Polydextrose (PDX) is a non-digestible oligosaccharide used widely across most sectors of the food industry. It is a randomly linked glucose oligomer containing small amounts of sorbitol and citric acid. The random bonds in PDX prevent mammalian digestive enzymes from readily hydrolyzing the molecule and it has a reported energy value of 1 kcal/g. These properties have led to the acceptance in many countries that PDX provides similar physiological effects as other dietary fibers and has shown prebiotic potential. Dietary intervention with prebiotics has been shown to selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of intestinal bacteria associated with several physiological benefits on health. Therefore, the objective of this review was a survey of the literature on the effect of supplementation with PDX in health, and to list the benefits for maintaining health and/or reducing the development of diseases.

Polydextrose (PDX) ingestion may increase the intestinal absorption of iron. This study evaluated the effects of 7.5% polydextrose supplementation on markers of iron uptake, transport and storage in partially gastrectomized rats. Half of a batch of 40 male Wistar rats (250 g) underwent Billroth II partial gastrectomy with anterior truncal vagotomy (GXT), while the other half underwent sham gastrectomy (SHAM). At 7 postoperative days, the animals were subdivided into four groups (n = 10): Sham Control and GXT Control (no polydextrose); Sham PDX and GXT PDX (with 7.5% PDX). The animals were euthanized after 60 day of PDX treatment. Organ weight, cecal pH, the characterization and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), hematological parameters, hepatic iron content and the expression of ferroportin (FPT) in the jejunum, cecum, colon and liver were evaluated. PDX caused changes in the cecum of the supplemented animals, where there was a decrease in pH, increase in cecal wall and marked production of SCFA, especially acetic and propionic acids (p < 0.05). Hepatic iron levels were lower in GXT animals. PDX increased hemoglobin (HGB) values by 29.2% and hematocrit (HCT) by 55.8% in the GXT PDX group compared to the GXT Control group. The GXT PDX group had lower hepatic FPT expression (p < 0.05). PDX led to increased SCFA concentration in the supplemented animals. Considering that SCFAs play a central role in the increasing nutrients uptake, this mechanism may be involved in altering the hematology profile observed in these animals but not enough to reverse iron deficiency anemia in post-gastrectomy rats.

OBJETIVO: Discutir os modos como um estado de quarentena e de distanciamento social, por motivos de pandemia, alteram os hábitos de atividade física da população e incidem em impactos diante da saúde mental das pessoas inseridas no referido contexto. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo pretende ser um ensaio de discussão teórica, com delineamentos explicativos/analíticos, utilizando-se de artigos recentemente publicados e indexados, para identificar os pontos negativos e positivos do distanciamento social e da quarentena, bem como, discutir os seus efeitos na saúde mental. Pretende-se ainda, argumentar em favor da prática de atividades físicas, como ferramenta redutora da tensão e da ansiedade, tão características do atual cenário pandêmico. RESULTADOS: Considerando que uma situação de distanciamento social, ou de quarentena, alteram os hábitos da população, verifica-se que as mudanças de rotinas fazem emergir sentimentos de frustração e tédio, além disso, a falta de contato físico e social provoca a sensação de isolamento perante o resto do mundo e angústia aquele que vivencia o fenômeno. Uma estratégia para combater os efeitos negativos na saúde mental decorrente a quarentena e o iso-lamento social, é a prática de atividades físicas. Dentre os benefícios da prática de atividades físicas para a saúde mental, demonstrou-se que a mesma, quando feita regularmente, está associada a diminuição de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade. CONCLUSÃO: Sabendo dos impactos psicológicos que são gerados nesse período, e fazendo uma associa-ção com os estudos que demonstram os benefícios das atividades físicas, é possível afirmar que a prática dos pode ser uma estratégia eficiente de enfrentamento, porém, estudos es-pecíficos devem ainda ser realizados. Mental health and physical activity practice in quarantine: a theoretical discussion essay.OBJECTIVE: To discuss the ways in which a state of quarantine and social detachment, for reasons of a pandemic, changes the habits of the population and impacts on the mental health of people in the context. METHODS: The present study intends to be a theoretical discussion essay, with explanatory / analytical designs, which uses recently published and indexed articles, to identify the negative and positive points of social detachment and quarantine, as well as to discuss its effects on mental health. It is also intended to argue in favor of the practice of physical activities, as a tool to reduce tension and anxiety, so characteristic of the current pandemic scenario. RESULTS: Considering that a situation of social detachment, or quarantine changes the habits of the population, it is also verified that changes in routines emerge feelings of frustration and boredom, in addition, the lack of physical and social contact causes feeling of isolation from the rest of the world and distressing those who experience the phenomenon. A strategy to combat the negative effects on mental health resulting from quarantine and social isolation, is the practice of physical exercises. Among the benefits of physical exercise for mental health, it has been shown that regular physical activity is associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Knowing the psychological impacts that are generated in this period, and making an association with the studies that demonstrate the benefits of physical exercises, it is possible to say that the practice of activities can be an efficient coping strategy, however, specific studies must still be performed.

The present study aims to develop a theoretical discussion essay, to discuss the emotional impacts arising from the current scenario of social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, an attempt is made to investigate the elements present in the aforementioned scenario that may pre-say possible indicators of mental suffering. Given the temporary restriction of freedom, the quarantine state also ends, by suppressing the individual's autonomy, at the same time that it confers on him, a deep feeling of impotence in the face of his condition. Socioeconomic status; access to information technologies and social networks; the availability of medical and hygiene supplies; the capacity of health systems; the individual psychic resources related to resilience; as well as the pre-existence of mental comorbidities are just some of the predictors or risk factors for severe mental suffering due to this quarantine.