Archive

Research Nut: Mixed Nuts

Determination of myo-inositol phosphates in tree nuts and grain fractions by HPLC–ESI–MS.

Duong, Q.H., K.D. Clark, K.G. Lapsley, R.B. Pegg. 2017. Determination of myo-inositol phosphates in tree nuts and grain fractions by HPLC–ESI–MS. J. Food Comp. Anal. 59:74-82.

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS) was utilized for the rapid, on-line detection of all six forms of inositol phosphate (InsP) in seven major tree nuts (i.e., cashews, Brazil nuts, macadamias, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts) and three grain components that are allegedly rich in phosphorus (wheat aleurone, rice bran, corn germ). The total InsP levels ranged from 3 to 20 μmol/g in the tree nuts and from 10 to 97 μmol/g in the grain components. While inositol hexakisphosphate was the predominant form in all samples, at least 20% of the InsP molar concentration comprised lower forms of InsPs. In tree nuts, InsPs accounted for 18–59% of the organic phosphorus content and 12–46% of the total phosphorus content. For grain samples, these values ranged from 66–97% and 58–80%, respectively. Significant differences in InsP levels among tree nuts underline the need for further investigation of InsPs in this food group, particularly with regard to different cultivars, growing conditions, and processing conditions. HPLC–ESI–MS offered a sensitive and time-efficient detection approach for InsPs in various complex nut and grain matrices, highlighting its potential application for many other sample types.

 

An umbrella review of nuts intake and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Schwingshackl, L., G. Hoffmann, B. Missbach, M. Stelmach-Mardas, H. Boeing, 2017. An umbrella review of nuts intake and risk of cardiovascular disease. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 23:1016-1027.

Background: Nuts have been an indispensable component of the human diet for hundreds because of their unique nutrient composition and are thought to play a beneficial part in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To evaluate the extent, validity and presence of evidence for studies investigating the impact of nuts intake on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, we performed an umbrella review of all published meta-analyses synthesizing data from both observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Method: PubMed (between 1966 and April 2016) was searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methodological quality was assessed by applying the AMSTAR score (0-11 points), and the meta-evidence by applying NutriGrade, our recently developed scoring system (0-10 points). Results: In total, 14 meta-analyses were included in the umbrella review. Only 4 out of 14 reported an AMSTAR score ≥8 (high methodological quality), whereas NutriGrade meta-evidence score varied between 2 (very low meta-evidence) and 7.9 (moderate meta-evidence). There is consistent evidence from intervention trials, reporting significant reductions for total cholesterol, and from observational studies that higher intakes of nuts were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. On the other side no effect could be observed for stroke, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure in the normal range.  Conclusion: In summary, the present umbrella review showed that nuts intake was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and lower levels of total cholesterol. The observed evidence is limited by the moderate methodological quality and very low to moderate quality of evidence.

Associations between nut consumption and health vary between omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans.

Brown, R.C., A.R. Gray, S.L. Tey, A. Chisholm, V. Burley, D.C. Greenwood, J. Cade, 2017. Associations between nut consumption and health vary between omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. Nutrients. 7, 9, 1219; doi:10.3390/nu9111219.

Regular nut consumption is associated with reduced risk factors for chronic disease; however, most population-based studies lack consideration of effect modification by dietary pattern. The UK Women’s Cohort Study (UKWCS) provides an ideal opportunity to examine relationships between nut consumption and chronic disease risk factors in a large sample with diverse dietary patterns. Nut and nutrient intake from 34,831 women was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire among self-identified omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. In this cross-sectional analysis, higher nut consumption was associated with lower body weight (difference between highest and lowest consumption categories from adjusted model: 6.1kg; 95% CI: 4.7,7.6) body mass index (BMI, 2.4 units difference; 95% CI:1.9,2.9), and waist circumference (2.6cm difference; 95% CI:1.4,3.8) (all ρ for linear trend<0.001). Higher nut consumption was also associated with reduced prevalence of high cholesterol and high blood pressure; having a history of heart attack, diabetes and gallstones; and markers of diet quality (all adjusted ρ for linear trend ≤ 0.011). Higher nut consumption appeared over all to be associated with greater benefits amongst omnivores compared to vegetarians and vegans. Findings support existing literature around beneficial effects of nut consumption and suggest that benefits may be larger among omnivores. Nut promotion strategies may have the highest population impact by specifically targeting this group.

Longitudinal analysis of nut-inclusive diets and body mass index among overweight and obese African American women living in rural Alabama and Mississippi, 2011–2013.

Sterling, S.R., B. Bertrand, S. Judd, T.L. Carson, P. Chandler-Laney, M.L. Baskin, 2017. Longitudinal analysis of nut-inclusive diets and body mass index among overweight and obese African American women living in rural Alabama and Mississippi, 2011–2013. Prev Chronic Dis 2017;14:160595. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd14.160595.

Introduction: Nuts, when eaten alongside other nutritionally rich foods, may decrease obesity and related chronic disease risks, which are high among African American women in the rural South. We monitored changes in nut intake, other obesity-related foods (fruits, vegetables, red or processed meats, added sugars), and body mass index (BMI) over a 2-year weight loss intervention among 383 overweight and obese African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Methods: Two dietary recalls were administered at 4 points over 24 months. Mann–Whitney tests compared differences in median food group intake between nut consumers and non-nut consumers, and t tests identified BMI differences between groups. Mixed linear models tested the relationship between nut intake and intake of the select food groups, and between nut intake and BMI over time. Results: Overall nut consumers ate more fruits and vegetables and less red meat than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers had lower BMI values than non-nut consumers. Weight loss by the end of the intervention was significant for nut consumers but not for non-nut consumers, even after accounting for kilocalorie consumption and physical activity engagement. Conclusion: Nut consumption is associated with consumption of other nutritionally rich foods and lower BMI among African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Future interventions should target increasing daily nut intake, decreasing added sugar intake, and identifying strategies to encourage positive dietary changes to continue after an intervention.

Prebiotic nut compounds and human microbiota.

Lamuel-Raventos, R.M., M.-P. St. Onge, 2017. Prebiotic nut compounds and human microbiota. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 57(14): 3154–3163.

Nut consumption is clearly related to human health outcomes. Its beneficial effects have been mainly attributed to nut fatty acid profiles and content of vegetable protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and phenolics. However, in this review we focus on the prebiotics properties in humans of the nonbioaccessible material of nuts (polymerized polyphenols and polysaccharides), which provides substrates for the human gut microbiota and on the formation of new bioactive metabolites and the absorption of that may partly explain the health benefits of nut consumption.

Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health.

Singh, R.K., H.‑W. Chang , D. Yan, K.M. Lee, D. Ucmak, K. Wong, M. Abrouk, B. Farahnik, M. Nakamura, T.H. Zhu, T. Bhutani, W. Liao, 2017. Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health. J Transl Med. 15:73 DOI 10.1186/s12967-017-1175-y

Recent studies have suggested that the intestinal microbiome plays an important role in modulating risk of several chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. At the same time, it is now understood that diet plays a significant role in shaping the microbiome, with experiments showing that dietary alterations can induce large, temporary microbial shifts within 24 h. Given this association, there may be significant therapeutic utility in altering microbial composition through diet. This review systematically evaluates current data regarding the effects of several common dietary components on intestinal microbiota. We show that consumption of particular types of food produces predictable shifts in existing host bacterial genera. Furthermore, the identity of these bacteria affects host immune and metabolic parameters, with broad implications for human health. Familiarity with these associations will be of tremendous use to the practitioner as well as the patient.

Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers

Yu, Z., V.S. Malik, N. Keum, F.B. Hu, E.L. Giovannucci, M.J. Stampfer, W.C. Willett, C.S. Fuchs, Y. Bao, 2016. Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. AJCN. First published ahead of print July 27, 2016 as doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.134205.

Background: Increased nut consumption has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as a healthy lipid profile. However, the associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers are unclear. Objective: We investigated habitual nut consumption in relation to inflammatory biomarkers in 2 large cohorts of US men and women. Design: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 5013 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) who were free of diabetes. Nut intake, defined as intake of peanuts and other nuts, was estimated from food frequency questionnaires, and cumulative averages from 1986 and 1990 in the NHS and from 1990 and 1994 in the HPFS were used. Plasma biomarkers were collected in 1989–1990 in the NHS and 1993–1995 in the HPFS. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the associations of nut consumption with fasting plasma C-reactive protein (CRP, n = 4941), interleukin 6 (IL-6, n = 2859), and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2, n = 2905). Results: A greater intake of nuts was associated with lower amounts of a subset of inflammatory biomarkers, after adjusting for demographic, medical, dietary, and lifestyle variables. The relative concentrations (ratios) and 95% CIs comparing subjects with nut intake of $5 times/wk and those in the categories of never or almost never were as follows: CRP: 0.80 (0.69, 0.90), P-trend = 0.0003; and IL-6: 0.86 (0.77, 0.97), P-trend = 0.006. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for body mass index. No significant association was observed with TNFR2. Substituting 3 servings of nuts/wk for 3 servings of red meat, processed meat, eggs, or refined grains/wk was associated with significantly lower CRP (all P , 0.0001) and IL-6 (P ranges from 0.001 to 0.017). Conclusion: Frequent nut consumption was associated with a healthy profile of inflammatory biomarkers.

Nut consumption and prostate cancer risk and mortality.

Wand, W., M. Yang, S.A. Kenfield, F.B. Hu, M.J. Stampfer, W.C. Willett, C.S. Fuchs, E.L. Giovannucci,  Y. Bao, 2016. Nut consumption and prostate cancer risk and mortality. British Journal of Cancer.doi:10.1038/bjc.2016.181

Background: Little is known of the association between nut consumption, and prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and survivorship. Methods: We conducted an incidence analysis and a case-only survival analysis in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study on the associations of nut consumption (updated every 4 years) with PCa diagnosis, and PCa-specific and overall mortality. Results: In 26 years, 6810 incident PCa cases were identified from 47 299 men. There was no association between nut consumption and being diagnosed with PCa or PCa-specific mortality. However, patients who consumed nuts five or more times per week after diagnosis had a significant 34% lower rate of overall mortality than those who consumed nuts less than once per month (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.52–0.83, P-trend=0.0005). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant associations between nut consumption, and PCa incidence or PCa-specific mortality. Frequent nut consumption after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced overall mortality.

Effects of tree nuts on blood lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure: systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of 61 controlled intervention trials.

Del Gobbo, L.C., M.C. Falk, R. Feldman, K. Lewis, D. Mozaffarian, 2015. Effects of tree nuts on blood lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure: systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of 61 controlled intervention trials. AJCN. First published ahead of print November 11, 2015 as doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.110965.

Background: The effects of nuts on major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including dose-responses and potential heterogeneity by nut type or phytosterol content, are not well established. Objectives: We examined the effects of tree nuts (walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts) on blood lipids [total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides], lipoproteins [apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and apolipoprotein B100], blood pressure, and inflammation (C-reactive protein) in adults aged $18 y without prevalent CVD. Design: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two investigators screened 1301 potentially eligible PubMed articles in duplicate. We calculated mean differences between nut intervention and control arms, dose-standardized to one 1-oz (28.4 g) serving/d, by using inverse-variance fixed-effects meta-analysis. Dose-response for nut intake was examined by using linear regression and fractional polynomial modeling. Heterogeneity by age, sex, background diet, baseline risk factors, nut type, disease condition, duration, and quality score was assessed with meta-regression. Publication bias was evaluated by using funnel plots and Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Results: Sixty-one trials met eligibility criteria (n = 2582). Interventions ranged from 3 to 26 wk. Nut intake (per serving/d) lowered total cholesterol (24.7 mg/dL; 95% CI: 25.3, 24.0 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (24.8 mg/dL; 95% CI: 25.5, 24.2 mg/dL), ApoB (23.7 mg/dL; 95% CI: 25.2, 22.3 mg/dL), and triglycerides (22.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: 23.8, 20.5 mg/dL) with no statistically significant effects on other outcomes. The dose-response between nut intake and total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was nonlinear (P-nonlinearity , 0.001 each); stronger effects were observed for $60 g nuts/d. Significant heterogeneity was not observed by nut type or other factors. For ApoB, stronger effects were observed in populations with type 2 diabetes (211.5 mg/dL; 95% CI: 216.2, 26.8 mg/dL) than in healthy populations (22.5 mg/dL; 95% CI: 24.7, 20.3 mg/dL) (P-heterogeneity = 0.015). Little evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusions: Tree nut intake lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ApoB, and triglycerides. The major determinant of cholesterol lowering appears to be nut dose rather than nut type. Our findings also highlight the need for investigation of possible stronger effects at high nut doses and among diabetic populations.

Tree Nut consumption is associated with better adiposity measures and cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome health risk factors in U.S. Adults: NHANES 2005–2010.

O’Neil, C.E., V.L. Fulgoni, T.A. Nicklas, 2015. Tree Nut consumption is associated with better adiposity measures and cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome health risk factors in U.S. Adults: NHANES 2005–2010. Nutrition Journal. 14:64. DOI 10.1186/s12937-015-0052-x

Introduction: Previous research has shown inconsistencies in the association of tree nut consumption with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective: To determine the association of tree nut consumption with risk factors for CVD and for MetS in adults. Methods: NHANES 2005–2010 data were used to examine the associations of tree nut consumption with health risks in adults 19+ years (n = 14,386; 51 % males). Tree nuts were: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filberts [hazelnuts], macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Group definitions were non-consumers < ¼ ounce/day and consumers of ≥ ¼ ounce/day tree nuts using data from 24-h dietary recalls. Means and ANOVA (covariate adjusted) were determined using appropriate sample weights. Using logistic regression, odds ratios of being overweight (OW)/obese (OB) (body mass index [BMI] >25/<30 and ≥30, respectively) and having CVRF or MetS, were determined. Results: Tree nut consumption was associated with lower BMI (p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.008), systolic blood pressure (BP) (p = 0.001), Homeostatic Model Assessment—Insulin Resistance (p = 0.043), and higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.022), compared with no consumption, and a lower likelihood of OB (−25 %), OW/OB (−23 %), and elevated WC (−21 %). Conclusions: Tree nut consumption was associated with better weight status and some CVRF and MetS components.