Biochemical characteristic of essential nutrients as a scientific basis of determination of functional properties of specialized products and mechanisms of their action on metabolic processes

Aim. To analyze biochemical functions and vitamins and their metabolites in order to provide scientific justification and determination of functionality of a new specialized product - fortified drink supplemented with beta-carotene and pectin for optimization of medical and preventive nutrition for iron and steel plant workers. The rationale of the study is associated with the necessity to optimize the diet of workers exposed to occupational health hazard in order to prevent occupational diseases, improve working capacity, and maintain health. Materials and Methods. We used theoretical analysis as well as data mining for analytical review of literature and our own studies. The work involved instrumental methods for assessment of quality, effectiveness, and functionality of the specialized products; the obtained data were statistically processed. Results and Discussion. The paper covers analytical review of materials dedicated to the role of essential nutrients - vitamins and their metabolites - in metabolic processes. The results of theoretical analysis became a basis of development of a formula of a new preventive drink considering biochemical characteristic of its agents and its effect on the body of a worker exposed to occupational health hazard. The regulated nutritional value indicators and consumption rates of the specialized products were determined. We obtained clinical evidence of effectiveness of the drink introduced into a diet of aluminum plant workers; clinical trials implied studies of lipid peroxidation products and activity of antioxidant protection enzymes. Dietary factor was proved to have a positive effect on the antioxidant potential and functional status of the body. The mechanisms of this effect were discussed. Conclusion. Supplementing the workers’ diet with the fortified drink containing beta-carotene and pectin effectively protects the body from the action of xenobiotics and contributes to health promotion and prevention of occupational diseases.