Nutritional and food protection against epidemic emerging neuropathy. Epidemiological findings in the unique disease-free urban area of Cuba

A survey was conducted through the SECUBA (SEguridad alimentaria en CUba y Buena Alimentacion) research program in Cuban healthy smokers living in Gua ntanamo and, in Havana. The aim. of the survey was to investigate biologica l and nutritional factors connected. with the occurrence of zero epidemic n europathy. (EN) observed in Guantanamo urban area since the disease emerged in Cuba. Blood riboflavin status and carotenoid and selenium concentration s were higher in Guantanamo than in Havana. smokers. Food dietary quantitie s of plantain banana, pepper (Capsicum spp,), bovine meat and milk products were higher in Guantanamo. Inversely. foods rich in cholesterol, especiall y eggs, were more consumed in Havana. Through riboflavin, carotenoid and se lenium contents and specific antioxidants substances (indoleamines, capsaic in), the foods more consumed in Guantanamo could be considered as EN protec tive factors. Disease protective effects could be exerted via enhancement o f defence mechanisms against free radical damage and related mechanisms fo sed on redox recycling of glutathione and local protection from carotenoids . Finally, the results of the present study should,help Cuba, through a bet ter EN control, to improve long-term food safety and define healthier dieta ry habits.