scholarly journals Chemical Characterization, Gastrointestinal Motility and Sensory Evaluation of Dark Chocolate: A Nutraceutical Boosting Consumers’ Health

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 939
Author(s):  
Giusy Rita Caponio ◽  
Michele Pio Lorusso ◽  
Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti ◽  
Vincenzo Marcotrigiano ◽  
Graziana Difonzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Sensory Evaluation ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Gastrointestinal Motility ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Dark Chocolate ◽  
Total Phenol Content ◽  
H2 Breath Test

We performed a comprehensive study encompassing chemical characterization and sensory evaluation of two types of dark chocolate, i.e., artisanal (Choco-A) and industrial (Choco-I), as well as an evaluation of onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and gastrointestinal motility in healthy subjects fed with dark chocolate. Proteomic, lipid and metabolite analysis were performed by LC-MS/MS analysis and the total phenol content and antioxidant activity were estimated in both types of chocolate. Fifty healthy volunteers joined the study of the sensory characteristics of both types of chocolate; another 16 subjects underwent the study of gallbladder and gastric emptying by functional ultrasonography and orocecal transit time by lactulose H2-breath test after ingestion of dark chocolate. Identification of polyphenols, amino acids and fatty acids was carried out in both types of chocolate analysed, and results confirmed their richness in polyphenols, amino acid derivatives and fatty acids (FAs) either saturated (stearic, myristic, palmitic, ecosanoic) or unsaturated (oleic and linolenic). For agreeability, Choco-A scored higher than Choco-I for smell, texture, and taste and they did not show significant differences in the gastrointestinal motility. In conclusion as for gastrointestinal motility studies, we report that the ingestion of a small amount of chocolate induced a mild gallbladder, gastric contraction and a fast transit time compared to the test meal in healthy subjects.

scholarly journals Development of colonic transit time and ultrasound imaging tools as objective indicators for assessing abnormal defecation associated with food intake: a narrative review based on previous scientific knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohei Okawa
Keyword(s):  
Transit Time ◽  
Gastrointestinal Motility ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Colonic Transit ◽  
Colonic Transit Time ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Abdominal Symptoms ◽  
Defecation Disorders ◽  
Objective Indicators

Abstract Background Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) involve chronic or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory tests show no organic lesions, and the symptoms are due to dysfunction. The most typical FGID is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In IBS patients, defecation disorders are common and have adverse effects on daily life. The proper evaluation and analysis of colonic transit are important for the management of defecation disorders in IBS patients. In addition, dietary intake and lifestyle affect colonic transit. An accurate assessment of such factors can guide management, leading to improvements in colonic transit and the resolution of defecation disorders. Main topic The Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS are based on subjective symptoms, which must be communicated and explained by the patient, limiting their application. Colonic transit time and ultrasonography are objective tools that can be used to diagnose IBS. In particular, previous studies used colonic transit to accurately distinguish between constipation and normal stool passage and to assess delayed gastrointestinal motility. Diet and lifestyle modifications can improve colonic transit and ameliorate bowel dysfunction. Conclusion Colonic transit can be improved by modifying lifestyle factors. Defecation disorders in IBS patients may be resolved by focusing on such factors. In the future, methods of visualizing defecation disorders due to impaired gastrointestinal motility and objective indicators of the associated abdominal symptoms need to be investigated.

Distinct Effects of two Almond Cultivars on Agreeability and Gastrointestinal Motility in Healthy Subjects: more than mere Nutraceuticals

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giusy Diella ◽  
Agostino Di Ciaula ◽  
Michele Pio Lorusso ◽  
Carmine Summo ◽  
Giuseppina Caggiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transit Time ◽  
Test Meal ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Gallbladder Emptying ◽  
Total Phenol Content ◽  
Orocecal Transit Time ◽  
Orocecal Transit ◽  
H2 Breath Test ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Better Than

Background: Almonds are healthy nutraceuticals, which vary across different cultivars. We compared the composition, agreeability and gastrointestinal effects of two almond cultivars from different areas.Methods: Californian Carmel (CAcv) and local Apulian Filippo Cea (FCcv) cultivars were compared for the chemical composition and sensory evaluation according to visual analogue and semiquantitative scales in 60 volunteers. Gallbladder/gastric motility (ultrasonography) and orocecal transit time (H2-breath test) were studied in another 24 subjects by comparing the effects of a standard liquid test meal with isovolumetric almond test meals (24 g of CAcv or FCcv almonds).Results: Proteins prevailed in CAcv, while FCcv contained more lipids and 10-times more total phenol content than CAcv. For agreeability, CAcv scored higher than FCcv for smell, texture and appearance, although different perceptions existed in lean (scores for smell, taste, texture, appearance higher for CAcv than FCcv), obese (CAcv better than FCcv only for appearance) and elderly subjects (CAcv better than FCcv only for texture). Gallbladder emptying was stronger with FCcv than CAcv. Antral dilatation after ingestion of both cultivars was greater than the dilatation observed after the test meal. Gastric emptying, however, was similar after FCcv, CAcv and the test meal. The orocecal transit time in response to both cultivars was shorter than after the test meal.Conclusions: Differences in composition and effects of FCcv and CAcv cultivars support their potential use as valuable nutraceutical tools, to be confirmed in further clinical studies.

scholarly journals Defining gastrointestinal transit time using video capsule endoscopy: a study of healthy subjects

2020 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. E396-E400 ◽  
Author(s):  
John O’Grady ◽  
Clodagh L. Murphy ◽  
Lillian Barry ◽  
Fergus Shanahan ◽  
Martin Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Small Bowel ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Gastrointestinal Motility ◽  
Capsule Endoscopy ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Gastrointestinal Transit ◽  
Video Capsule Endoscopy ◽  
Small Bowel Transit ◽  
Motility Disorders ◽  
Transit Times

Abstract Background and study aims Determining the etiology and location of gastrointestinal motility disorders can be challenging. A range of investigations targeting specific areas of gastrointestinal transit are available, but many provide clinical data for a given gastrointestinal region alone or for non-specific whole gut transit, and are otherwise of limited use. Video capsule endoscopy allows endoscopic visualisation of the entire gastrointestinal tract, and may also provide more specific data for regional transit time abnormalities. Patients and methods Data from video capsules ingested by 71 ambulatory healthy subjects were recorded and analyzed to determine gastric and small bowel transit times in the fasting state. Results Median, and interquartile range (IQR), gastric transit time was 22 (10–48) minutes, and median (IQR) small bowel transit time was 198.5 (157–240.5) minutes. Conclusion These data, for the first time to our knowledge, provide references for gastrointestinal transit times among healthy ambulatory subjects using video capsule endoscopy. This potentially strengthens clinical use of video capsule endoscopy in the investigation of patients with suspected gastrointestinal motility disorders.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-CYTOTOXIC AND ANTICANCER EFFECTS OF GALINSOGA PARVIFLORA AND VERNONIA POLYANTHES (ASTERACEAE) EXTRACTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 84-98
Author(s):  
Sula M. V. Feleti ◽  
Renê L. Aleluia ◽  
Suiany V. Gervásio ◽  
Jean Carlos V. Dutra ◽  
Jessica R. P. Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Phenolic Acids ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Human Lymphocytes ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Total Content ◽  
Ags Cells ◽  
Ft Icr Ms ◽  
Ft Icr

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and the biological effects of G. parviflora and V. polyanthes ethanolic extracts in vitro. Total content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins was quantified by spectrophotometry; chemical characterization was permed by mass spectrometry (ESI (-) FT-ICR MS and APCI (+) FT-ICR MS analysis). Antioxidant activities were determined by FRAP and Fe2+ chelating methods. Extracts cytotoxicity was evaluated in human lymphocytes, sarcoma-180 (S-180) and human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells, by MTT assay. V. polyanthes presented higher total content of tannins and G. parviflora presented higher amount of phenols and flavonoids. Chemical characterization showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids and sesquiterpene lactones in V. polyanthes extract, and steroids, phenolic acids and fatty acids (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids - PUFA) in G. parviflora extract. V. polyanthes extract stood out in the Fe2+ chelation test. G. parviflora extract did not present outstanding antioxidant results in the tested protocols. Both species showed a tendency to promote cytotoxicity in human lymphocyte cells. Regarding the antiproliferative effect, both species were able to reduce S-180 cell viability and G. parviflora extract showed high antiproliferative potential in the assay with AGS cells. These findings reinforce the medicinal use of these plants, as well as suggest their potential use for the development of new drugs and for the treatment of cancers.

scholarly journals Meta-analysis of the Parkinson’s disease gut microbiome suggests alterations linked to intestinal inflammation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Romano ◽  
George M. Savva ◽  
Janis R. Bedarf ◽  
Ian G. Charles ◽  
Falk Hildebrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Inflammatory Status

AbstractThe gut microbiota is emerging as an important modulator of neurodegenerative diseases, and accumulating evidence has linked gut microbes to Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptomatology and pathophysiology. PD is often preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms and alterations of the enteric nervous system accompany the disease. Several studies have analyzed the gut microbiome in PD, but a consensus on the features of the PD-specific microbiota is missing. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis re-analyzing the ten currently available 16S microbiome datasets to investigate whether common alterations in the gut microbiota of PD patients exist across cohorts. We found significant alterations in the PD-associated microbiome, which are robust to study-specific technical heterogeneities, although differences in microbiome structure between PD and controls are small. Enrichment of the genera Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium and depletion of bacteria belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family and the Faecalibacterium genus, both important short-chain fatty acids producers, emerged as the most consistent PD gut microbiome alterations. This dysbiosis might result in a pro-inflammatory status which could be linked to the recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms affecting PD patients.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Physiology Before and After Duodenal Switch with Comparisons to Unoperated Lean Controls: Novel Use of the SmartPill Wireless Motility Capsule

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Elias ◽  
Per M. Hellström ◽  
Dominic-Luc Webb ◽  
Magnus Sundbom
Keyword(s):  
Small Bowel ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Duodenal Switch ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Small Bowel Transit ◽  
Gastrointestinal Physiology ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Small Bowel Transit Time ◽  
Wireless Motility Capsule

Abstract Purpose Bariatric surgery alters gastrointestinal anatomy. In this exploratory study, the SmartPill® wireless motility capsule (WMC) was used to study changes in gastrointestinal physiology following biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Material and Methods Twenty-eight BPD/DS patients (35 ± 11 years, 50% females, body mass index [BMI] 56 ± 5) were to be examined preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition to transit time, appetite control and gastrointestinal symptoms were studied by patient-scored questionnaires (visual analogue scale and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)). Data was compared to 41 lean unoperated controls. Results About 1.8 years postoperatively, 18 patients (BMI 35.8 ± 8.3) returned for a second WMC test. As expected, small bowel transit time was reduced, from 3.9 ± 1.6 h to 2.8 ± 2.0, p = 0.02, and at both these time points, it was shorter than in lean controls (5.4 ± 1.9 h, p = 0.001). Postoperatively, a trend towards reduced colon and whole gut transit times was seen in BPD/DS-patients, thus approaching those of lean controls. Surprisingly, BPD/DS patients scored higher satiety than controls preoperatively as well as increased hunger and desire to eat postoperatively. Compared to lean, BPD/DS patients reported a higher total GSRS score at both time points (1.2 ± 0.2 vs 1.7 ± 0.6 and 2.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Postoperatively, the scores for diarrhea and indigestion increased. Conclusions The novel use of the SmartPill system in BPD/DS patients gave the expected readouts. Although small bowel transit time was further shortened after BPD/DS, whole gut transit time did not differ from controls. Typical gastrointestinal symptoms were reported postoperatively. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Longer colonic transit time is associated with laxative and drug use, lifestyle factors, and symptoms of constipation

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 205846011880723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Bohlin ◽  
Erik Dahlin ◽  
Julia Dreja ◽  
Bodil Roth ◽  
Olle Ekberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Colonic Transit ◽  
Stool Frequency ◽  
Colonic Transit Time ◽  
Female Sex

Background Gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in colonic transit time (CTT) are common in the population. Purpose To evaluate consecutive patients who had been examined for CTT, along with completion of a diary about laxative and drug use, lifestyle factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms, to identify possible associations with longer or prolonged CTT. Material and Methods A total of 610 consecutive patients had undergone the radiopaque marker method with an abdominal X-ray for clinical purposes. The patients had completed a diary regarding medical treatment, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and their perceived constipation and abdominal pain during the examination period. The associations between CTT and laxative use, lifestyle factors, stool habits, and symptoms were calculated by logistic regression. Results Women had longer CTT (2.5 [1.6–3.9] vs. 1.7 [1.1–3.0] days, P < 0.001), lower weekly stool frequency (6 [3–10] vs. 8 [5–12], P = 0.001), and perceived more constipation ( P = 0.025) and abdominal pain ( P = 0.001) than men. High coffee consumption ( P = 0.045), bulk-forming ( P = 0.007) and osmotic ( P = 0.001) laxatives, and lower stool frequency, shaped stool, and perceived constipation ( P for trend < 0.001) were associated with longer CTT. In total, 382 patients (63%) were treated with drugs affecting motility. In the 228 patients without drug treatment, longer CTT was associated with female sex and smoking, and lower frequency of symptoms and prolonged CTT were observed compared to patients using drugs. Tea, alcohol, and abdominal pain did not associate with CTT. Conclusions Female sex, coffee, smoking, drug use, infrequent stools, shaped stool, and perception of constipation are associated with longer or prolonged CTT.

scholarly journals Neutral detergent fibre in piglet diets: performance and gastrointestinal implications

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Carlos Nepomuceno ◽  
Pedro Henrique Watanabe ◽  
Ednardo Rodrigues Freitas ◽  
Luiz Euquerio de Carvalho ◽  
Emanuela Lima de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Transit Time ◽  
Gastrointestinal Transit ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Quadratic Effect ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

ABSTRACT The intestinal health of piglets depends on the balance between diet, microflora and mucosal integrity. Disruption of this balance can compromise the digestive functions, leading to diarrhoeal frame and decline in performance of piglets. However, the level and type of fibre can limit digestive disorders. Thirty newly weaned piglets were used to evaluate the levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in diets regarding performance, pH, viscosity and concentration of short chain fatty acids of digestive contents, gastrointestinal transit time, morphology of the intestinal mucosa, weights of organs and occurrence of diarrhoea. NDF level had quadratic effect on weight gain and feed conversion ratio of piglets, estimating best results at the level of 10.4%. NDF level had no effect on the pH, viscosity and concentration of short chain fatty acids. NDF levels below 10.2% or above 13.5% reduced the transit time of digesta. There was quadratic effect on villus height in the duodenum and jejunum and in the crypt depth of jejunum. There was linear increase in stomach, caecum and colon weights and linear decrease in the occurrence of diarrhoea according to increasing NDF levels. It is concluded that levels below 10.2% and above 13.5% reduce the transit time of digesta, whereas 12.2% NDF level results in better mucosa structure of the small intestinal, with an increase in the weights of the stomach, caecum and colon and a reduction in the occurrence of diarrhoea with increasing NDF level in diets, resulting in better performance of weaned piglets with 10.4% of NDF.

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