Ca, P, Mg and Cu were greater in the ash derived from goat milk (17.4, 15.6, 16.3 and 66.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). Due to the greater quantity of total solids present in goat milk (16.3%; P < 0.05), all of the above-mentioned differences would be considerably increased by the fact that they refer to the amounts present in a given volume. The differences detected between cow and goat milk mean that the latter constitutes a food of particular interest, in terms of both health and nutrition.     

Sarcopénie des sujets âgés : libérez les acides aminés !

The underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia (i.e. the loss of muscle mass in aging) are still unknown. The primum movens seems to be a blunted anabolic response of muscle to dietary intake which could be related to a decreased systemic availability of amino acids. The latter could be linked to an increased amino acid metabolism in the splanchnic area. This splanchnic sequestration should be saturated by i) an increase in protein intake (global or in specific amino acids), ii) a modification of the rhythm of intake, or iii) the use of “fast” proteins. Alternatively (or in addition), the alteration of protein synthesis with advance in age could be located in the muscle, by decreasing the anabolic stimuli (e.g. insulin, GH, testosterone) or by increasing the catabolic environment (e.g. cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines).     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica of mangroves

Seeds of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica from the mangroves of the southwest coast of India, were screened for proximate composition, minerals, protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids and some anti-nutritional factors. The seeds consisted of 31.2%, 1.86%, 61.4% and 1580 kJ crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrates and calories, respectively. The crude protein content of seeds was higher than common cereals, whole-wheat flour (8.55%), parboiled rice (7.7%) and egg (12.6%). Essential amino acids, threonine, cysteine + methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine + phenylalanine and lysine were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization patterns. On comparing the amino acid profile of mangrove and sand dune C. cathartica seeds, the latter were found to be superior (total amino acid content, 123.5% versus 60.8%), while the result was vice versa with respect to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (105.9 versus 2.52). The seeds possessed 1420 mg/100 g total phenolics and strong hemagglutination activity, while tannins and trypsin inhibition activity were absent. Physical, nutritional and anti-nutritional features of seeds of C. cathartica of the mangrove have been compared with those of C. cathartica of the sand dunes of the southwest coast of India. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the physical, proximal and mineral composition except for ash, magnesium and copper. The protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, net protein retention, protein retention efficiency, biological value, net protein utilization and true digestibility of C. cathartica seeds were significantly different (P < 0.05) from casein. In spite of the high protein content, animal-feeding trials indicated low nutritional quality. Nutritional, anti-nutritional factors and protein qualities of seeds C. cathartica have been discussed in comparison with other species of Canavalia.     

Biochemical composition of some red and brown macro algae from the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Proximate analysis and the fatty acid profile of brown algae (Stypopodium schimperii) and red algae (Spyridia filamentosa, Acanthophora nayadiformis and Halymenia floresii) were investigated. The highest protein content was obtained from H. floresii (3.05% on a dry weight basis) whereas the lowest protein content was obtained from S. schimperii (1.12% dry weight). The lipid content of macro algae ranged from 1.10% for S. filamentosa to 11.53% dry weight for S. schimperii. The ash content of all algae species were found to be high (17.98–27.15%) on a dry weight basis. The fatty acid compositions of macro algae species were in the range 29.92–68.93% saturated, 17.88–39.23% monounsaturated and 6.0–17.57% polyunsaturated acids. Among them, those occurring in the highest proportions were palmitic acid (C16:0, 28.36–64.67%), myristoleic acid (C14:1, 5.54–6.7%), palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 3.33–19.51%), oleic acid (C18:1n9 cis, 6.62–13.92%), linoleic acid (C18:2n6, 1.03–4.65%), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6, 1.2–6.9%), and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3, 1.07–9.89%). According to results obtained from this study, these macro algae species can be regarded as a potential source for food or the neutraceutical industry.