Browsing by Author "Afonso, C."
Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Bioactive and nutritional potential of Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissimaPublication . Afonso, C.; Matos, J.; Guarda, I.; Gomes-Bispo, A.; Gomes, R.; Cardoso, C.; Gueifão, S.; Delgado, I.; Coelho, Inês; Castanheira, Isabel; Bandarra, N.M.The brown seaweed species Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima are commercial edible resources in Norway. There are knowledge gaps regarding these species. Accordingly, they were characterized and their bioactivity and bioaccessibility evaluated. The fatty acid (FA) analysis revealed anω-3/ω-6 ratio of almost 2 in A. esculenta vs 1 in S. latissima. The FAs 18:4ω-3 (stearidonic acid) and 20:5ω-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) were themain contributors to the relativeω-3 polyunsaturated FA richness in A. esculenta. This seaweed was also rich in fucoxanthin (66.1 ± 20.1 mg (100 g)−1 dw), representing approximately 4.1% of the total lipids. Hence, this species may be a source of natural fucoxanthin. Anti-inflammatory activity was significantly stronger (p < 0.001) in the ethanolic than in the aqueous extracts of the algal biomass, 48.3–60.4% vs 18.2–38.6% cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. In the bioaccessible fraction of both species, phenolic content and antioxidant activitywere low.Moreover, the anti-inflammatory capacity was largely lost in this fraction, especially in the case of S. latissima. Regarding elemental composition, there were no large differences between the two brown seaweed species, being As levels high (53.11–58.93 mg kg−1 dw). However, this As is mostly organic and accordingly poses a lower risk to human health. The I content was high, especially in S. latissima, 2829 ± 58 mg kg−1 dw (557 ± 17 mg kg−1 dw in A. esculenta). Taking into account I levels, only 0.05 g and 0.39 g of S. latissima per day (based on I levels before digestion) are enough to reach I DRI and I TUIL, respectively, or 0.07 g and 0.57 g per day (based on I levels after digestion), for I DRI and I TUIL, respectively. The attained results point to an untapped potential regarding development of functional foods and other products with high-added value—particularly in the case of A. esculenta.
- Composition and bioaccessibility of elements in green seaweeds from fish pond aquaculturePublication . Afonso, C.; Cardoso, C,; Ripol, A.; Varela, J.; Quental-Ferreira, H.; Pousão-Ferreira, P.; Ventura, M.S.; Delgado, I.M.; Coelho, I.; Castanheira, I.; Bandarra, N.M.The elemental composition of five species of green seaweeds (Chaetomorpha linum, Rhizoclonium riparium, Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Ulva prolifera) grown in fish pond aquaculture systems were studied. The elemental bioaccessibility in these species was also investigated through the application of an innovative in vitro digestive model of the human gastrointestinal tract. It was observed that R. riparium had the highest levels of Mn, Sr, Cd, Sn, and I and that U. lactuca had the highest Ni and Cu concentrations. The daily amounts of dried green seaweed required for achieving specific dietary intakes were calculated, namely: 7 g of dried U. lactuca (for meeting Cu Recommended Daily Allowance, RDA); 173 g of dried U. lactuca (Zn RDA); 78 g of dried C. linum (Se RDA); 41 g of dried C. linum (Mo RDA); and 0.5 g of dried R. riparium (I Dietary Reference Intake, DRI). Concerning elemental bioaccessibility, Mn and Cu had the highest values, always above 50%, I values were in the lower range, between 14 and 31%. The elemental bioaccessibility range of R. riparium (31–100%) was higher than the ranges for other species, particularly C. linum (0–56%). The bioaccessibility results entailed higher quantities of dried seaweed for reaching dietary intakes: 10 g of dried U. lactuca (Cu RDA); 290 g of dried R. riparium (Zn RDA); and 2 g of dried R. riparium (I DRI). Accordingly, R. riparium is a very rich I source. This study showed the importance of taking into account bioaccessibility results in estimating dietary intakes.
- Elemental composition and in vitro bioaccessibility assessment of holothuroidsPublication . Sales, S.S.; Lourenço, H.M.; Bandarra, N.M.; Cardoso, C.; Brito, P.; Botelho, M.J.; Gonçalves, S.; Coelho, I.; Delgado, I.; Pessoa, M.F.; Félix, P.M.; Afonso, C.The elemental composition and bioaccessibility of the wild holothuroids Holothuria arguinensis, Holothuria forskali, and Holothuria mammata was studied. Nutritional and toxicological aspects were evaluated. H. mammata was the richest in Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg; H. forskali had the highest Cu and I contents, 4.12–4.93 mg/kg dw and 28.02–28.26 mg/kg dw, respectively; and Summer H. arguinensis had high Se content, 4.26 ± 0.08 mg/kg dw. Holothuroids as food may be a dietary Se and I source, with Pb as main hazard. In order to meet the Se Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), 15–18 g of dried H. arguinensis and 18–33 g of dried H. mammata would have to be consumed everyday. For I, 10 g of dried H. arguinensis, 6–11 g of dried H. forskali, and 20–21 g of dried H. mammata everyday would be required to achieve the I Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI). For meeting Cu dietary requirements, consumption frequencies would have to exceed 330 g dw/day in the most favourable case (Winter H. forskali). Regarding other essential elements, quantities would be much higher. Regarding contaminants, a consumption above 20–21 g/day of dried H. mammata would constitute a Pb risk. Overall, holothuroids can substantially contribute to elemental nutritional requirements.
- Farming a wild seaweed and changes to its composition, bioactivity, and bioaccessibility: The Saccorhiza polyschides case studyPublication . Cardoso, C.; Almeida, J.; Coelho, I.; Delgado, I.; Gomes, R.; Quintã, R.; Bandarra, N.M.; Afonso, C.The nutritional value, elemental and fatty acid composition as well as key biological activities were determined in a large brown seaweed species (Saccorhiza polyschides, abundant in European shores), taking into account the effects of wild vs farmed and land-based vs open sea Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system dichotomies. The results showed that S. polyschides has significant amounts of relevant nutrients, some biological activity (anti-inflammatory), high contents of the essential elements Se (1.07–1.79 mg/kg dw) and I (367–522 mg/kg dw), and a high bioaccessibility of I. However, As levels should be monitored, given their high bioaccessibility (∼60–70% range), and I levels may translate into excessive I intake if too much seaweed is consumed (if daily consumption of dried S. polyschides exceeds 3 g dw). Regarding the wild-farmed dichotomy, wild S. polyschides had a moderately higher nutritional value, including a better ω3/ω6 ratio, but a lower Se content than farmed S. polyschides, 0.80 ± 0.01 vs 0.58–0.69 and 1.07 ± 0.05 vs 1.16–1.79 mg/kg dw, respectively. Furthermore, bioaccessibility of elements was not much affected by cultivation. Concerning land-based vs open sea IMTA, in comparison to S. polyschides in earthen ponds, lower Hg and Pb contamination, but higher Cd levels were determined in the seaweed cultivated in open sea. S. polyschides farming per se did not have a large deleterious impact on the characteristics of this edible seaweed and may ensure the production of large amounts of algal biomass for feed, food, and nutraceutical applications.
- Human health risk–benefit assessment of fish and other seafood: a scoping reviewPublication . Thomsen, S.T.; Assunção, Ricardo; Afonso, C.; Boué, G.; Cardoso, C.; Cubadda, F.; Garre, A.; Kruisselbrink, J.; Mantovani, A.; Pitter, J.; Poulsen, M.; Verhagen, H.; Ververis, E.; van der Voet, H.; Watzl, B.; Pires, S.Fish and other seafood are important sources of nutrients, but they are also sources of chemical contaminants that may cause adverse health effects. This article aimed to identify existing risk–benefit assessments (RBA) of fish, shellfish, and other seafood, compare methodologies, discuss differences and commonalities in findings, and identify limitations and ways forward for future studies. We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature of studies in all languages published from 2000 through April 2019. We identified 106 RBA of fish and other seafood across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and at the global level. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of types of fish and other seafood considered, beneficial and adverse compounds assessed, and overall methodology. Collected data showed that a diet consisting of a variety of lean and fatty fish and other seafood is recommended for the overall population and that women of childbearing age and children should limit the consumption of fish and other seafood types that have a high likelihood of contamination. Our review emphasizes the need for evidence-based, up-to-date, and harmonized approaches in RBA in general.
- Mackerel seasonality effect on Se contentPublication . Rego, A.; Ventura, M.; Gueifão, S.; Coelho, I.; Cardoso, C.; Afonso, C.; Bandarra, N.; Castanheira, I.Selenium is an essential micronutrient that can become toxic when ingested in high concentrations The human being can obtain Se through the consumption of food, dietary supplements, water and exposure to ambient air The food source is the most abundant and the main contributor to the daily intake of Se in Fish is one of the best sources of Se, and the Portuguese Mackerel is one of the most important and abundant species in Portugal It is rich in several vitamins and Se, due to being a predator The work presented integrates part of the first task of the project Newfood 4 thought that aims at the prevention of cognitive decline through nutrient combination. The aim is to study of the influence of seasonality in the levels of Se in Mackerel samples collected throughout the year. With the exception of May, Se content in mackerel remained constant throughout the year The high Se content found in May samples may be related to mackerel ´ s spawning season and feeding habits However, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary conclusions, namely studying the Se content monthly for several years
- Seasonal variation of chub mackerel (Scomber colias) selenium and vitamin B12 content and its potential role in human healthPublication . Rego, A.; Coelho, I.; Motta, C.; Cardoso, C.; Gomes-Bispo, A.; Afonso, C.; Prates, J.A.M.; Bandarra, N.M.; Silva, J.A.L.; Castanheira, I.Chub mackerel (Scomber colias), an underutilised fish species, has been identified as an excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12, which may prevent and delay cognitive decline and dementia. Given these nutrients’ contents seasonal variability, a complete monthly sampling, involving a specifically adjusted methodology for the determination of vitamin B12 (LC-MS/MS) and its main vitamers and a sensitive analytical technique (ICPMS) for Se, was carried out. Regarding total vitamin B12 in the chub mackerel muscle, its content varied from 10.0 ± 1.0 μg/100 g in February to 18.9 ± 1.9 μg/100 g in August. It was also shown that methylcobalamin content ranged from 1.12 ± 0.43 (March) to 6.77 ± 0.80 μg/100 g (August), a sixfold increase. Hydroxocobalamin content varied between 3.49 ± 0.12 (February) and 9.62 ± 0.41 μg/100 g (August). The content of Se also had seasonal variability, ranging from 451 ± 14 μg/kg (December) to 606 ± 11 μg/kg (July). In the worst-case scenario, a weekly 160 g meal of this fish would almost guarantee B12 requirements. Three weekly 160 g meals of S. colias would cover, at least, 56% of the Se requirements. Therefore, as first explored here, it is highly relevant a complete, year-round assessment of the chub mackerel’s nutritional value, in order to elaborate finely tuned dietary recommendations.
- Seasonality as experienced in the market and the resulting variation in the amino acid and elemental composition of chub mackerel (Scomber colias)Publication . Motta, C.; Rego, A.; Cardoso, C.; Coelho, I.; Gomes-Bispo, A.; Afonso, C.; Prates, J.A.M.; Castanheira, I.; Bandarra, N.Chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is an underutilised fish species, abundant in the Atlantic Ocean. Its amino acid profile and elemental composition are still insufficiently studied. Accordingly, these aspects were studied on a monthly basis. The most abundant essential amino acids, lysine and leucine, had contents ranging from 1270 ± 40 mg/100 g in August to 1820 ± 96 mg/100 g in November and from 1210 ± 36 mg/100 g in August to 1570 ± 20 mg/100 g in March, respectively. The other essential amino acids’ contents varied between 500 and 1200 mg/ 100 g. Essential amino acids represented between 41.9 % and 44.6 % of all amino acids. As a result of high histidine content in S. colias, three weekly meals (160 g/meal) guarantee all human histidine requirements. Regarding elemental composition, K was the most abundant, varying its content between 331 ± 3 mg/100 g and 499 ± 4 mg/100 g. The other studied elements’ order of abundance was P > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn. Under optimal conditions, consumption of a 160 g daily meal of S. colias may provide at most 20 % of the Fe and 30 % of the Zn requirements. Therefore, though not an outstanding Fe and Zn source, S. colias can give a significant contribution to these elements’ requirements