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We modeled red blood cell (RBC)-folate response to supplementation and developed personalized folate supplementation concepts.

A.B.O.S. (A Better Omic System; version 1.1.0; Ars Nova AG, Esslingen, Germany) a simple, interactive software for the analysis of omics data has recently been developed to classify and evaluate biological properties or processes in complex datasets. The tool utilises self-learning algorithms that exploit group-specific properties from large datasets and applies a combination of multivariate analysis techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), weighting the different variables/parameters according to their discriminatory power. Unlike PCA, however, the program can handle data that are not normally distributed and accounts for the presence of outliers and missing data. The software carries out predictive identifications based on pre-assigned learning groups that can be either detected automatically or defined manually. By combining all parameters shared by the members of each learning groups, the software calculates two ideal reference groups and classifies unknown elements based on their relative distance to these groups. Along with the proposed classification of samples, it also identifies the most important parameters that allow differentiating between classes.

Aloysia citriodora (L.) leaves are used as food and food supplements. A proprietary standardized Aloysia citriodora leaf extract was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). Two isozymes were tested, ovine COX-1 isozyme and human recombinant COX-2 isozyme. Aloysia citriodora leaf extract showed significant dose-dependent effects to inhibit cyclooxygenases, demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity. Results may indicate beneficial effects for sports nutrition to prevent muscle soreness, muscle damage, and to improve recovery after physical exercise.

Folate required to achieve desirable red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations within 4-8 weeks pre-pregnancy is not known. We studied the effect of supplementation with 400 or 800 µg/day folate in achieving RBC-folate ≥906 nmol/L.

Systemic enzyme therapy may improve symptoms of exhaustive eccentric exercise due to anti-inflammatory properties. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, two-stage clinical trial, systemic enzyme therapy (Wobenzym) was administered for 72 hours before and 72 hours following a day on which subjects performed an exhaustive eccentric exercise (isokinetic loading of the quadriceps). Efficacy criteria (maximal strength and pain) and time points were selected to account for the multidimensional nature of exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms. Subjects were randomized in a crossover (stage I, n=28) and parallel group design (stage II, n=44).

Age-related muscle loss is characterized by a progressive decrease in muscle mass, strength and function. Besides resistance training and physical activity, appropriate nutrition that is rich in protein, especially branched-chain amino acids, is very important to support training effects and positively influence the protein synthesis to degradation ratio. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 12-week leucine-rich amino acid supplementation in combination with moderate training.