Progress 08/04/00 to 05/19/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Research conducted under this CRIS focused on 1) determining the bioavailability of prominent phytonutrients from commonly consumed foods (fruits, vegetables); 2) determining the health benefits of phytonutrients; and 3) identifying factors that alter the bioavailability of phytonutrients. Theories were tested using human subjects who consumed controlled amounts of phytonutrients or phytonutrient-rich foods, the bioavailability was measured as appearance of phytonutrients in plasma and in tissues such as buccal mucosal cells and colon cells. Optimizing consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods is a major strategy to prevent or limit those chronic diseases that kill most Americans and drain financial and social resources. The public seeks reliable information on how to preserve health and well-being through
diet. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. In Vitro Digestion Model for Study of Chocolate Monomers Milestone 1. Determine the appropriate pH for in vitro digestion of test substance (white chocolate containing a monomer [eipcatechin]). Milestone 2. Determine the complement of digestive enzymes best suited for incorporation of the monomer into in vitro "micelles." Milestone 3. Determine the content of monomers thorugh tetramers in in vitro "micelles" formed from in vitro digestion of proanthocyanidin-rich chocolate. Watermelon Study 1 - Clevidence Milestone 1. Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval for human study of absorption of lycopene from watermelon and tomato juices. Milestone 2. Recruit subjects and conduct study. Milestone 3. Complete analyses of lycopene content of foods and plasma. Milestone 4. Summarize results and write manuscript. Watermelon Study 2 - Clevidence Milestone 1. Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval for
human study of absorption of lycopene from watermelon with and without a test meal. Milestone 2. Recruit subjects and conduct study (2 subjects at a time). Milestone 3. Complete analyses of lycopene content of foods and plasma. Milestone 4. Summarize results and write manuscript. Potato Chip Pilot Study - Clevidence Milestone 1. Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval for human study of absorption of anthocyanins from blue potato chips. Milestone 2. Recruit subjects and conduct study. Milestone 3. Complete analyses of anthocyanin content of food and plasma. Milestone 4. Summarize results and write manuscript. Animal Study - Bhathena Milestone 1. Completion of animal feeding. Milestone 2. Completion of plasma and tissue analysis. Milestone 3. Completion of statistical analysis of the data. Milestone 4. Write the manuscript. 3. Milestones: A. List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004
and indicate which ones were not met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. Milestones to be addressed in FY 2004. Human Study - Potato Chip Pilot Study - Clevidence Milestone 1. Obtain Institutional Review Board Approval for study. Milestone 2. Recruit subjects and conduct study. Milestone 3. Complete analyses. Milestone 4. Summarize results and write manuscript. The study was conducted, but the potato chips did not contain adequate anthocyanin for detection in plasma. Milestones 1-3 completed. Milestone 4 will not be completed. Since this pilot study was conducted, we have improved the analytical methodology, and the anthocyanin content of the chips has been enhanced. This pilot study facilitated the design of a new study to assess the bioavailability of anthocyanins from anthocyanin- containing potato chips. The new study on this topic is being conducted under CRIS 1235-51000-046-00D. Animal Study - Effects of soy and flax meal on non-insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus (NIDDM) and hypertension - Bhathena Milestone 1. Completion of animal feeding. Milestone 2. Completion of plasma and tissue analysis. Milestone 3. Completion of statistical analysis of the data. Milestone 4. Write the manuscript. Dr. Bhathena has retired. No manuscripts by Dr. Bhathena describing this work were found in Pub Med. B. List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, & 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? None. This CRIS has expired. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significan accomplishment during FY 2004. Little is known about the absorption of anthocyanins from whole foods although anthocyanins are known to be good antioxidants in vitro. We conducted a pilot study designed to assess the absorption of anthocyanins from anthocyanin-containing potatoes, served as potato chips. We were able to determine anthocyanin
content of chips, but due to low concentrations we were unable to accurately measure anthocyanin content of plasma. Data from this pilot study were used to improve our methodology for detecting the low levels of anthocyanins in plasma. This study was ground work for studies that will describe the bioavailability of various anthocyanins from whole foods; information that will interest specialty potato producers, potato chip manufacturers, nutritionists and the general public. B. Other significant accomplishments. This CRIS has expired. C. Accomplishments/activities that support special target populations. None. D. Progress Report. None. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. There were some questions about whether people could raise plasma carotenoid levels by consuming realistic amounts of fruits and vegetables rather than consuming carotenoids as dietary supplements. We fould that realistic levels of
vegetable consumption (5 per day) increase plasma levels of the major carotenoids in healthy adults; thus, realistic increases in fruit and vegetable consumption can increase concentrations of plasma carotenoids, a factor associated with lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The treatment did not alter common measures of antioxidant status, but protection may occur through mechanisms not depending on antioxidants. This study impacts consumers and health professionals by demonstrating that plasma carotenoids are elevated when people eat realistic amounts of carotenoid-rich whole foods. Bioavailability is typically assessed by measuring plasma levels of a compound after the compound is eaten; however, it is also important to know if a compound is entering cells where it can provide protection. Sloughed colon cells, collected from feces of people eating lycopene-rich diets, were assessed for lycopene content. The finding that dietary intake of lycopene increased the lycopene
content of colon cells gives support to the theory that lycopene may protect against cancer of the colon. This finding contributes to the body of knowledge that links diet to human health. There was little data to compare whole foods to supplements with regard to bioavailability of lycopene. We determined that lycopene, within the matrix of a whole food (tomato juice), is as bioavailable as isolated lycopene (from supplements) in subjects who consumed these treatments for 4 weeks, but supplements were better at increasing plasma levels after 1 week of treatment. Consumers and health professionals can compare bioavailability of lycopene from a food to that from a common lycopene supplement. Tomato is high in lycopene, but also contains minor carotenoids that had not been investigated for bioavailability. We determined that the tomato carotenoids phytofluene and phytoene are much more bioavailable than would be expected based on the content of these carotenoids in tomato products.
The potential of these carotenoids to protect human health is not known and is virtually unstudied. Based on these results, other investigators have studied phytofluene and phytoene in cell culture and found them to act synergistically with lycopene to activate cancer- preventive mechanisms. Phytonutrient content of berries from Autumn Olive trees had not been reported. In collaboration with scientists from the BARC Fruit Lab, we measured the lycopene content of fruit from the Autumn Olive and found it to be an unusually rich source of lycopene. This finding positions this underutilized fruit for use in food and beverage products based on its potential health benefits. Catechins from tea are good antioxidants, but the kinetics of absorption of these compounds by humans had not been determined. We assessed the amount of catechin in blood of men and women as they drank tea across the day. This and other studies detailing bioavailability of tea compounds are essential to understanding
the role of tea in human health. Phytosterol enriched foods are effective in lowering those plasma lipoproteins that are associated with heart disease; however, these lipoproteins also transport carotenoids, which have health benefits. We determined that consumption of phytosterol-enriched products decreased carotenoids, particularly lycopene, but that carotenoids remained within the range considered normal. To keep plasma carotenoids elevated while reducing blood lipids, consumers of phytosterol-enriched products may need to eat extra servings of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is best absorbed from tomato products that have been heat processed, and this suggested that lycopene would not be well absorbed from watermelon, which is not typically heat processed. We found that lycopene was well absorbed by men and women consuming watermelon. These data have been useful not only in promoting watermelon sales and consumption but also in identifying an alternative to tomato
as a source of bioavailable lycopene for consumers. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Results of the watermelon study were reported to watermelon producers at an annual meeting. Time devoted to communicating with reporters has yielded multiple positive publications in major newspapers and health related magazines. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. The Wire, Associated Press Release, Edible Berry May Fight Cancer, September 13, 2001. This AP article was picked up by CNN, AARP and many others. Review of our work by others: Autumn Olive Tops Tomato for Lycopene. In, Agriculture and Equipment International v.53(6). Nov./Dec. 2001. Newspaper
report, San Francisco Chronicle, June 12, 2002. "Watermelon Grabs Health Spotlight." Newspaper report "A Healthy Red" The L.A. Times, April 28, 2003. The Baltimore Sun, June 8, 2003, other major newspapers and Parade magazine nationally. Magazine articles on watermelon in Self and Glamour magazine, July 2003.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Edwards, A.J., Vinyard, B.T., Wiley, E.R., Brown, E.D., Collins, J.K., Perkins-Veazie, P., Baker, R.A., Clevidence, B.A. Consumption of watermelon juice increases plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta- carotene in humans. Journal of Nutrition. 2003. v.133(4). p.1042-1050.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Research conducted under this CRIS focuses on 1) determining the bioavailability of prominent phytonutrients from commonly consumed foods (fruits, vegetables, grains); 2) determining the health benefits of phytonutrients; and 3) identifying factors that alter the bioavailability of phytonutrients. Theories are tested using human subjects who consume controlled amounts of phytonutrients or phytonutrient-rich foods, the bioavailability is measured as appearance of phytonutrients in plasma and in tissues such as buccal mucosal cells and colon cells. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Optimizing consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains is the major strategy to prevent or limit those chronic diseases that kill most Americans and drain financial and social resources. The public seeks reliable information on how to preserve health and
well-being through diet. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This area of research is a key component of ARS's National Program 107 as stated under the section on "Human Nutrition Requirements, Food Composition and Intake." Specifically, our research falls within "Bioavailability of Nutrients in Foods." 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment During FY 2003: The bioavailability of lycopene from watermelon was in doubt because watermelon, unlike many tomato products which are also lycopene-rich, does not undergo heat processing procedures that liberate lycopene from the plant matrix. Scientists in the Diet and Human Performance Laboratory analyzed the carotenoid content of sloughed intestinal cells from 22 subjects who had consumed equivalent amounts of lycopene from tomato juice or watermelon juice, or had consumed no lycopene (control) for
3 weeks. Relative to controls, lycopene content of intestinal cells was enhanced following consumption of watermelon juice and tomato juice. Lycopene, a strong antioxidant that is chemoprotective in some tissues, is present in colon cells of humans who consume lycopene-rich foods, suggesting that lycopene is available to protect colon cells against damage. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: None. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations. None. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Realistic levels of vegetable consumption (5 per day) increase plasma levels of the major carotenoids in healthy adults; thus, realistic increases in fruit and vegetable consumption can increase concentrations of plasma carotenoids, a factor associated with lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The treatment did not alter common measures of antioxidant status, but
protection may occur through mechanisms not depending on antioxidants. Carotenoid content of colon cells is markedly increased in human subjects consuming carotenoid-rich vegetables; relevance to colonic cell mutagenesis is likely. Children in rural villages of Haiti have extremely low plasma levels of beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin A. As a next step, intervention with beta-carotene-rich carrots would be likely to benefit the children and also demonstrate the efficacy of beta-carotene intake in normalizing plasma levels of vitamin A. Lycopene, within the matrix of a whole food (tomato juice), is as bioavailable as isolated lycopene (from supplements) in subjects who consumed these treatments for 4 weeks, but supplements were better at increasing plasma levels after 1 week of treatment. The tomato carotenoids phytofluene and phytoene are much more bioavailable than would be expected based on the content of these carotenoids in tomato products. The potential of
these carotenoids to protect human health is not known and is virtually unstudied. Determined in human subjects which catechins are absorbed from black tea and to what degree each is absorbed. Determined that habitual comsumption of tea may have a role in the control of body weight. Determined that lycopene is bioavailable (as judged from plasma response) from watermelon even though watermelon is not heat-processed. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? This project will be terminated and will be replaced by a new project that is currently being peer reviewed. The new project is not yet approved by the Office of Scientific Quality Review (OSQR). 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Results of the
watermelon study were reported to watermelon producers at an annual meeting. Time devoted to communicating with reporters has yielded multiple positive publications in major newspapers and health related magazines. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: This does not replace your peer-reviewed publications listed below). The Wire, Associated Press Release, Edible Berry May Fight Cancer, September 13, 2001. This AP article was picked up by CNN, AARP and many others. Review of our work by others: Autumn Olive Tops Tomato for Lycopene. In, Agriculture and Equipment International v.53(6). Nov./Dec. 2001. Newspaper report, San Francisco Chronicle, June 12, 2002. "Watermelon Grabs Health Spotlight." Newspaper report "A Healthy Red" The L.A. Times, April 28, 2003. The Baltimore Sun, June 8, 2003, other major newspapers and Parade magazine nationally. Magazine articles on watermelon in
Self and Glamour magazine, July 2003.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Edwards, A.J., Vinyard, B.T., Wiley, E.R., Brown, E.D., Collins, J.K., Perkins-Veazie, P., Baker, R.A., Clevidence, B.A. Consumption of watermelon juice increases plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta- carotene in humans. Journal of Nutrition. 2003. v.133(4). p.1042-1050.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Research conducted under this CRIS focuses on 1) determining the bioavailability of prominent phytonutrients from commonly consumed foods (fruits, vegetables, grains); 2) determining the health benefits of phytonutrients; and 3) identifying factors that alter the bioavailability of phytonutrients. Theories are tested using human subjects who consume controlled amounts of phytonutrients or phytonutrient-rich foods, then bioavailability is measured as appearance of phytonutrients in plasma and in tissues such as buccal mucosal cells and colon cells. Animal models are used to assess the role of the endocrine system in phytonutrient- induced protection against heart disease and cancer. We are also developing methods to use colonic cells to study the role of various phytonutrients in the possible prevention of colonic tumors and polyps. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
Optimizing consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains is the major strategy to prevent or limit those chronic diseases that kill most Americans and drain financial and social resources. The public seeks reliable information on how to preserve health and well-being through diet. 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This area of research is a key component of ARS's National Programs as stated under the section on Human Nutrition Requirements, Food Composition and Intake. Specifically, our research falls within "Bioavailability of Nutrients in Foods" and "Function and Metabolism of Nutrients" as problems to be addressed. 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment During FY 2002: We studied the ability of humans to absorb lycopene from two sources, canned tomato juice and fresh-frozen watermelon juice, to see if
lycopene is absorbed equally from these sources. For 3 weeks, human subjects ate diets that were identical, except for the source of lycopene, then plasma lycopene levels were measured by scientists from the Phytonutrients Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center; the study was conducted under a trust agreement between ARS and The National Watermelon Board. Lycopene from watermelon was absorbed as well as lycopene from tomato juice even though watermelon juice is not heat processed, a factor that is thought to increase bioavailability of lycopene from tomato products. These findings are likely to increase consumer demand for watermelon, and increase the public's intake of lycopene, a compound that may protect against cancer and heart disease. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: None. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations. None. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their
predicted or actual impact? Realistic levels of vegetable consumption (5 per day) increase plasma levels of the major carotenoids in healthy adults; thus, realistic increases in fruit and vegetable consumption can increase concentrations of plasma carotenoids, a factor associated with lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The treatment did not alter common measures of antioxidant status, but protection may occur through mechanisms not depending on antioxidants. Carotenoid content of colon cells is markedly increased in human subjects consuming carotenoid-rich vegetables; relevance to colonic cell mutagenesis is likely. Children in rural villages of Haiti have extremely low plasma levels of beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin A. As a next step, intervention with beta-carotene-rich carrots would be likely to benefit the children and also demonstrate the efficacy of beta-carotene intake in normalizing plasma levels of vitamin A. Lycopene, within the matrix
of a whole food (tomato juice), is as bioavailable as isolated lycopene (from supplements) in subjects who consumed these treatments for 4 weeks, but supplements were better at increasing plasma levels after 1 week of treatment. The tomato carotenoids phytofluene and phytoene are much more bioavailable than would be expected based on the content of these carotenoids in tomato products. The potential of these carotenoids to protect human health is not known and is virtually unstudied. Determined in human subjects which catechins are absorbed from black tea and to what degree each is absorbed. Established a radio receptor technique to measure insulin receptors on colonic cells. Determined that habitual consumption of tea may have a role in the control of body weight. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? Year 1: Determine whether consuming watermelon with fat (to mimic a meal) increases abosrption of lycopene over consuming watermelon without fat (to
mimic a watermelon snack). Given our success with the watermelon project described above, we decided to expand this study to answer this important question about lycopene absorption. Year 2: Identify the possible active components in soybean and flaxseed meal that provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Year 3: Determine in humans the bioavailability of anthocyanins from anthocyanin-rich potato. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? Results of the watermelon study were reported to watermelon producers at an annual meeting. Time devoted to communicating with reporters has yielded multiple positive publications in major newspapers and health related magazines. 8. List your most important publications and presentations, and articles
written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your review publications which are listed below) The Wire, Associated Press Release, Edible Berry May Fight Cancer, Sept. 13, 2001. This AP article was picked up by CNN, AARP and many others. Review of our work by others: Autumn Olive Tops Tomato for Lycopene. In, Agriculture and Equipment International v.53(6). Nov./Dec. 2001. Newspaper report, San Francisco Chronicle, June 12, 2002. Watermelon Grabs Health Spotlight. Press release by The American Physiological Society, April 20, 2002. New Evidence that Dietary Soy and Flaxseed Have a Positive Effect on Obesity and Diabetes.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bhathena, S.J., Velasquez, M.T., Hansen, C.T. Relationship of leptin to insulin and glycemia in a rat model of obesity (ob) and non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2001. v.15. Abstract p.299.
- Bhathena, S.J., Ali, A.A., Mohamed, A.I., Hansen, C.T., Velasquez, M.T. Effects of dietary soybean and flaxseed meal on metabolic parameters in a genetic model of obesity and diabetes. Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2002. v.16. Abstract p.1013.
- Lu, W., Haynes, K., Wiley, E., Clevidence, B. Carotenoid content and color in diploid potatoes. Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science. 2001. v.126(6). p.722-726.
- Bhathena, S.J., Ali, A.A., Mohamed, A.I., Hansen, C.T., Velasquez, M.T. Effects of dietary soybean and flaxseed meal on metabolic parameters in a genetic model of obesity and diabetes. Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2002. v.16. Abstract p.1013.
- Kelm, M.A., Flanagan, V.P., Pawlosky, R.J., Novotny, J.A., Clevidence, B.A. , Britz, S.J. Quantitative determination of 13C-labeled and endogenous - carotene, lutein, and vitamin A in human plasma. Lipids. 2001. v.36(11). p. 1277-1282.
- Judd, J.T., Baer, D.J., Chen, S.C., Clevidence, B.A., Muesing, R.A., Kramer, M., Meijer, G.W. Plant sterol esters lower plasma lipids and most carotenoids in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. Lipids. 2002. v.37(1). p.33-42.
- Edwards, A.J., Wiley, E., Brown, E., Collins, J.K., Perkins-Veazie, P., Baker, R.A., Clevidence, B.A. Bioavailability of lycopene from watermelon. Proceedings of the 30th United States - Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources. 2002.
- Rumpler, W., Seale, J., Clevidence, B., Judd, J., Wiley, E., Yamamoto, S., Komatsu, T., Sawaki, T., Ishukura, Y., Hosoda, K. Oolong tea increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation in men. Journal of Nutrition. 2001. v. 131(11). p.2848-52.
- Ranich, T., Bhathena, S.J., Velasquez, M.T. Protective effects of dietary phytoestrogens in chronic renal disease. Journal of Renal Nutrition. 2001. v.11. p.183-193.
- Fordham, I.M., Clevidence, B.A., Wiley, E.R., Zimmerman, R.H. Fruit of Autumn Olive: a rich source of lycopene. Horticultural Science. 2001. v. 36(6). p.1136-1137. Lu, W., Haynes, K., Wiley, E., Clevidence, B. Carotenoid content and color in diploid potatoes. Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science. 2001. v.126(6). p.722-726. Kelm, M.A., Flanagan, V.P., Pawlosky, R.J., Novotny, J.A., Clevidence, B.A., Britz, S. J. Quantitative determination of 13C-labeled and endogenous -carotene, lutein, and vitamin A in human plasma. Lipids. 2001. v.36(11). p.1277-1282. Judd, J.T., Baer, D.J., Chen, S.C., Clevidence, B.A., Muesing, R.A., Kramer, M., Meijer, G.W. Plant sterol esters lower plasma lipids and most carotenoids in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. Lipids. 2002. v.37(1). p.33-42. Edwards, A.J., Wiley, E., Brown, E., Collins, J.K., Perkins- Veazie, P., Baker, R.A., Clevidence, B.A. Bioavailability of lycopene from watermelon. Proceedings of the 30th
United States - Japan Cooperat
- Velasquez, M.T., Bhathena, S.J., Hansen, C.T. Leptin and its relationship to obesity and insulin in the SHR/N-corpulent rate: A model of NIDDM. International Journal of Experimental Diabetes Research. 2001. v.2. p.217- 223.
- Bhathena, S.J., Berlin, E., McClure, D., Peters, R.C. Effects of dietary fats on red blood cell membrane insulin receptor in normo- and hypercholesterolemic miniature swine. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2001. v.12. p.528-535.
- Bhathena, S.J., Velasquez, M.T., Hansen, C.T. Relationship of leptin to insulin and glycemia in a rat model of obesity (ob) and non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2001. v.15. Abstract p.299.
- Ali, A.A., Mohamed, A.I., Hansen, C.T., Wang, T.T., Vleasquez, M.T., Bhathena, S.J. Effect of probiotics and isoflavories on metabolic parameters in a genetic model of obesity and diabetes. International Journal of Experimental Diabetes Research. 2002. v.16. Abstract p.1014.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
Research conducted under this CRIS focuses on 1.) determining the bioavailability of prominent phytonutrients from commonly consumed foods (fruits, vegetables, grains), 2) determining the health benefits of phytonutrients, and 3) identifying factors that alter the bioavailability of phytonutrients. Theories are tested using human subjects who consume controlled amounts of phytonutrients or phytonutrient-rich foods, then bioavailability is measured as appearance of phytonutrients in plasma and in tissues such as buccal mucosal cells and colon cells. Animal models are used to assess the role of the endocrine system in phytonutrient-induced protection against heart disease. We are also developing methods to use colonic cells to study the role of various phytonutrients in the possible prevention of colonic tumors and polyps.
2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
Optimizing consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains is the major strategy to prevent or limit those chronic diseases that kill most Americans and drain financial and social resources. The public seeks reliable information on how to preserve health and well-being through diet.
3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)?
This area of research is a key component of ARS's National Programs(107) as stated under the section on Human Nutrition Requirements, Food Composition and Intake. Specifically, our research falls within "Bioavailability of Nutrients in Foods" and "Function and Metabolism of Nutrients" as problems to be addressed.
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment During FY 2001: Although it is widely believed that components of tea, specifically catechins, may promote a healthy body weight, only a single human study documents this effect. With collaborators from industry (Suntory, ltd., Japan) scientists at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center assessed the impact of oolong tea, a tea rich in catechins, on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. We found that both oolong tea and caffeine control increased energy expenditure relative to water, but that the tea was more effective in increasing preferential oxidation of fat. Consumption of tea catechins might assist in mobilization and use of body fat. B. Other Significant Accomplishment, if any: None. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations: None.
5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact.
Realistic levels of vegetable consumption (5 per day) increases plasma levels of the major carotenoids in healthy adults; thus, realistic increases in fruit and vegetable consumption can increase concentrations of plasma carotenoids, a factor associated with lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The treatment did not alter common measures of antioxidant status, but protection may occur through mechanisms not depending on antioxidants. Carotenoid content of colon cells is markedly increased in human subjects consuming carotenoid-rich vegetables; relevance to colonic cell mutagenesis is likely. Children in rural villages of Haiti have extremely low plasma levels of beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin A. As a next step, intervention with beta-carotene-rich carrots would be likely to benefit the children and also demonstrate the efficacy of beta-carotene intake in normalizing plasma levels of vitamin A. Lycopene, within the matrix of a whole food (tomato
juice), is as bioavailable as isolated lycopene (from supplements) in subjects who consumed these treatments for 4 weeks, but supplements were better at increasing plasma levels after 1 week of treatment. The tomato carotenoids, phytofluene and phytoene, are much more bioavailable than would be expected, based on the content of these carotenoids in tomato products. The potential of these carotenoids to protect human health is not known and is virtually unstudied. Established a radio receptor technique to measure insulin receptors on colonic cells.
6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years?
Year 1. Determine whether consuming a lycopene-rich food (watermelon) protects against DNA damage in human subjects. Year 2. Identify the possible active components in soybean and flaxseed meal that provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertention. Year 3. Determine in humans the bioavailability of anthocyanins from anthocyanin-rich potato.
7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product?
Hosted NIH Dietetic Interns for an enrichment experience in how to conduct controlled diet studies.
8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Warden, G.A., Smith, L.S., Beecher, G.R., Balentine, D.A., Clevidence, B.A. Catechins are bioavailable in men and women drinking black tea throughout the day. Journal of Nutrition. 2001. v. 131(6). p. 1731-1737.
- Clevidence, B.A., Seale, J., Rumpler, W., Judd, J., Yamamoto, S., Komatsu, T., Sawaki, T., Hosoda, K. Energy expenditure of U.S. men consuming oolong tea. Obesity Research. 2000. v. 8(Suppl 1). Abstract p. 101S.
- Bhathena, S.J. Dietary fatty acids and fatty acid metabolism in diabetes. Chow, C.K., editor. Marcell Dekker, New York, NY. Fatty Acids in Food and Their Health Implications. 2000. p. 915-961.
- Velasques, M.T.and Bhathena, S.J. Dietary phytoestrogens: a possible role in renal disease protection. American Journal of Kidney Disease. 2001. v. 37. p. 1056-1068.
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