Healthier Food of Animal Origin and Prevention of Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter species belong to the most important foodborne bacteria which cause gastroenteritis in humans in both developed and developing countries. Applied hygienic measures result only partially efficient, as demonstrated by the high number of reported cases in the human population. Alternative strategies to prevent the disease though a direct action at primary production level have been explored. Preliminary data showed that cattle and pigs fed with bamboo and olive by-products, respectively, were free from Campylobacter, suggesting potential sustainable prevention strategy. In addition, biochemical analysis showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids in red meat and meat products, adequate for the application of health claims in line with EU food law.

Probiotics in dietary guidelines and clinical recommendations outside the European Union

Fermented foods have been consumed for centuries across many geographical locales and have traditionally been considered healthy foods, partly because of the live microbes contained in them. The concept of “probiotics” further requires that the microbes be defined and their health effects be demonstrated through human intervention studies or other suitable investigations before marketing with corresponding health messages. Here, we review recommendations for fermented foods and probiotics in several countries outside the EU, focusing on food-based dietary guidelines. We emphasize recommendations on yoghurt and probiotics made by expert bodies. We found that dietary guidelines commonly advocate the consumption of yoghurt or similar products, but specific comments on probiotics are rare. Further, we reviewed guidelines from clinical associations. In general, they acknowledge the beneficial effects of probiotics, but often suggest the need for further research. This is true despite good quality evidence supporting the role of probiotics for certain health effects, such as prevention of eczema in infants, management of side effects from antibiotics and alleviation of functional bowel symptoms. Additional research to support future dietary recommendations should focus on determining effect size, identifying responders and non-responders, clarifying strain-specificity of effects and confirming mechanisms.

A population-based case-crossover study of polyethylene glycol use and acute renal failure risk in the elderly

AIM:To evaluate the possibility of an association between polyethylene glycol(PEG) and acute renal failure(ARF) in elderly patients using a health insurance claims database.METHODS:We conducted a population-based casecrossover study using information obtained from Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service(HIRA) claims from January 1,2005 to December 31,2005(Seoul,Korea).The study population consisted of elderly patients who received PEG prior to experiencing their first ARF-related hospitalization from April 1,2005 to December 31,2005.For each patient,one case and two control periods were matched.PEG use in a 2-or 4-wk window period prior to hospitalization for ARF was compared with PEG use in two earlier 2-or 4-wk control window periods.Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios(ORs) and 95% CI,adjusting for concomitant uses of diuretics,angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,antibiotics,anti-cancer drugs,and contrast media.RESULTS:Within the HIRA database which contained 1 093 262 elderly patients,1156 hospitalized ARF cases were identified.Among these cases,PEG was prescribed to 17(1.5%) patients before hospitalization.The adjusted ORs when applying the 2-and 4-wk window periods were 0.4(95% CI:0.03-5.24) and 2.1(95% CI:0.16-27.78),respectively.CONCLUSION:No increased risk of ARF was found in elderly PEG users.However,based on the limited number of study subjects,further analysis should be performed to confirm these results.