Requirements for food R&D, 1994 / MAFF.

  • Great Britain. Food Safety Directorate.
Date:
1993
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Requirements for food R&D, 1994 / MAFF. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    14/68 (page 6)
    Functional Effects and Dietary Forms of Selenium 22. Selenium is an integral part of a number of proteins, two of which, glutathione peroxidase and type I 5'-iodothyronine deiodinase, have been identified. As pointed out in the COMA Report on DRVs, there is little scientific data upon which to base recommendations for selenium intakes. Information on functional effects of selenium is lacking and in addition dietary forms of selenium remain to be characterised. - Studies are invited on the functional effects of selenium and its speciation. Carotenoid Metabolism 23. Carotenoids such as B-carotene, y-carotene, lycopene, lutein and B- cryptoxanthine are generally thought to have antioxidant properties. In order to exert their protective effects they must reach the site of free radical mediated damage. The study of carotenoid absorption, metabolism, transport and tissue uptake is in its infancy. ~ Proposals which will study carotenoid absorption, metabolism, transport and tissue uptake are invited. FURTHER INFORMATION 24. DrJC Stanley of Nutrition Branch II of Food Science Division II (Tel: 071 238 6010, Fax: 071 238 5597) can advise further on any specific issues prospective contractors may wish to raise. ROLE OF COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES IN THE DIET 25: The Government's White Paper, Health of the Nation, recommends that intakes of total and saturated fat as a percentage of energy should be decreased. Though not spelt out in the White Paper, the COMA Report on Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) recommends that this should be accomplished by increasing intakes of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates may have effects beneficial to health independent of their role in lowering saturated fat intakes. It is often suggested that complex carbohydrates improve insulin sensitivity. This would be expected to improve health since increased insulin sensitivity is associated with lower blood pressure, blood triglycerides and blood glucose. Adequate methods for the measurement of insulin sensitivity in vivo in man are now available. - Proposals to study the effects of different types and levels of intake of complex carbohydrates on insulin sensitivity in vivo in man are sought. FURTHER INFORMATION 26. | DrJC Stanley of Nutrition Branch II of Food Science Division II (Tel: 071 238 6010, Fax: 071 238 5597) can advise further on any specific issues prospective contractors may wish to raise. Dr Conning (Tel: 071 404 6504, Fax: 071 404 6747) is the Programme Manager for this work.