No abstract

Studying starch amylolysis kinetics in vitro is valuable for predicting the postprandial glycaemic response to starch intake. Prediction of starch amylolysis behaviour is challenging however, because of the many physico-chemical factors which influence amylolysis. The Logarithm of Slope (LOS) method for analysis of digestibility curves using first-order enzyme kinetics can identify and quantify nutritionally important starch fractions. The early stages of in vitro amylolysis of hydrothermally processed chickpea and durum wheat with variable degrees of structural integrity were studied. The end-point product concentration (C∞) and the pseudo first-order digestibility rate constant k, obtained from LOS analysis, were then used to compute predictive digestibility curves for evaluation of the model performance. LOS analysis enabled rapid identification of nutritionally important starch-fractions. It was clear that purified starches and flours were digested by a single-phase process, but starch amylolysis in macroparticles occurred by a two-phase system that reflected differences in substrate accessibility. The model gave an excellent fit to data obtained from a range of heterogeneous materials. It provides a rigorous means of studying the mechanisms of starch amylolysis in samples of varying complexity, and we strongly recommend its use for the rapid and accurate predictions of amylolysis. Such predictions have implications for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

OFG mainly presents in young adults with lip and buccal involvement. Abnormalities in inflammatory markers, hematology and oral features of ulceration, and buccal-sulcal involvement are factors more commonly associated with CD. Initial presentation of OFG does not necessarily predict development of CD, although this is more likely in childhood.

The UK weaning guidelines recommend the introduction of solid food at or around 6 months. The evidence suggests that knowledge of the guidelines is high, although only a small minority of parents wait until 6 months to wean. The aim of this study was to assess understanding of the UK weaning guidelines in a sample of UK parents and investigate the associations of this understanding with weaning timing, and in comparison to other influencing factors. This study conducted an online survey of UK parents. Eligible participants had weaned a child since the introduction of the current guidelines. Of 3607 participants, 86% accurately understood the guidelines. Eighty-seven per cent of health visitors were reported to have advised weaning at or around 6 months. Knowledge of the guidelines was associated with later weaning (independently of demographic factors) (P < 0.001) but did not ensure compliance: 80% of mothers who weaned before 24 weeks and 65% who weaned before 17 weeks were aware of the guidelines. Younger mothers (P < 0.001), those receiving benefits (P < 0.001), those educated only to 16 (P < 0.001) and minority ethnic groups (P < 0.001) had lower levels of awareness. Poor understanding of the guidelines was the most reliable predictor of early weaning (P = 0.021) together with young maternal age (P = 0.014). Following the baby-led weaning approach was the most reliable predictor of those weaning at 26 weeks, together with the Internet being the most influential source of advice. Understanding of the current weaning guidelines is high and is a key independent predictor of weaning age in this population.

The analysis suggested that telephone follow-up interventions following a more intensive targeted approach could have a positive impact on glycaemic control for Type 2 diabetes.