Browsing by Author "Gil, Ana M."
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- Benefits of pulse consumption on metabolism and health: a systematic review of randomized controlled trialsPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Vasconcelos, Marta; Gil, Ana M.; Pinto, ElisabetePulses are nutrient-dense foods that have for a long time been empirically known to have beneficial effects in human health. In the last decade, several studies have gathered evidence of the metabolic benefits of pulse intake. However, it remains unclear at what amounts these effects may be attained. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific outputs of the last two decades regarding health benefits of pulse consumption and the amounts necessary for positive outcomes to be achieved. A PubMed search including keywords [(“dietary pulses”, “pulses”, “legumes”, “grain legumes”, “bean”, “chickpea”, “pea”, “lentil”, “cowpea”, “faba bean”, “lupin”) and (“inflammation”, “inflammatory markers”, “C-reactive protein”, “blood lipids”, “cholesterol”, “cardiometabolic health”, “cardiovascular disease”, “diabetes”, “glycaemia”, “insulin”, “HOMA-IR”, “body weight”, “body fat”, “obesity”, “overweight”, “metabolome”, “metabolic profile”, “metabolomics”, “biomarkers”, “microbiome”, “microbiota”, “gut”)] was performed. Only English written papers referring to human dietary interventions, longer than one day, focusing on whole pulses intake, were included. Most of the twenty eligible publications reported improvements in blood lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammation biomarkers, as well as, in body composition, resulting from pulse daily amounts of 150 g (minimum-maximum: 54-360 g/day; cooked). Concerns regarding methodological approaches are evident and the biochemical mechanisms underlying such effects require further investigation.
- Evaluation of beer deterioration by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/multivariate analysis: a rapid tool for assessing beer compositionPublication . Rodrigues, João A.; Barros, António S.; Carvalho, Beatriz; Brandão, Tiago; Gil, Ana M.; Ferreira, António C. SilvaBeer stability is a major concern for the brewing industry, as beer characteristics may be subject to significant changes during storage. This paper describes a novel non-targeted methodology for monitoring the chemical changes occurring in a lager beer exposed to accelerated aging (induced by thermal treatment: 18 days at 45 degrees C), using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in tandem with multivariate analysis (GC-MS/MVA). Optimization of the chromatographic run was performed, achieving a threefold reduction of the chromatographic time. Although losing optimum resolution, rapid GC runs showed similar chromatographic profiles and semi-quantitative ability to characterize volatile compounds. To evaluate the variations on the global volatile signature (chromatographic profile and m/z pattern of fragmentation in each scan) of beer during thermal deterioration, a non-supervised multivariate analysis method, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), was applied to the GC-MS data. This methodology allowed not only the rapid identification of the degree of deterioration affecting beer, but also the identification of specific compounds of relevance to the thermal deterioration process of beer, both well established markers such as 5-hydroxymethylfufural (5-HMF), furfural and diethyl succinate, as well as other compounds, to our knowledge, newly correlated to beer aging.
- Impact of a daily legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults: a pilot studyPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Vasconcelos, Marta; Gil, Ana M.; Silveira, Joana; Alves, Paulo; Martins, Sandra; Assunção, Marco; Guimarães, João Tiago; Pinto, ElisabeteThis pilot study aimed to assess the impact of substituting a traditional lunch for a vegetarian legume-based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults. A one-group comparison, quasi-experimental dietary intervention was designed. A vegetarian legume-based meal was offered for 8 consecutive weeks (weekdays) to non-vegetarian individuals (n = 26), (28 years [P25 = 20.0, P75 = 35.5]; 21.9 kg/m2 [P25 = 21.3, P75 = 24.8]). Sociodemographic data, health status and lifestyle-related information were recorded. Three-day food records were used to collect food intake at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and fasting blood analyses were performed following standard procedures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical comparisons. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants showed a median intake of 79.8 g of cooked legumes per meal, meaning 13 (50.0%) subjects met the Portuguese daily legume intake recommendations during the intervention days. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters. Transferrin concentration increased after 8 weeks (+12.5 mg/dL; p = 0.001). Total cholesterol concentration reduced after 8 weeks (−6 mg/dL; p = 0.041), as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (−7 mg/dL; p = 0.003). Triglycerides (+9 mg/dL; p = 0.046), fasting glucose (+2 mg/dL; p = 0.037) and HbA1c (+0.1 mg/dL; p = 0.010) concentration increased after the 2-month legume-based trial. Results suggest a cholesterol-lowering potential of legume-rich diets. However, unfavourable results regarding the impact on glucose metabolism-related biomarkers and triglyceride levels were observed. The study's limitations in design and sample size emphasise the importance of conducting further research with larger cohorts to attain more conclusive findings.
- Impact of a legumes diet on the human gut microbiome articulated with fecal and plasma metabolomes: a pilot studyPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Duarte, Daniela; Carneiro, Tatiana J.; Costa, Célia; Barbosa, Joana C.; Rodrigues, João E.; Alves, Paulo; Vasconcelos, Marta; Pinto, Elisabete; Gomes, Ana; Gil, Ana M.Background & aims: Legumes intake is known to be associated with several health benefits the origins of which is still a matter of debate. This paper addresses a pilot small cohort to probe for metabolic aspects of the interplay between legumes intake, human metabolism and gut microbiota. Methods: Untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics of blood plasma and fecal extracts was carried out, in tandem with qPCR analysis of feces, to assess the impact of an 8-week pilot legumes diet intervention on the fecal and plasma metabolomes and gut microbiota of 19 subjects. Results: While the high inter-individual variability hindered the detection of statistically significant changes in the gut microbiome, increased fecal glucose and decreased threonine levels were noted. Correlation analysis between the microbiome and fecal metabolome lead to putative hypotheses regarding the metabolic activities of prevalent bacteria groups (Clostridium leptum subgroup, Roseburia spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii). These included elevated fecal glucose as a preferential energy source, the involvement of valerate/isovalerate and reduced protein degradation in gut microbiota. Plasma metabolomics advanced mannose and betaine as potential markers of legume intake and unveiled a decrease in formate and ketone bodies, the latter suggesting improved energy utilization through legume carbohydrates. Amino acid metabolism was also apparently affected, as suggested by lowered urea, histidine and threonine levels. Conclusions: Despite the high inter-individual gut microbiome variability characterizing the small cohort addressed, combination of microbiological measurements and untargeted metabolomics unveiled several metabolic effects putatively related to legumes intake. If confirmed in larger cohorts, our findings will support the inclusion of legumes in diets and contribute valuable new insight into the origins of associated health benefits.
- Impact of a pulse-based vegetarian lunch meal on the modulation of gut bacterial populationsPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Barbosa, Joana; Costa, Célia; Vasconcelos, Marta W.; Gomes, Ana; Gil, Ana M.; Pinto, ElisabeteIntroduction: The current global trend to adopt more plant-based diets is expected to increase the intake of pulses in the near future, given their potential as eco-friendly nutrient-rich alternatives to animal-based protein food sources. Still, more comprehensive data, as well as higher quality food intervention trials, are needed to fully understand the health benefits of such dietary shift, namely at the gut microbiota level. In this context, the use of molecular biology research tools, such as quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) could be useful to monitor the dietary modulation of gut bacterial populations. Objectives: To investigate the modulation of gut bacterial populations after an 8-week pulse-based food intervention using qPCR optimized for 5 bacterial genera.Methods: Non-vegetarian healthy young adults were asked to replace a typical omnivorous lunch meal with a vegetarian pulse-based meal, 5 times per week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Stool samples were collected at weeks 0 (baseline) and 8 and total DNA was extracted using NZY Tissue gDNA isolation Kit (NZYTech, Lisbon, Portugal). A specific sequence region of the gene 16S rRNA was quantified using qPCR specific for the following bacteria: Akkermansia muciciphilamuciniphila, Roseburia spp., BiffidobacteriumBifidobacterium spp., Clostridium leptum subgroup, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, was quantified using qPCR. Results: A total of 50 stool samples, from a group of 25 individuals, were collected and analyzed using qPCR. Results revealed an evident interindividual variability after the 8-week pulse-based food intervention, apparently with no clear net tendency on the modulation of the analyzed gut bacterial sub-groups analyzed. Conclusion: An 8-week pulse-based food intervention caused different gut bacteria modulation in each individual, masking any potential generalized effects of the diet. This highlights the need for personalized approaches concerning health and nutrition research fields.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics of iron deficiency in soybean leavesPublication . Lima, Marta R. M.; Diaz, Sílvia O.; Lamego, Inês; Grusak, Michael A.; Vasconcelos, Marta; Gil, Ana M.Iron (Fe) deficiency is an important agricultural concern that leads to lower yields and crop quality. A better understanding of the condition at the metabolome level could contribute to the design of strategies to ameliorate Fe-deficiency problems. Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient soybean leaf extracts and whole leaves were analyzed by liquid 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, respectively. Overall, 30 compounds were measurable and identifiable (comprising amino and organic acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, alcohols, polyphenols, and others), along with 22 additional spin systems (still unassigned). Thus, metabolite differences between treatment conditions could be evaluated for different compound families simultaneously. Statistically relevant metabolite changes upon Fe deficiency included higher levels of alanine, asparagine/aspartate, threonine, valine, GABA, acetate, choline, ethanolamine, hypoxanthine, trigonelline, and polyphenols and lower levels of citrate, malate, ethanol, methanol, chlorogenate, and 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate. The data indicate that the main metabolic impacts of Fe deficiency in soybean include enhanced tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, enhanced activation of oxidative stress protection mechanisms and enhanced amino acid accumulation. Metabolites showing accumulation differences in Fe-starved but visually asymptomatic leaves could serve as biomarkers for early detection of Fe-deficiency stress.
- Nutritional, rheological, sensory characteristics and environmental impact of a yogurt-like dairy drink for children enriched with lupin flourPublication . Vieira, Evla D. F.; Styles, David; Sousa, Sérgio; Santos, Carla; Gil, Ana M.; Gomes, Ana M.; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Studies have demonstrated that the addition of pulses to foods can make them more nutritious. We hypothesize that lupin flour adds nutritional benefits to yogurts. This study aimed to characterize a lupin-enriched yogurt in nutritional, rheological, and sensorial terms by a trained panel, and assess its environmental impact using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. For comparison, natural yogurt and a commercial formula were used as controls. The developed yogurt is “high in protein” (7g/100g), “source of fiber” (1.9g/100g), and “source of omega 3” (53 mg/100g). The lupin yogurt was the stiffest with the highest viscosity than controls according to rheological parameters. There were no significant sensory differences between the lupin-enriched yogurt and the controls, although some undesirable sensory characteristics such as bitterness, granularity, and after-taste were observed. The environmental impact per 100 g serving was similar to natural yogurt and slightly worse regarding commercial yogurt but better when expressed per Nutritional Density Unit (NDU). Using lupin flour to enrich yogurts for children can be an alternative to producing more nutritious products.
- Pulses’ benefits in children’s diets: a narrative reviewPublication . Vieira, Evla D. F.; Gomes, Ana M.; Gil, Ana M.; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Pulses are affordable, environmentally friendly, nutritious foods with a long shelf-life. In particular, they are excellent sources of protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and phenolic compounds and can prevent and control chronic diseases. Due to their high nutritional density, consumption of pulses may be significant for children’s development. However, pulses also provide non-nutritional components that have beneficial health effects but that may have a few negative side effects if consumed improperly. The presence of such compounds, and the lack of a clear message about their potential benefits or drawbacks has, historically, influenced the consumption of legumes. The present study aims to provide a literature review of pulses’ benefits in children’s diets. For this purpose, we performed a search in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases of documents from the last 20 years (from 2000-2020), using the following search terms: “legume”, “pulse”, “consumption”, “benefits”, “health”, “nutrition”, “recommendations”, and “children”. Pulses help meet micro-nutrient demands in childhood and should be part of children’s diets since the stage of complementary feed. Also, regular pulses’ consumption may help to reduce childhood obesity and be an effective alternative to control glycemic response in diabetic children. The non-nutrients present in pulses do not represent a risk for Children’s growth, as they are considerably reduced during the usual processing and cooking procedures.
- The transition towards sustainable diets should encourage pulse consumption in children’s diets: insights for policies in food systemsPublication . Vieira, Evla D. F.; Gomes, Ana M.; Gil, Ana M.; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Pulses play a central role in food system sustainability and can be the starting point toward sustainable diets. For a sustainable future, the promotion of pulses’ consumption should begin early on, during infancy. This work’s objective is to review and compile food policies that can support pulses promotion in children’s diets and provide an overview of the role of pulses in sustainable diets. A search was performed in Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sites and Medline database of technical reports and papers from the last 10 years (2011-2021) using the following terms: “Legume”, “pulse”, “sustainability”, “environment”, “food system”, “nutrition”, “children”, and “policies”. Subsequently, actions that could support children’s pulse consumption were selected and organized into the UNICEF´s Innocenti Framework on Food Systems for Children and Adolescents. Finally, the identified actions were discussed according to the Framework’s determinants (food supply chains, external food environments, personal food environment, and behaviors of caregivers and children). Considering the impact and feasibility of the compiled actions, reformulation of infant products with pulses and activities in school food environments seem to be priority measures because they are relatively simple to operate and have a high impact potential.
- Urine metabolomics during a legume diet intervention suggests altered metabolic signatures and potential new intake markers: first insightsPublication . Ferreira, Helena; Duarte, Daniela; Rodrigues, João A.; Vasconcelos, Marta W.; Pinto, Elisabete; Gil, Ana M.Given the general increase in legume consumption worldwide, there is a need to characterize the resulting human metabolic adaptations in order to demonstrate potential legume diet/health relationships. A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics urine study was carried out on a small cohort (n = 18) to characterize the excretory effects of a pilot longitudinal 8-week legume-based dietary intervention. Despite the expected high interindividual variability in the excreted metabolome, the results suggested a nonlinear metabolic response, with higher metabolic activity in the first 4 weeks and a tendency toward baseline at the end of the intervention. The excretion of isoleucine, leucine, and threonine increased, along with metabolite changes suggestive of activation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (through anaplerosis), ketogenesis, fat catabolism, and glycoprotein biosynthesis. Gut microbiota adaptations were also suggested based on the increased excretion of 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, allantoin, and hippurate. Increased levels of trigonelline were consistent with its role as a legume intake marker, whereas malonate and pseudouridine were suggested as possible additional markers. Correlation of NMR data with nutritional parameters aided putative explanatory hypotheses to be advanced. Our results suggest a dynamic response to legume consumption, mainly through increased amino acid excretion and altered energy metabolism, while advancing potential new markers of legume intake. These results require confirmation in larger cohorts but pave the way for an informed interpretation of the effects of legume-based diets on human health.