Our group, Foods for Health, is an associate group of IMIBIC that is currently made up of 6 senior researchers (consolidated) and 2 researchers in training, who will defend their doctoral theses throughout 2021. The members of our group belong to three institutions: the University of Córdoba, the Higher Council for Scientific Research (Institute of Sustainable Agriculture) and the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), at its headquarters in Alameda del Obispo (Cordoba). The three institutions are part of the ceiA3 (International Agrifood Center of Excellence).
Our research lines are focused i) on study the effect of food on human health, mainly to the beneficial properties that its natural bioactive compounds produce to our body. Aspects of natural toxicity are also covered, due to excessive intake of certain compounds present in food and due to the effect of their contamination. The multidisciplinary of our group allows us to approach the food concept “from farm to fork”. In this sense, we have extensive experience in the acclimatization of plant species, genetic improvements in plants, as well as in the study of wild species (mushrooms and free-living animals). Our laboratory facilities are prepared for the determination of a wide range of compounds present in food, even in trace amounts, which allows us an exhaustive characterization of its composition in terms of bioactives. This aspect is especially interesting in novel foods such as new varieties of fruits and vegetables or the fruit of new industry elaborations such as black garlic and black onion. Regarding the aspects closest to food on the table, we have extensive experience in developing consumer surveys, assessing intakes and applying the researched foods to gastronomy, through relationships with important local chefs.
Our medium-term objective is the development of plants with healthy effects so that they can be easily transformed into foods widely used in human consumption, to improve the health of potential consumers Characterize the substances that cause these effects and how they are affected by culinary and industrial processing or the gastrointestinal digestion that occurs in our body is a topic of our interest. At present, several lines of research of the aforementioned are being developed with a good impact on the scientific literature and that implies close contact with food companies, cooks and other research groups that complement our research and that in the future will be mainly from IMIBIC.
Lines of Research
Our research team has extensive experience in the application of advanced analytical techniques including liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) for the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds in foods. Particularly, we develop analytical techniques for the determination of phenolic compounds (antioxidants) to which beneficial effects on health are attributed, and also for the determination of harmful compounds such as biogenic amines.
In vitro bioaccessibility studies consist in the evaluation of the stability of phenolic compounds after an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process, which simulates the oral, gastric, and intestinal stages; followed by a colonic fermentation, simulating what happens in the colon by the action of the intestinal microbiota.
Acute food intake studies for the evaluation of the metabolism and bioavailability of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in food. Our research team has extensive experience in the extraction, purification, identification, and quantification of phenolic and carotenoids metabolites in biological fluids (such as urine, plasma, and faeces) using UHPLC-HRMS. Additionally, we carry out biological activity studies using cell cultures to demonstrate the potential beneficial effects attributed to the consumption of these foods, such as intestinal epithelium and liver cell lines.
Our research team is equipped with a unique infrastructure capable of developing or designing new foods or food ingredients through technological processes and determining their food safety and functional parameters of product quality and stability.
Determination of minerals (Ca, Mg, P) and trace element (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn) in biological matrices by spectroscopic techniques. Study of the different chemical forms (Heme Fe vs Inorganic Fe, Cr+3 and Cr+6; selenite, selenate, selenocysteine and selenomethionine) in which these inorganic elements are found in biological matrix. Contributions to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from the consumption of foods in which these inorganic micronutrients are present.
Heavy metals analysis and speciation (Al, organic and inorganic As; Cd; Ni; organic and inorganic Sb; organic and inorganic Sn; Pb) in biological matrix and foods by spectroscopic methodologies. Probabilistic models and risk assessment derived from feeding with foods in which these elements are found.
Bioavailability and in vitro bioaccessibility studies consist in the presence of inorganic micronutrients, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates after an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process, which simulates the oral, gastric, and intestinal stages
Microencapsulation of inorganic elements, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates by spray – drying and incorporation into food matrices. Study of the improvement of their bioaccessibility and bioavailability.
- Genetic improvement of the nutritional quality of horticultural and oilseed species, with special emphasis on the content of fatty acids and glucosinolates with medicinal properties.
- Obtaining new varieties of Brassica and Borago species adapted to the Mediterranean climate and with improvements in productivity and nutritional quality.
- Development of technologies and methods for rapid analysis, inexpensive and non-destructive of the components of nutritional quality and medicinal in consumable organs of plant (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy, NIRS).
Networks
AGR 118 - Oilseed plant breeding and agronomy Director: Juan Domínguez Giménez
PAIDI AGR 013 - Food Quality and Nutrition. Director: Manuel A. Amaro López
PAIDI AGR-241 - Tecnología Poscosecha e industria agroalimentaria. Director: José Manuel Moreno Rojas
Key Words
- polyphenols
- carotenoids
- bioavailability
- bioaccessibility
- biological activity
- glucosinolates
- fibre
- turnip tops
- near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
- gamma linolenic acid
- gastronomy
- in vitro digestion
- design of nwe foods
- antinutritive compounds
- plant breeding
- fatty acids
- brassica
- mustards
- borage
- mineral
Información Adicional
Highlighted Publications
Baldrick, Francina R., Ibars, M., Sung, C., Moffatt, T., Megarry, K., Thomas, K., Mitchell, P., Wallace, J., Pourshahidi, K., Ternan, N., Corona, G., Spencer, J., Yaqoob, P., Hotchkiss, S., Campbell, R., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., Cuevas, F.J., Pereira-Caro, G., Rowland, I., Gill, C.I.R. Impact of a (poly) phenol-rich extract from the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum on DNA damage and antioxidant activity in an overweight or obese population: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108,4 688-700 (2018).
Cámara – Martos F, Obregón – Cano S, Mesa – Plata O. Cartea – González ME, De Haro – Bailón A. 2021. Quantification and in vitro bioaccessibility of glucosinolates and trace elements in Brassicaceae leafy vegetables. Food Chemistry 339. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127860
Cámara – Martos F, Ramírez – Ojeda A, Jiménez – Mangas M, Sevillano – Morales J, Moreno – Rojas R. 2019. Selenium and cadmium in bioaccessible fraction of organic weaning food: Risk assessment and influence of dietary components. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 56, 116 - 123
Cámara-Martos, F.; Obregón-Cano, S.; Mesa-Plata, O.; Cartea-González, E.; De Haro -Bailón, A. (2020). Quantification and in vitro bioaccessibility of glucosinolates and trace elements in Brassicaceae leafy vegetables. Food Chemistry (18); 339:127860. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127860.
Di Gioa, F., Pinela, J., De Haro, A, Fereira, I., Petropoulos, S. 2019. “The dilemma of “good” and “bad” glucosinolates and the potential to regulate their content” (pp. 1-45). Capítulo 1 del libro: “Glucosinolates: Properties, Recovery & Applications” editado por Charis Galanakis. Elsevier-Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816493-8.00001-9
Hernández – Reyes A, Cámara – Martos F, Molina – Recio G, Molina – Luque R, Romero – Saldaña M, Moreno – Rojas R. 2020. Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Womens Health, 19:167
Hernández – Reyes A, Cámara – Martos F, Molina – Recio G, Molina – Luque R, Romero – Saldaña M, Moreno – Rojas R. 2020. Effect of an mHealth intervention using a pedometer App with full inperson counseling on body composition of overweight adults: a 6-month randomized weight-loss trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, doi: 10.2196/16999
Hernández – Reyes A, Cámara – Martos F, Molina – Recio G, Molina – Luque R, Romero – Saldaña M, Moreno – Rojas R. 2020. PUSH notifications from a mobile app for improving the body composition of overweight or obese women.JMIR mHealth and uHealth 8(2), 13747
Hernández – Reyes A, Cámara – Martos F, Vidal A, Molina – Luque R, Moreno - Rojas R. 2019. Effects of self-weighing during weight loss treatment: A 6-month randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology 11.
Hernández – Reyes A, Molina – Recio G, Molina – Luque R, Romero – Saldaña M, Cámara – Martos F, Moreno – Rojas R. 2020. Effectiveness of PUSH notifications from a mobile app for improving the body composition of overweight or obese women. A protocol of a three-armed randomized controlled trial. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 8
Iturbide – Casas MªA, Molina Recio G, Cámara – Martos F. 2018. Manganese preconcentration and speciation in bioaccessible fraction of enteral nutrition formulas by Cloud Point Extraction (CPE) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Food Analytical Methods 11(10), 2758 - 2766
Iturbide – Casas MªA, Molina Recio G, Cámara – Martos F. 2019. Macronutrients and trace elements in enteral nutrition formulas: Compliance with label, bioaccessibility and contribution to reference intakes through a probabilistic assessment. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 83, 10325
Lozano-Baena, MD, Tasset-Cuevas I, Obregón-Cano S., de Haro-Bailón A., Muñoz-Serrano A., Alonso-Moraga A 2015. Antigenotoxicity and tumor growing inhibition by leafy Brassica carinata and sinigrin. Molecules, 20, 15748-15765. Doi: 10.3390/molecules200915748
Lozano-Baena, MD, Tasset-Cuevas I,, Muñoz-Serrano A., Alonso-Moraga A, de Haro-Bailón A. 2016 Cancer prevention and health benefices of traditionally consumed Borago officinalis plants. Nutrients, 8(1), 48; doi:10.3390/nu8010048.
Moreno-Ortega, A., Pereira-Caro, G., Ordóñez, J.L., Moreno-Rojas, R., Ortíz-Somovilla, V., Moreno-Rojas, J.M. Bioaccesibility of bioactive compounds of fresh garlic and black garlic through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Foods, 9, 1582 (2020).
Obregón-Cano, S.; Moreno-Rojas, R., Jurado-Millán, A.M.; Cartea-González, M.E.; De Haro-Bailón, A. (2019) Analysis of the Acid Detergent Fibre Content in Turnip Greens and Turnip Tops (Brassica rapa L. Subsp. rapa) by Means of Near Infrared Reflectance. Foods,8 (9), 364. DOI 10.3390/foods8090364.
Ordóñez-Díaz, J.L., Moreno-Ortega, A., Roldán-Guerra, F.J., Ortíz-Somovilla, V., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., Pereira-Caro, G. In vitro gatrointestinal digestion and colonic catabolism of mango (Mangifera indica L.) pulp polyphenols. Foods, 9, 1836 (2020).
Ostos-Ruíz C, Moreno-Rojas R, Ferrer-Bas S, Moreno-Arroyo B, Moreno-Ortega A, Cámara-Martos F. 2019. Wild mushroom consumption by pickers in the south of Spain: a probabilistic approach. Food Additives & Contaminants. Part A. 36, 195 - 202
Pereira-Caro, G., Clifford, M.N., Polyviou, T., Ludwig, I.A., Alfheeaid, H., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., García, A., Malkova, A., Crozier, A. Plasma pharmacokinetic of polyphenols metabolites and catabolites after ingestión of orange juice by endurance trained men. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 160, 784-795 (2020).
Pereira-Caro, G., Gaillet, S., Ordóñez, J.L., Mena, P., Bresciani, L., Bindon, K., Del Rio, D., Rouanet, J.M., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., Crozier, A. Bioavailability of red wine and grape seed proanthocyanidins in rats. Food and Function, DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00350f (2020).
Pereira-Caro, G., Polyviou, T., Ludwig, I.A., Natase, A.M., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., García, A., Malkova, D., Crozier, A. Bioavailability of orange juice polyphenols: the impact of short-term cessation of training by male endurance athletes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106, 791-800 (2017).
Sevillano – Morales J, Moreno – Ortega A, Amaro – López MA, Arenas A, Cámara – Martos F, Moreno – Rojas R. 2018. Game meat consumption by hunters and their relatives: a probabilistic approach. Food Additives and Contaminants, Part A. 35(9), 1739 - 1748
Highlighted Research Projects
Biodisponibilidad de los antioxidantes del mango en voluntarios sanos e ileostómicos: relevancia de las formas bioactivas in vivo sobre la salud intestinal. Proyecto JIN RTI2018-096703-J-I00 financiado por Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), a la Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) y al Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) e IFAPA. 2019-2022
Caracterización, biodisponibilidad y potencial saludable de compuestos bioactivos de alimentos. PP.AVA.AVA2019.037. Financiado por IFAPA y Fondos FEDER. 2019-2022
Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae: implicaciones en la mejora genética y resistencia vegetal de Brassicas Hortícolas. 1261749-R. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Convocatoria 2015.
Desarrollo de alimentos funcionales y nutracéuticos con efectos antioxidantes, antitumorales y cardiosaludables a partir de una selección de crucíferas mediterráneas. Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidad. Convocatoria 2018.
Metabolitos secundarios en Brassicaceae: Implicaciones en la mejora genética y defensa a estreses. RTI2018-096591-B-I00. PLAN NACIONAL Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. Referencia
Mejora del cultivo de variedades de Brassicáceas con propiedades nutracéuticas. Fase II. Ayuntamiento de Alcalá la Real (Jaén).
Contrato de apoyo tecnológico entre el IAS-CSIC y el Centro Superior de Artes y Ciencias Gastronómicas (CSACG) de Córdoba.
Formación en las propiedades nutracéuticas de las plantas y su utilización en la alimentación humana” dentro de la diplomatura en Gastronomía y Artes Culinarias y del Servicio, impartido por el CSACG.
