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Low folate status is a risk factor for birth defects. We studied concentrations of red blood cell (RBC)- and serum folate in 198 German women in relation to information on dietary folate intake, demographic and lifestyle factors.

Majority of men are affected by symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from a certain age. Botanical extracts are frequently used in the early management of the symptoms. In a single-arm, mono-centre pilot study, the effects of a proprietary oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on the symptoms of BPH were investigated.

Several health promoting effects have been reported for maqui berry, rich in anthocyanins. Direct effects of anthocyanins as well as bioactive metabolites might be involved. Within the study, bioavailability of a proprietary standardized maqui berry extract Delphinol® was investigated based on two selected anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (DS) + cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (CS)) and two breakdown products (protocatechuic acid (PCA) + gallic acid (GA)) after a single-dose supplementation in humans.

Each year, adults suffer about two to four upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), mostly in winter. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of brewers' yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan on incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).

Lactulose can be used as a functional food ingredient. During manufacturing as liquid or crystalline formulation, impurities with different sugars occur. Lactulose may also be consumed by people with impaired glucose tolerance, including diabetics. For these consumers, it is of interest whether the described carbohydrate impurities may increase blood glucose levels after ingestion. This study was performed to investigate possible changes of blood glucose levels after oral intake of 10 g and 20 g of liquid and crystalline lactulose in healthy subjects. The small amounts of carbohydrate impurities did not influence blood glucose levels, indicating potential applicability to people with impaired glucose tolerance.

There is growing interest in the health effects of dietary polyphenols on cardiovascular risk factors. In this context, the effect of hydroxytyrosol on lipid status was investigated in healthy subjects. Hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol especially known from olive oil, is available on the market from different sources. Absorption from those sources is prerequisite for its effects.