October 2014 The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) approves the health claim that recognizes a link of cause and effect between the intake of folic acid and reduced risk of developing neural tube defects in the fetus, associated with spina bifida or anencephaly. According to the reg. (EU) 1335/2014, ”The supplementary intake of folic acid
During the two days of discussion of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU) entitled “Nutrition: perimeters and horizons”, held in Rome on 20 and 21 October, was presented the IV Revision of LARN (Intake Levels of Reference of Nutrients and energy) which is proposed as a tool for research and planning nutrition. A review
In April 2014, the working group of ESPGHAN (European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Pediatric) published a Position Paper in which it is strongly recommended the use of Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children on the basis numerous scientific evidence of recent years1. The previous ESPGHAN Guidelines of 2008 had
Preterm infants have lower reserves of zinc compared to term infants because about 60% of the zinc is absorbed by fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy; furthermore, they also have a lower capacity to absorb and retain zinc necessary for the growth 1,2,3. Zinc is an essential element in the organic metabolism, cell growth
Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast that resists well in acid habitat and to antibiotics, remaining intact and viable throughout the gastrointestinal tract, during which interacts with the microflora and the intestinal mucosa. Saccharomyces boulardii protects against enteric pathogens, it modulates the immune response, it reduces inflammation and fluid and electrolyte secretion, it inhibits bacterial toxins

Traveler’s diarrhea

The traveler’s diarrhea, also known as “Montezuma’s Revenge”, is a very common disorder that can occur during or shortly after a trip to a country with poor sanitary conditions such as Africa, South America, some parts of the Middle East and most part of Asia. It is caused by the ingestion of food and beverages
Probiotics and the term literally means “for life” are ”living micro-organisms” that improve the microbial balance of the host and have beneficial effects on health” (Gut 1991, 32:439-442). Once defined generically”” lactic acid bacteria, probiotics play an important role on the health, of those who take them in an adequate amount, of a beneficial effect

Folic acid in pregnancy

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is not produced by the body but must be consumed through the diet. The daily under normal conditions is about 200 micrograms (mcg). This vitamin is present in some food such as green leafy vegetables, oranges, lemons, kiwi, strawberries, legumes, cereals, liver; However, the processes of cooking and food preparation can
During the winter season the use of antibiotics is intensified which, in case of bacterial infections, they act on different pathogens responsible for the disease, counteracting the negative action. However, if on the one hand exert their action against bacteria responsible for the infection, other organisms also attack the “good” that regulate and maintain the

The correct nutrition in pregnancy

The Ministry of Health states that ‘’The quality of maternal nutrition during pregnancy is one of the factors that can significantly influence the health of the mother and the unborn child, not only during the fetal and neonatal period, but also during the adult life and elderly. It is wise to pay attention to nutrition