Wholegrains and health: Many benefits but do contaminants pose any risk?

Nugent, Anne P.; Thielecke, Frank

doi:10.1111/nbu.12379

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…If BC products were included in the category “infant foods”, stricter limits would be applicable, and consequently extra efforts to produce cereal-based foods presenting lower contamination levels of mycotoxins would be developed. Other studies based on qualitative assessments argued that the risk of exposure to aflatoxins through cereal-based product consumption is negligible compared to benefits related to nutritional compounds [ 68 , 69 ]. The present study confirms this perspective in a quantitative assessment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Cereal-Based Foods Consumed by Portuguese Children Aged 6 to 36 Months—A Case Study under the RiskBenefit4EU Project

et al. 2021

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Cereal-based foods, including breakfast (BC) and infant cereals (IC), are among the first solid foods introduced to infants. BC and IC are sources of macro and micronutrients that have beneficial effects on health, but can also be sources of harmful chemical and microbiological contaminants and nutrients that may lead to adverse health effects at high consumption levels. This study was performed under the RiskBenefit4EU project with the aim of assessing the health impact associated with consumption of BC and IC by Portuguese children under 35 months. Adverse effects associated with the presence of aflatoxins, Bacillus cereus, sodium and free sugars were assessed against the benefits of fiber intake. We applied a risk–benefit assessment approach, and quantified the health impact of changes in consumption of BC and IC from current to various alternative consumption scenarios. Health impact was assessed in terms of disability-adjusted life years. Results showed that moving from the current consumption scenario to considered alternative scenarios results in a gain of healthy life years. Portuguese children can benefit from exchanging intake of IC to BC, if the BC consumed has an adequate nutritional profile in terms of fiber, sodium and free sugars, with levels of aflatoxins reduced as much as possible.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Cereal-Based Foods Consumed by Portuguese Children Aged 6 to 36 Months—A Case Study under the RiskBenefit4EU Project

et al. 2021

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“…The resultant decrease in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese can impact human and animal health [112]. Food products derived from these cereals, such as bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals, may consequently have compromised nutritional value [113,114].…”

Section: Effects Of Heavy Metals On Cereal Crop Yield and Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Heavy Metal Impacts on Cereal Crop Growth and Development in Contaminated Soils

Vasilachi,

Stoleru,

Gavrilescu

2023

Agriculture

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The impact of heavy metal presence in soil on cereal crops is a growing concern, posing significant challenges to global food security and environmental sustainability. Cereal crops, vital sources of nutrition, face the risk of contamination with toxic heavy metals released into the environment through human activities. This paper explores key aspects requiring thorough investigation to foster innovation and understand intricate interactions between heavy metals and cereals. Visible symptoms and physiological changes resulting from heavy metal contamination, such as chlorosis and stunted growth, demand further research to devise targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices. Root barrier formation, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and metal-binding proteins emerge as critical defence mechanisms for combating heavy metal stress, offering opportunities for developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties. Research on metal bioavailability and food safety implications in cereal grains is vital to safeguard human health. This paper reveals that multidisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technologies are essential for promoting innovation beyond the state of the art in elucidating and mitigating the impacts of heavy metals on cereal crops. Genetic and breeding approaches show promise in developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties, while agronomic practices and soil amendments can reduce metal bioavailability and toxicity. Unravelling the complex mechanisms underlying heavy metal uptake and tolerance is essential for sustainable cereal agriculture and worldwide food sustainability. Embracing the challenges of heavy metal pollution through proactive research and collaboration can secure a resilient future for cereal crops amid evolving environmental conditions.

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“…According to available data, WGs seem to contain polyphenol amounts similar to those found in fruits and vegetables, with some highly active phenolic compounds more represented ( Table 1 ) [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 65 , 66 ]. Because of frequency of consumption [ 4 ], it has been estimated that WGs provide for about one-third of total polyphenol dietary intake [ 67 ].…”

Section: Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols As Functional Compounds In mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rice, maize, and wheat are the most common farmed cereals with a production of 2646 million tons in 2018–2019 [ 4 ]. As a primary source of carbohydrates, cereals provide about 60% of food energy worldwide and are mostly consumed as refined grains (RGs).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Whole Grain Intake on Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Focus on Colorectal, Gastric, and Esophageal Cancers

et al. 2020

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Cereals are one of staple foods in human diet, mainly consumed as refined grains. Nonetheless, epidemiological data indicate that whole grain (WG) intake is inversely related to risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several cancer types, as well as to all-cause mortality. Particularly responsive to WG positive action is the gastrointestinal tract, daily exposed to bioactive food components. Herein, we shall provide an up-to-date overview on relationship between WG intake and prevention of gastrointestinal tumors, with a particular focus on colorectal, stomach, and esophagus cancers. Unlike refined counterparts, WG consumption is inversely associated with risk of these gastrointestinal cancers, most consistently with the risk of colorectal tumor. Some WG effects may be mediated by beneficial constituents (such as fiber and polyphenols) that are reduced/lost during milling process. Beside health-promoting action, WGs are still under-consumed in most countries; therefore, World Health Organization and other public/private stakeholders should cooperate to implement WG consumption in the whole population, in order to reach nutritionally effective intakes.

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Wholegrains and health: Many benefits but do contaminants pose any risk?

Cited by 9 publications

References 55 publications

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Cereal-Based Foods Consumed by Portuguese Children Aged 6 to 36 Months—A Case Study under the RiskBenefit4EU Project

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Cereal-Based Foods Consumed by Portuguese Children Aged 6 to 36 Months—A Case Study under the RiskBenefit4EU Project

Analysis of Heavy Metal Impacts on Cereal Crop Growth and Development in Contaminated Soils

The Impact of Whole Grain Intake on Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Focus on Colorectal, Gastric, and Esophageal Cancers

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