Pork meat and pork products as a source of selenium for consumers – possibilities and dangers

The article presents possibilities of adding selenium to pork meat and pork products during meat production, to obtain functional products. Selenium is mineral important for human well-being, responsible for glutathione peroxidase generation, which protects cells from oxidation by peroxides, generated in biochemical processes. Deficiencies of selenium may result in arthritis, circulatory diseases, Keshan disease and nephropathy. Results of research indicate, that organic selenium from various sources, results in higher selenium content in meat, than is observed in the case of inorganic selenium. Moreover, selenium from various sources in most of the research results in similar qualitative features of carcass (mass, percent of meat, fat cover), meat (pH, components of colour measured in the L*a*b* system). It was also concluded that drip loss is negatively correlated with selenium content in diet of animals, that is important, as an excessive drip loss is associated not only with product and economical wastes, but also with lower quality of meat and meat products. Research also indicate, that addition of selenium (especially organic selenium) to meat products, may lead to obtaining functional pork meat and pork meat products, characterized by features not different than in the case of typical market products, but at the same time, by enhanced health-promoting value.

The Prevention of Allergy Programme – care model of child with allergies and / or food intolerance - developed based on long-term social studies

Allergic diseases are a group of chronic diseases. Allergy symptoms in Poland were found in almost 20% of children aged 6-7 years and 13% of adults aged 20-44 years. The paper is presenting a scheme of childcare for patients with allergic disease, depending on the state of health of his mother. The study is based on the results of social research conducted in years 1991-2013 in Poland by the Polish Association to Help Children with Asthma and Allergies.

Assesment of the energy and basic nutrients intake with daily diets by of residents of chosen orphanages located in Krakow

The aim of this study was to assess the intake of energy, proteins, fat, carbohydrates and fiber by residents of selected orphanages in Krakow.

Intake of basic nutrients and dietary fiber was performed based on chemical analysis of the daily diets, collected for four days of week (including Sunday and Friday, due to the different nutritional habits). Chemical analysis included determination of selected nutrients: proteins, fat and fiber. Digestible carbohydrate content and energy values were calculated using the appropriate formulas.

Assessment of dietary intake indicated numerous nutritional mistakes such as low supply of energy, carbohydrates, fat and fiber. Daily diets of children had an excessive amount of protein, (5-times more).

Increasing the intake of total fat, whit the proper amount of Essential Fatty Acids, would create the possibility to compensate energy deficit, observed in this study. Similarly, diets rich in carbohydrates, particularly complex (slowly digestible starch), would allow to cover the daily requirements for these compounds, fiber and energy.

Absorption of minerals compound by the investigated population aged 13-15 depending on gender and place of residence

Introduction.The life period between 11-19 years of age is defined as the adolescence (phase), which is a period of intense growth and development, during which the organism ultimately heads for achieving a biological, psychological and social maturity. During this period, proper nutrition is an essential factor in the harmonious development of the young organism and to achieve a high health potential.

The aim.The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption of minerals compound by the investigated population depending on gender and place of residence.

Material and methods.The evaluation was performed by 24 hours diet recall in randomly selected schools in Krakow and Skawina area. The content of mineral compounds (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu) consumed by the subjects was assessed by the use of the "Dieta 2.0" software.

Results. It were discovered a numerous irregularities in consumption of selected minerals, including significant calcium deficiency, and also the excess of sodium in the diet. Calcium deficiency combined the excess of phosphorus can adversely affect the achievement of the peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporosis in later stages of life. Also demonstrated high sodium and low potassium intakes could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

The intake level of selected vitamins by men trained karate

Introduction. The properly balanced daily food ratio is necessary condition for having high physical capacity among people practicing sports. Very important is that intense physical activity increases the metabolic rate and demand for nutrients including vitamins.

The aim.To determine the level of intake selected vitamins in daily food rations of men practicing karate.

Material and method. The study involved 187 men practicing karate aged between 19 and 30 years, from the Wielkopolska and Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province. The analysis was based on classical 24-hour recall method with the use of the Microsoft Access 2007 software. The level of realization of the nutritional standards was evaluatedusing current nutrition standards for men with high physical activity aged between 19–30 years.

Results.The average level of intake vitamin A in daily food rations of men practicing karate was 1026±513 μg. This content covered of 114% standard Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The level of intake vitamin E was 8.31±3.43 mg and covered 83.1% the standard Adequate Intake (AI). The analyzed daily food rations contained 180±127 mg vitamin C and that was 100% more than the standard Recommended Daily Intake. The content of vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, niacin, biotin and folic acid was respectively: 1.46±0.50 mg, 1.81±0.61 mg, 2.08±0.73 mg, 18.0±7.96 mg, 26.2±21.6 μg and 235±109 μg. The nutritional standards for these vitamins was implemented respectively in: 112% for vitamin B₁, 139% for vitamin B₂, 160% for vitamin B₆, 113% for niacin, 87.3% for biotin and 58.8% for folic acid.

Cnclusions. The daily food rations of men practicing karate contain incorrect amount of selected vitamins. Men consumed too much vitamin A, C, B₁, B₂, B₆ and niacin. On the other hand intake of vitamin E, biotin and folic acid in their daily food rations was not sufficient.

Eating habits and risk of malnutrition among students of the University of the Third Age from Krakow and the poviat of Wieliczka

The problem of malnutrition prevalence is rarely evaluated among older people living in the home environment. The aim of the study is to assess eating habits and prevalence of malnutrition in a group of students of Universities of the Third Age (UTA) from Krakow and the poviat of Wieliczka. The study conducted in 2013 consisted of 77 people, whose average age was 67.16 ± 5.44 years, including 67 women and 10 men. The study involved 28 people from UTA in Krakow, and 49 of the selected UTA in the poviat of Wieliczka.

The risk assessment used a standardized mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scale, while the assessment of eating behaviour used a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). According to the MNA no one was diagnosed with malnutrition, while 10 respondents were at risk of malnutrition. These individuals had lower self-esteem of nutritional status and health, and, compared with the recommendations, consumed small amount of liquids during the day, which was associated with occurrence of mental stress or illness over the past three months.

According to the FFQ assessment, the majority of respondents implement proper eating habits. However, mistakes are made in respect of the low frequency of consumption of fish and milk and their products.

Silesia residents’ knowledge about compulsive overeating

Compulsive overeating is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled consumption of large quantities of food. Differentiating characteristic between compulsive overeating and bulimia nervosa is the lack of the compensation for the compulsive eating.

The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of the region's population of Silesia on compulsive overeating.  Self-empirical studies were carried out during the period from 01.09.2012 to 31.10.2012. It was carried out on a group of 183 people. For their own empirical research has developed proprietary questionnaire. The level of knowledge and awareness of the inhabitants of the province of Silesiaon compulsive overeating is very small - not only noted the lack of basic knowledge of compulsive eating, but also ignorance of the very concept.  Knowledge and awareness of the inhabitants of the province of Silesia on compulsive overeating require expansion.

Subjective assessment of body weight and eating behavior of women in the reproductive age

Objective: To investigate the emotional and habitual binge eating and the use of dietary restrictions in relation to the possessed and the expected body weight, physical activity and the willingness to change weight among young women of reproductive age.

Material and methods: The study included 332 women aged 18 to 27 (20.6 ±1.4)years who completed the Questionnaire of Eating Behavior of Nina Ogińskiej-Bulik and Leszek Putyński extended to own constructed inquiry form questions relative to body weight, the incidence of weight loss diets, level of physical activity and place of residence. Then women were measured height, weight and body fat.

Results: Among women, 63.9% of respondents were dissatisfied with their body shape, and 33.5% were dieting although 1 time. Women with excess body weight compared to the women with normal weight were most dissatisfied with body shape (97.9% vs. 65.1%, p <0.01) and showed the greatest tendency to emotional overeat (4.5 ± 2.2 points round. 5.2 ± 2 points, p <0.01) and dietary restriction (3.5 ± 2.7 vs. 4.8 ± 2.3, p <0.01).

Conclusions: Women of childbearing age, regardless of weight loss, should be surrounded by a preventive education program, taking into account aspects of proper nutrition and psychology in order to prevent the development of eating disorders, including pregorexia, that may affect their and child health.