The concept of colonic health has become a major target for the development of functional foods such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. These bioactive agents have a profound effect on the composition of the microflora, as well as on the physiology of the colon, and display distinct health benefits. Dietary carbohydrates escaping digestion/absorption in the small bowel and prebiotics undergo fermentation in the colon and give rise to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). As the main anions of the colon and the major source of energy for colonocytes, SCFA are rapidly absorbed by nonionic diffusion mostly but also by active transport mediated by a sodium-coupled transporter, thereby fostering the absorption of sodium and water. SCFA in general and butyrate in particular enhance the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and play a central role on the physiology and metabolism of the colon. The effect of prebiotics on cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, mucin production, immune function, mineral absorption, lipid metabolism, and gastrointestinal (GI) peptides has been well documented experimentally. These effects seem to be largely mediated by SCFA, but evidence from human studies remains inconsistent. The food industry is making a leap of faith in their efforts to commercialize prebiotics and exploit potential health benefits. The future lies with the design of studies to further explore basic mechanisms, and gene expression in particular, but emphasis should be placed on human intervention trials.

Clinicians already have access to lipid sources and formulations which allow them to individualize enteral feeding programs. More clinical and technological research needs to be carried out, however, before products can be tailored to produce optimal effects in specific conditions.

Plasma concentrations of vitamins A and E and of retinol binding-protein steadily increased during the the study without reaching full repletion values. At the conclusion of the study, the type of nutrition did not affect plasma vitamin concentrations.

Homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs) are among the most common disorders that occur in brain damage, particularly after stroke. They lead to considerable disabilities, particularly with reading and visual exploration. A variety of different approaches, including optical aids and visual training techniques, have been examined for the rehabilitation of these HVFDs. Despite the considerable ingenuity that has been applied and anecdotal evidence that has accumulated, rigorously controlled trials that clearly establish efficacy of any method are lacking.

BackgroundLactoferrin (LTF) could play a beneficial role in insulin resistance and diabetes, but the association of its gene variants with cardio-metabolic disorders in children has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the relationship between LTF variants, plasma LTF concentrations, and cardio-metabolic risk factors in French-Canadian children.MethodsThe study cohort comprises 1,749 French Canadians aged 9, 13, and 16 years. The association of 13 LTF polymorphisms, metabolic parameters, and plasma LTF levels was tested in this cross-sectional, province-wide school-based survey.ResultsNone of the genetic association remained significant after correction for multiple testing and LTF SNPs were not associated with LTF levels. Plasma LTF was positively correlated with body mass index (r=0.2245, P=0.0011) and weight (r=0.2515, P=0.0008). After segregating according to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the association remained only in subjects exhibiting low HDL-C (r=0.3868, P=0.0002 for body mass index and r=0.3665, P=0.0004 for weight). In girls, plasma LTF was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.2231, P=0.0378), LDL cholesterol (r=0.2409, P=0.0246), and apolipoprotein B (r=0.2478, P=0.0207).ConclusionsWe found no association between LTF gene variants and metabolic parameters following correction for multiple testing. HDL-C and gender-specific positive associations were evidenced between plasma LTF, anthropometric profile, and lipid levels.