Archive

Research Area: Body Weight/Satiety

Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials.

Chahibakhsh, N., N. Rafieipour, H. Rahimi, S. RajabiNezhad, S.A. Momeni, A. Motamedi, J. Malekzadeh, M.S. Islam, M. Mohammadi-Sartang, 2024. Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev. 25(5):e13711. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13711

Background and objective: Almond consumption has an inverse relationship with obesity and factors related to metabolic syndrome. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the results of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of almond consumption with subjective appetite scores and body compositions. Methods: Net changes in bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percent, fat-free mass (FFM), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subjective appetite scores were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: This meta-analysis was performed on 37 RCTs with 43 treatment arms. The certainty in the evidence was very low for appetite indices, body fat percent, FFM, VAT, and WHR, and moderate for other parameters as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight (WMD: -0.45 kg, 95% CI: -0.85, -0.05, p = 0.026), WC (WMD: -0.66 cm, 95% CI: -1.27, -0.04, p = 0.037), FM (WMD: -0.66 kg, 95% CI: -1.16, -0.17, p = 0.009), and hunger score (WMD: -1.15 mm, 95% CI: -1.98, -0.32, p = 0.006) compared with the control group. However, almond did not have a significant effect on BMI (WMD: -0.20 kg m-2, 95% CI: -0.46, 0.05, p = 0.122), body fat percent (WMD: -0.39%, 95% CI: -0.93, 0.14, p = 0.154), FFM (WMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.47, 0.34, p = 0.748), WHR (WMD: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.12, 0.02, p = 0.203), VAT (WMD: -0.33 cm, 95% CI: -0.99, 0.32), fullness (WMD: 0.46 mm, 95% CI: -0.95, 1.88), desire to eat (WMD: 0.98 mm, 95% CI: -4.13, 2.23), and prospective food consumption (WMD: 1.08 mm, 95% CI: -2.11, 4.28). Subgroup analyses indicated that consumption of ≥50 g almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, WC, FM, and hunger score. Body weight, WC, FM, body fat percent, and hunger scores were decreased significantly in the trials that lasted for ≥12 weeks and in the subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Furthermore, a significant reduction in body weight and WC was observed in those trials that used a nut-free diet as a control group, but not in those using snacks and other nuts. The results of our analysis suggest that almond consumption may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores when consumed at a dose of ≥50 g/day for ≥12 weeks by individuals with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Conclusion: However, further well-constructed randomized clinical trials are needed in order ascertain the outcome of our analysis.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study.

Landaverde-Mejia, K., E. Dufoo-Hurtado, D. Camacho-Vega, M.E. Maldonado-Celis, S. Mendoza-Diaz, R. Campos-Vega, 2024. Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study. Food Chem. 457, 140211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140211

This pilot study evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults. Pistachios were characterized (chemical and nutraceutical), and a baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed (28 g of pistachio/28 days). Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood; anthropometric evaluation, biochemical analysis, and plasma antioxidant activity were included. The main component of nuts was lipids (48.1%). Pistachios consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced waist circumference (−1.47 cm), total cholesterol (−10.21 mg/dL), LDL (−6.57 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−21.07 mg/dL), and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation improved risk tolerance (p ≤ 0.006) and decision-making strategy (p ≤ 0.002; BART-task), executive functions (BCST-task; p ≤ 0.006), and selective and sustained attention (Go/No-Go-test; p ≤ 0.016). The mood state was positively modulated (p ≤ 0.05) for anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness-depression. These results show for the first time the benefits of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.

Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) and cashew nut oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults on weight-loss treatment: a randomized controlled three-arm trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Meneguelli, T.S., A.C.P. Kravchychyn, A.L. Wendling, A.P. Dionísio, J. Bressan, H.S.D. Martino, E. Tako, H.H.M. Hermsdorff, 2024. Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) and cashew nut oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults on weight-loss treatment: a randomized controlled three-arm trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). Front Nutr. 11:1407028. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1407028

Introduction: Cashew nut contains bioactive compounds that modulate satiety and food intake, but its effects on body fat during energy restriction remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of cashew nut and cashew nut oil on body fat (primary outcome) as well as adiposity, cardiometabolic and liver function markers (secondary outcomes). Materials and methods: An eight-week (8-wk) randomized controlled-feeding study involved 68 adults with overweight/obesity (40 women, BMI: 33 ± 4 kg/m2). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the energy-restricted (−500 kcal/d) groups: control (CT, free-nuts), cashew nut (CN, 30 g/d), or cashew nut oil (OL, 30 mL/d). Body weight, body composition, and blood collection were assessed at the baseline and endpoint of the study. Results: After 8-wk, all groups reduced significantly body fat (CT: −3.1 ± 2.8 kg; CN: −3.3 ± 2.7 kg; OL: −1.8 ± 2.6 kg), body weight (CT: −4.2 ± 3.8 kg; CN: −3.9 ± 3.1 kg; OL: −3.4 ± 2.4 kg), waist (CT: −5.1 ± 4.6 cm; CN: −3.9 ± 3.9 cm; OL: −3.7 ± 5.3 cm) and hip circumferences (CT: −2.9 ± 3.0 cm; CN:−2.7 ± 3.1 cm; OL: −2.9 ± 2.3 cm). CN group reduced liver enzymes (AST: −3.1 ± 5.3 U/L; ALT:−6.0 ± 9.9 U/L), while the OL-group reduced LDL-c (−11.5 ± 21.8 mg/dL) and atherogenic index (−0.2 ± 0.5). Both intervention groups decreased neck circumference (CN: −1.0 ± 1.2 cm; OL: −0.5 ± 1.2 cm) and apo B (CN: −6.6 ± 10.7 mg/dL; OL: −7.0 ± 15.3 mg/dL). Conclusion: After an 8-wk energy-restricted intervention, all groups reduced body fat (kg), weight, and some others adiposity indicators, with no different effect of cashew nut or cashew nut oil. However, participants in the intervention groups experienced additional reductions in atherogenic marker, liver function biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk factors (neck circumference and apo B levels), with these effects observed across the OL group, CN group, and both intervention groups, respectively.

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) consumption in energy-restricted intervention decreases proinflammatory markers and intestinal permeability of women with overweight/obesity: A controlled trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Silveira, B.K.S., A. da Silva, D.M.U.P. Rocha, K. Waskow, H.S.D. Martino, J. Bressan, H.H.M. Hermsdorff, 2024. Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) consumption in energy-restricted intervention decreases proinflammatory markers and intestinal permeability of women with overweight/obesity: A controlled trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). J Nutr. 154(9):2670-2679.

Background: Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). The Brazil nut (BN) (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) appears to be a promising dietary intervention to control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of daily BN consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and IP in the context of an energy-restricted intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the correlation between the changes in these inflammatory markers and the changes in serum selenium and IP. Methods: In this 8-wk nonrandomized controlled trial, 56 women with overweight or obesity were allocated into 2 groups, both following an energy-restricted diet (−500 kcal/d). The control group (CO) consumed a nut-free diet, while the BN group consumed 8 g BN/d, providing 347.2 μg selenium (Se). Inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in plasma and Se in serum. IP was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol test (LM ratio). Results: Forty-six women completed the intervention. Both groups achieved similar energy restriction (CO Δ= −253.7 ± 169.4 kcal/d; BN Δ= −265.8 ± 141.8 kcal/d) and weight loss (CO Δ= −2.5 ± 0.5 kg; BN Δ= −3.5 ± 0.5 kg). The BN group showed lower values of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)1-β, IL-8, percentage lactulose excretion, and LM ratio than the CO group. Additionally, changes in serum Se concentration were predictive of changes in IL-8 concentration (β: −0.054; adjusted R2: 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.100; −0.007; P = 0.025), and changes in IL-8 were predictive of changes in the LM ratio (β: 0.006; adjusted R2: 0.101; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.011; P = 0.024). Conclusions: Regular intake of BNs can be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving IP in women with overweight/obesity undergoing energy-restricted treatment. However, the effects of BNs seem to be Se status-dependent.