Archive

Research Area: Body Weight/Satiety

A randomized, controlled trial on the effects of almonds on lipoprotein response to a higher carbohydrate, lower fat diet in men and women with abdominal adiposity.

Williams, P.T., N. Bergeron, S. Chiu, R.M. Krauss, 2019. A randomized, controlled trial on the effects of almonds on lipoprotein response to a higher carbohydrate, lower fat diet in men and women with abdominal adiposity. Lipids in Health and Disease. 18: 83. doi: https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12944-019-1025-4.

Background: Almonds have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol but there is limited information regarding their effects on the dyslipidemia characterized by increased levels of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles that is associated with abdominal adiposity and high carbohydrate intake. The objective of the present study was to test whether substitution of almonds for other foods attenuates carbohydrate-induced increases in small, dense LDL in individuals with increased abdominal adiposity. Methods: This was a randomized cross-over study of three 3wk diets, separated by 2wk washouts: a higher carbohydrate (CHO) reference diet (CHOhigh), a higher-CHO diet with isocaloric substitution of 20% kcal (E) from almonds (CHOhigh + almonds), and a lower-CHO reference diet (CHOlow) in 9 men and 15 women who were overweight or obese. The two CHOhigh diets contained 50% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 35% fat (6% saturated, 21% monounsaturated, 8% polyunsaturated), while the CHOlow diet contained 25% carbohydrate, 28% protein, 47% fat (8% saturated, 28% monounsaturated, 8% polyunsaturated). Lipoprotein subfraction concentrations were measured by ion mobility. Results: Relative to the CHOlow diet: 1) the CHOhigh +almonds diet significantly increased small, dense LDLIIIa (mean difference ± SE: 28.6±10.4nmol/L, P=0.008), and reduced LDL-peak diameter (−1.7±0.6Å, P=0.008); 2) the CHOhigh diet significantly increased medium-sized LDLIIb (24.8±11.4nmol/L, P=0.04) and large VLDL (3.7±1.8 nmol/L, P=0.05). Relative to CHOlow, the effects of CHOhigh on LDLIIIa (17.7±10.6nmol/L) and LDL-peak diameter (−1.1±0.6Å) were consistent with those of CHOhigh + almonds, and the effects of CHOhigh +almonds on LDLIIb (21.0± 11.2nmol/L) and large VLDL (2.8±1.8nmol/L) were consistent with those of CHOhigh, but did not achieve statistical significance (P>0.05). None of the variables examined showed a significant difference between the CHOhigh + almonds and CHOhigh diets (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our analyses provided no evidence that deriving 20% E from almonds significantly modifies increases in levels of small, dense LDL or other plasma lipoprotein changes induced by a higher carbohydrate low saturated fat diet in individuals with increased abdominal adiposity.

Effects of almond consumption on metabolic and liver function in overweight and obese adults with elevated fasting blood glucose: A randomized controlled trial.

Bowen, J., N.D. Luscombe-Marsh, W. Stonehouse, C. Tran, G.B. Rogers, N. Johnson, C.H. Thompson, G.D. Brinkworth, 2019. Effects of almond consumption on metabolic and liver function in overweight and obese adults with elevated fasting blood glucose: A randomized controlled trial. Clin. Nutr. ESPEN 30:10-18.

Background: Almonds are a rich source of bioactive components. This study examined the effects of daily almond consumption on glycaemic regulation, liver fat concentration and function, adiposity, systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic health. Methods: 76 adults with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or T2D (age: 60.7 ± 7.7 years, body mass index: 33.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to daily consumption of either 2 servings of almonds (AS:56 g/day) or an isocaloric, higher carbohydrate biscuit snack (BS) for 8 weeks. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), glycaemic variability (GV), liver fat, serum aminotransferases, body weight and composition, markers of cardio-metabolic risk and systemic inflammation were assessed at baseline and week 8. Results: No group differential effects were observed on HbA1c, GV, body weight and composition, liver fat and aminotransferases, cardio-metabolic health and inflammatory markers (all P > 0.05). For serum TC/HDL-C ratio a significant gender × treatment × time interaction occurred (P < 0.01), such that in women TC/HDL-C ratio was significantly reduced after AS compared to BS (-0.36 [0.26] mmol/L [n = 14] vs. -0.14 [0.32] mmol/L [n = 17]; P = 0.05), but not in men (P = 0.52). Conclusions: Compared to BS, AS consumed between meals did not substantially alter glycaemic regulation, liver fat or function, adiposity, and metabolic health and inflammatory markers. Serum TC/HDL-C ratio improved in women, but not in men with AS; but as this sub-analysis was not defined a priori the results should be interpreted with caution. Further research should examine the longer-term health effects of regular almond consumption and differential gender responses.

Consumption of Brazil nuts with high selenium levels increased inflammation biomarkers in obese women: A randomized controlled trial.

G.B.S. Duarte, B.Z. Reis, M.M. Rogero, E. Vargas-Mendez, F.B. Júnior, C. Cercato, S.M.F. Cozzolino, 2019. Consumption of Brazil nuts with high selenium levels increased inflammation biomarkers in obese women: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrition. 63-64:162-168.

Objective: Increased inflammatory response is an important factor in the pathophysiology of obesity. The mineral selenium (Se), of which one of the main food sources is the Brazil nut, has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions through the action of selenoproteins. Thus, the evaluation of the influence of this micronutrient in this context is of great relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Brazil nut intake with high Se concentrations on inflammatory biomarkers and its relation to Se status in obese women. Methods:A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with 55 women recruited at Clinical Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were randomly assigned to either the Brazil nut group (BN) or the control group (CO) and followed up for 2 mo. The BN group consumed 1 unit/d of Brazil nuts (∼ 1261 μg/Se); the CO group did not receive any intervention. At baseline and after 2 mo, analysis of biochemical parameters related to Se status, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were performed. Results:At baseline, both groups did not present Se deficiency. In the BN group, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all Se biomarkers and in gene expression of several proinflammatory parameters (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4) were observed after the intervention period. No changes were observed for the CO group. Conclusion:Although there were no changes in plasma inflammatory biomarkers levels, a significant increase in gene expression may be an indication of a proinflammatory stimulus in obesity, induced by the consumption of Brazil nuts with high Se levels.

A hazelnut-enriched diet modulates oxidative stress and inflammation gene expression without weight gain.

Di Renzo, L., G. Cioccoloni, S. Bernardini, L. Abenavoli, V. Aiello, M. Marchetti, A. Cammarano, I. Alipourfard, I. Ceravolo, S. Gratteri, 2019. A hazelnut-enriched diet modulates oxidative stress and inflammation gene expression without weight gain. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019:4683723. doi: 10.1155/2019/4683723. PMID: 31354906; PMCID: PMC6637671.

Introduction. Inflammation is associated with obesity condition and plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of many chronic diseases. Among several nutraceutical foods, hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) are considered an excellent anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic food being the second richest source of monounsaturated fatty acids among nuts and because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Materials and Methods. A prospective pilot clinical trial on 24 healthy volunteers who consumed daily, as a snack, 40 g of hazelnuts (261.99 kcal/1096.17 kJ) for six weeks was conducted. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and nutrigenomic analysis on 12 anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after hazelnut intervention (T1). Results. No significant changes were detected on body composition analysis after hazelnut consumption. Conversely, significant upregulation was detected for SOD1 (2−ΔΔCt = 2.42), CAT (2−ΔΔCt = 2.41), MIF (2−ΔΔCt = 4.12), PPARγ (2−ΔΔCt = 5.89), VDR (2−ΔΔCt = 3.61), MTHFR (2−ΔΔCt = 2.40), and ACE (2−ΔΔCt = 2.16) at the end of the study. Conclusions. According to emerging evidences, hazelnut consumption does not lead to weight gain probably due to the improvement of the body’s antioxidant capacity by the upregulation of genes implied in oxidant reactions and inflammation.

Time and intervention effects of daily almond intake on the changes of lipid profile and body composition among free-living healthy adults.

Liu, X., H.-J. Hwang, H.-S. Kim, H. Park, 2018. Time and intervention effects of daily almond intake on the changes of lipid profile and body composition among free-living healthy adults. J Med Food. 21(4):340-347.

Favorable health benefits of almond have been shown in several previous studies. However, repeated measures, randomized, controlled trials to investigate the changes due to almond intake based on the time effects have not yet been reported. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of daily almond intake on changes in body composition and lipid profiles for 20 weeks with four measurements among healthy adults. Participants in the almond group showed favorable changes on blood lipid profiles, including levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C) after consuming 56g of almond per day for 20 weeks compared with those at baseline. At week 20, subjects in the almond group showed significantly decreased TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TG, body fat mass, and waist–hip ratio compared with those of the control group who consumed isocaloric control food. The mixed model also confirmed that there were significant time effects in several bioimpedance indicators (i.e., total body protein, fat-free mass, etc.) and all of the lipid profile parameters in the almond group. These results confirm the effects of lipid-lowering and modifying body composition of almond consumption. In addition, our results suggest that the measuring time points would be critical to capture the effects of dietary intervention.

Glucoregulatory and Cardiometabolic Profiles of Almond vs. Cracker Snacking for 8 Weeks in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Dhillon, J., M. Thorwald, N. De La Cruz, E. Vu, S.A. Asghar, Q. Kuse, L.K. Diaz Rios, R.M. Ortiz, 2018. Glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic profiles of almond vs. cracker snacking for 8 weeks in young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 10, 960; doi:10.3390/nu10080960

Abstract: The transition to nutritional independence makes new college students vulnerable to alterations in eating patterns, which can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the potential benefits of almond vs. cracker snacking in improving glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic profiles in new college students. A randomized controlled, parallel-arm, 8-week intervention of 73 college students (BMI: 18–41 kg/m2) with no cardiometabolic disorders was conducted. Participants were randomized into either an almond snack group (56.7 g/day; 364 kcal; n = 38) or Graham cracker control group (77.5 g/day; 338 kcal/d; n = 35). Chronic, static changes were assessed from fasting serum/plasma samples at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks. Acute, dynamic effects were assessed during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 8 weeks. Almond snacking resulted in a smaller decline in HDL cholesterol over 8 weeks (13.5% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.05), 13% lower 2-h glucose area under the curve (AUC), 34% lower insulin resistance index (IRI) and 82% higher Matsuda index (p < 0.05) during the OGTT, despite similar body mass gains over 8 weeks compared with the cracker group. In general, both almond and cracker snacking reduced fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol. Conclusions: Incorporating a morning snack in the dietary regimen of predominantly breakfast-skipping, first-year college students had some beneficial effects on glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic health. Almond consumption has the potential to benefit postprandial glucoregulation in this cohort. These responses may be influenced by cardiometabolic risk factor status.

A pecan-rich diet improves cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial.

McKay, D.L., M. Eliasziw, C.Y.O. Chen, J.B. Blumberg, 2018. A pecan-rich diet improves cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2018, 10, 339; doi:10.3390/nu10030339.

Evidence from observational and intervention studies has shown a high intake of tree nuts is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality from type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and all-cause mortality. However, there is limited data regarding their effects on indicators of cardiometabolic risk other than hypercholesterolemia, and little is known about the demonstrable health benefits of pecans (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch). We conducted a randomized, controlled feeding trial to compare the effects of a pecan-rich diet with an isocaloric control diet similar in total fat and fiber content, but absent nuts, on biomarkers related to CVD and T2DM risk in healthy middle-aged and older adults who are overweight or obese with central adiposity. After 4 weeks on a pecan-rich diet, changes in serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-β) were significantly greater than after the control diet (p < 0.05). Pecan consumption also lowered the risk of cardiometabolic disease as indicated by a composite score reflecting changes in clinically relevant markers. Thus, compared to the control diet, the pecan intervention had a concurrent and clinically significant effect on several relevant markers of cardiometabolic risk.

The effect of long-term weight-loss intervention strategies on the dynamics of pancreatic-fat and morphology: An MRI RCT study.

Tene, L., I. Shelef, D. Schwarzfuchs, Y. Gepner, A.Y. Meir, G. Tsaban, H. Zelicha, A. Bilitzky, O. Komy, N. Cohen, N. Bril, M. Rein, D. Serfaty, S. Kenigsbuch, Y. Chassidim, B. Sarusy, U. Ceglarek, M. Stumvoll, M. Blüher, J. Thiery, M.J. Stampfer, A. Rudich, I. Shai, 2018. The effect of long-term weight-loss intervention strategies on the dynamics of pancreatic-fat and morphology: An MRI RCT study. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 24:82-89.

Background & aims: The ability to mobilize pancreatic-fat and the meaning of decreased fat in the pancreas remain controversial. We followed the dynamics of pancreatic-fat and its morphology during various long weight-loss induced lifestyle-interventions. Methods: In isolated workplace with monitored/provided lunch, we randomly assigned healthy persons with abdominal obesity or dyslipidemia for one of two 18-month equal-caloric diets: low-fat (LF) or Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate (Med/LC, with provided 1oz walnuts/day), with or without added moderate exercise (supervised gym membership). We used magnetic-resonance-imaging to quantify pancreatic-fat and morphology. Results: At baseline, 277 eligible participants (mean age = 48 years; 88% men; pancreatic-fat = 17.4 ± 5.1%) had higher pancreatic-fat in men (17.7 ± 4.9% vs 14.9 ± 5.5% in women; p = 0.004). Following 18-month intervention (adherence = 86.3%) and moderate weight-loss (mean = −3.0 ± 5.5 kg), pancreatic-fat decreased moderately but significantly (−0.26 ± 2.18% units; p = 0.049). Med/LC diet induced a greater decrease in pancreatic-fat compared to LF (p = 0.043), and the combination of Med/LC diet + exercise exhibited the highest reduction (−0.69% units) as compared to LF diet without exercise (+0.12%units; p = 0.027 between groups). In multivariate regression models, after further adjusted for visceral adipose-tissue (ΔVAT), pancreatic-fat loss associated with both decreases in pancreatic-morphology ratio (perimeter divided by area; beta = 0.361; p < 0.001) and superficial-subcutaneous adipose-tissue loss (beta = 0.242; p = 0.001), but not with changes in intrahepatic-fat (beta = −0.034; p = 0.638). Pancreatic-fat loss associated with increased intake of polyunsaturated-fat (beta = −0.137; p = 0.032), as with improved high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL; beta = −0.156; p = 0.023) and triglycerides/HDL ratio (beta = 0.162; p = 0.015), independently of ΔVAT, but not with glycemic–control parameters (e.g. HbA1c, HOMA-IR and HOMA-beta; p > 0.2 for all). Conclusions: Pancreatic-fat loss is mainly associated with improved lipid, rather than glycemic profiles. Med/LC diet, mostly with exercise, may benefit pancreatic-fat loss. Pancreatic-morphology could serve as a biomarker of pancreatic-fat state.

Daily walnut consumption favourably changed lipid profiles among Korean subjects with higher waist circumference.

Song, E.K., Y. Liu, H.S. Kim, H. Park, 2018. Daily walnut consumption favourably changed lipid profiles among Korean subjects with higher waist circumference. Acta Scientific Nutritional Health. 2.5:21-26.

Even though many studies have shown that walnuts have beneficial effects on lipid profiles in various populations, there have been limited data on the effects of walnuts in Korean populations. We examined not only the effects of walnut intake on lipid profiles among Korean adults but also focused on the sub-classification by waist circumference (WC). 89 subjects out of 119 completed trial with daily consumption of 45 g of walnuts for 16 weeks. Blood lipid profiles including triglycerides (TG), non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B, anthropometric measurements (WC, weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure) and glucose metabolism parameters including fasting blood sugar and insulin levels were assessed. Whose WC was greater than 85 cm for female and 90 cm for male were classified as higher WC group (n=48) and others were classified as normal WC group (n=41). Blood levels of non-HDL-C, LDL-C, TC and apolipoprotein B were improved after daily consumption of 45 g of walnuts (P=0.003, P=0.011, P=0.002, and P=0.012, respectively) compared to baseline levels. Systolic blood pressure, TG, non-HDL-C, LDL-C and TC were significantly decreased in the higher WC groups (P=0.048, P=0.002, P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively) compared to normal WC group. The results suggest that consuming 45 g of walnuts daily for 16 weeks had beneficial effects on lipid profiles in general, and these results were even much stronger among the subjects with abdominal obesity as waist circumference compared to those with non-abdominal obesity.

Effect of individualised dietary advice for weight loss supplemented with walnuts on blood pressure: the HealthTrack study.

Ndanuko, R.N., L.C. Tapsell, K.E. Charlton, E.P. Neale, M.J. Batterham, 2018. Effect of individualised dietary advice for weight loss supplemented with walnuts on blood pressure: the HealthTrack study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 72(6):894-903.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In addition to weight-loss, healthy dietary patterns and lower sodium intakes can help reduce blood pressure (BP), but individualised dietary advice may be necessary to achieve these effects. This study aimed to examine the impact of individualised dietary advice on BP in the intensive phase of a weight-loss trial. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary analysis of baseline and 3-month data from the HealthTrack randomised controlled trial (n = 211). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three dietary advice groups: general advice (control), individualised advice (intervention group, I), or intervention group supplemented with 30 g walnuts/day (IW). Resting BP and 24-h urine sodium and potassium were measured. Dietary intake was evaluated through diet history interviews. RESULTS: Unadjusted SBP reduced significantly in all groups (IW and I groups P < 0.001; control group P = 0.002) and DBP in IW and I groups (P < 0.001). Compared to controls, the reductions in BP were 3-4 mmHg greater in the I and IW groups, but this only reached significance for DBP in the I group (-3.3 mmHg; P = 0.041). After controlling for age, sex, medication, weight-loss, physical activity and smoking, only the IW group showed a significant association between SBP reduction and increased urinary potassium (β = -0.101, P = 0.044), decreased sodium:potassium ratio (β = 2.446, P = 0.037) and increased consumption of seed and nut products and dishes (β = -0.108, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns with distinctive foods and lower sodium:potassium ratios may enhance the effects of weight-loss on BP. The patterns were best achieved with individualised dietary advice and food supplements.