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Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Intervention on Maternal Stress, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality throughout Gestation-The IMPACT-BCN Trial.
Casas, I, Nakaki, A, Pascal, R, Castro-Barquero, S, Youssef, L, Genero, M, Benitez, L, Larroya, M, Boutet, ML, Casu, G, et al
Nutrients. 2023;15(10)
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Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. Mental disorders can appear before pregnancy, with a changing course during pregnancy and postpartum. During pregnancy, evidence has been provided regarding the potential beneficial effects that structured dietary interventions based on a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) can have, not only on pregnant women, but also their offspring and the pregnancy itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a structured intervention during pregnancy based on a MedDiet on maternal stress and anxiety, mindful state, quality of life and sleep. This study is a parallel, unblinded randomised clinical trial. Participants - pregnant women at high risk for small-for-gestational-age newborns - were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of the three study groups: a MedDiet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and walnuts; a stress reduction intervention based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme; or usual care without any intervention (control group). Results show that an intervention based on MedDiet during pregnancy: - significantly improved well-being and sleep quality. - is associated with a reduction in maternal anxiety/stress, together with an increase in the cortisol-deactivating enzyme. Authors conclude that a MedDiet intervention significantly reduces maternal anxiety and stress, as well as improving well-being and sleep quality during gestation.
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are frequent occurrences among pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy on maternal stress, well-being, and sleep quality throughout gestation. In a randomized clinical trial, 1221 high-risk pregnant women were randomly allocated into three groups at 19-23 weeks' gestation: a Mediterranean diet intervention, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, or usual care. All women who provided self-reported life-style questionnaires to measure their anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), well-being (WHO Five Well Being Index (WHO-5)), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)) at enrollment and at the end of the intervention (34-36 weeks) were included. In a random subgroup of 106 women, the levels of cortisol and related metabolites were also measured. At the end of the intervention (34-36 weeks), participants in the Mediterranean diet group had significantly lower perceived stress and anxiety scores (PSS mean (SE) 15.9 (0.4) vs. 17.0 (0.4), p = 0.035; STAI-anxiety mean (SE) 13.6 (0.4) vs. 15.8 (0.5), p = 0.004) and better sleep quality (PSQI mean 7.0 ± 0.2 SE vs. 7.9 ± 0.2 SE, p = 0.001) compared to usual care. As compared to usual care, women in the Mediterranean diet group also had a more significant increase in their 24 h urinary cortisone/cortisol ratio during gestation (mean 1.7 ± SE 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± SE 0.1, p < 0.001). A Mediterranean diet intervention during pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in maternal anxiety and stress, and improvements in sleep quality throughout gestation.
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Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Are Associated With Age-Related Endothelial Dysfunction in Men With Low Testosterone.
Babcock, MC, DuBose, LE, Witten, TL, Stauffer, BL, Hildreth, KL, Schwartz, RS, Kohrt, WM, Moreau, KL
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2022;107(2):e500-e514
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Serum testosterone declines gradually with age at a rate of ~1% per year after the third decade. Vascular aging, featuring endothelial dysfunction mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a major risk factor for the development of age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low testosterone on cardiovascular aging in men. This study is a cross-sectional study which recruited 58 healthy men of all races/ethnic backgrounds aged 50-75 years (middle-aged/older) and 18-40 years (young). Results show that middle-aged/older men with lower testosterone have evidence of “accelerated” vascular aging, as indicated by a greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction of large arteries compared with their age-matched peers. The greater macrovascular endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged/older men with chronically low testosterone was independent of CVD risk factors or symptoms of androgen deficiency. Furthermore, increased systemic oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanistically linked to the greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged/older men with lower testosterone. Authors conclude that normal physiological levels of testosterone may be beneficial to cardiovascular health by attenuating the age-related decline in endothelial function.
Abstract
CONTEXT Vascular aging, including endothelial dysfunction secondary to oxidative stress and inflammation, increases the risk for age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low testosterone in middle-aged/older men is associated with increased CVD risk. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that low testosterone contributes to age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 58 healthy, nonsmoking men categorized as young (N = 20; age 29 ± 4 years; testosterone 500 ± 58 ng/dL), middle-aged/older with higher testosterone (N = 20; age 60 ± 6 years; testosterone 512 ± 115 ng/dL), and middle-aged/older lower testosterone (N = 18; age 59 ± 8 years; testosterone 269 ± 48 ng/dL). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMDBA) was measured during acute infusion of saline (control) and vitamin C (antioxidant). Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status and oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6 and C-reactive protein [CRP]), and androgen deficiency symptoms were also examined. RESULTS During saline, FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older compared with young, regardless of testosterone status (P < 0.001). FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older lower testosterone (3.7% ± 2.0%) compared with middle-aged/older higher testosterone (5.7% ± 2.2%; P = 0.021), independent of symptoms. Vitamin C increased FMDBA (to 5.3% ± 1.6%; P = 0.022) in middle-aged/older lower testosterone but had no effect in young (P = 0.992) or middle-aged/older higher testosterone (P = 0.250). FMDBA correlated with serum testosterone (r = 0.45; P < 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.41; P = 0.002), and CRP (r = -0.28; P = 0.041). CONCLUSION Healthy middle-aged/older men with low testosterone appear to have greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. These data suggest that low testosterone concentrations may contribute to accelerated vascular aging in men.
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Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
Noah, L, Dye, L, Bois De Fer, B, Mazur, A, Pickering, G, Pouteau, E
Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress. 2021;37(5):1000-1009
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Stress and low magnesemia are shown to be linked by previous research evidence. Additionally, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been shown to have stress-relieving and neuromodulating effects. This 1:1 randomised, investigator-blinded, parallel-group trial compared the effectiveness of magnesium alone and a combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 in participants with moderate to severe stress on mental and physical health. Participants consumed 300 mg magnesium lactate dihydrate daily with 30 mg Vitamin B6 or 300 mg magnesium lactate dihydrate daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with magnesium with or without vitamin B6 improved depression and anxiety, specifically a significant improvement observed after week four of the intervention. Quality of life improvements were sustained over 8 weeks among participants with magnesemia. Combined supplementation of magnesium and vitamin B6 increased the perceived capacity for physical activity in participants. Further robust research is needed to evaluate the combined effects of vitamin B6 and magnesium on stress-related mental health in people with magnesemia. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to better understand magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation's positive effects on stress-related mental health.
Abstract
Magnesium status and vitamin B6 intake have been linked to mental health and/or quality of life (QoL). In an 8-week Phase IV randomised controlled study in individuals with low magnesemia and severe/extremely severe stress but who were otherwise healthy, greater stress reduction was achieved with magnesium combined with vitamin B6 than with magnesium alone. We present a previously unreported secondary analysis of the effect of magnesium, with and without vitamin B6, on depression, anxiety, and QoL. Adults with Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42) stress subscale score >18 were randomised 1:1 to magnesium + vitamin B6 combination (Magne B6® ; daily dose 300 and 30 mg, respectively) or magnesium alone (Magnespasmyl® ; daily dose 300 mg). Outcomes included changes from baseline in DASS-42 depression and anxiety scores, and QoL (Short Form-36 Health Survey). DASS-42 anxiety and depression scores significantly improved from baseline to week 8 with both treatments, particularly during the first 4 weeks. Improvement in QoL continued over 8 weeks. Participants' perceived capacity for physical activity in daily life showed greater improvement with magnesium + vitamin B6 than magnesium alone (Week 4). In conclusion, magnesium supplementation, with or without vitamin B6, could provide a meaningful clinical benefit in daily life for individuals with stress and low magnesemia.
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Effects of Probiotic NVP-1704 on Mental Health and Sleep in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Lee, HJ, Hong, JK, Kim, JK, Kim, DH, Jang, SW, Han, SW, Yoon, IY
Nutrients. 2021;13(8)
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Dietary changes directly alter the gut microbiome composition. A diversified gut microbiome may have therapeutic implications for mental health, and specific strains of probiotics have shown the potential to treat depression and anxiety. Several preclinical trials have found the probiotic mixture NVP-1704 to alleviate depression and anxiety in mice through modulating the gut-brain-microbiome axis. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was to examine the efficacy and safety of NVP-1704 for the management of depression, anxiety and insomnia in healthy adults. A total of 156 healthy adults with subclinical depression, anxiety and insomnia were randomised to receive either NVP-1704 or placebo for eight weeks. Participants completed various questionnaires and biomarkers of stress and inflammation were assessed. After eight weeks, this study found that NVP-1704 to be a safe and well-tolerated probiotic with beneficial effects on depression, sleep quality, inflammation and gut microbiome composition in healthy adults. Based on this study, the authors conclude the therapeutic effects of NVP-1704 previously found in preclinical mice trials may now be translated to clinical trials. The authors suggest large, highly controlled, longitudinal human studies be conducted in the future to further confirm the benefits of probiotics on mental health and sleep.
Abstract
The human gut microbiome is closely linked to mental health and sleep. We aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of probiotic NVP-1704, a mixture of Lactobacillus reuteri NK33 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis NK98, in improving stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, along with the measurement of some blood biomarkers. A total of 156 healthy adults with subclinical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were retrospectively registered and randomly assigned to receive either NVP-1704 (n = 78) or a placebo (n = 78) for eight weeks. Participants completed the Stress Response Inventory, Beck's Depression and Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Insomnia Severity Index at baseline, at four and eight weeks of treatment. Pre- and post-treatment blood tests for biomarkers were conducted. After intervention, gut microbiota composition was quantified by pyrosequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The NVP-1704 group had a more significant reduction in depressive symptoms at four and eight weeks of treatment, and anxiety symptoms at four weeks compared to the placebo group. Those receiving NVP-1704 also experienced an improvement in sleep quality. NVP-1704 treatment led to a decrease in serum interleukin-6 levels. Furthermore, NVP-1704 increased Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillacea, whereas it decreased Enterobacteriaceae in the gut microbiota composition. Our findings suggest that probiotic NVP-1704 could be beneficial for mental health and sleep.
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Differential Health Effects on Inflammatory, Immunological and Stress Parameters in Professional Soccer Players and Sedentary Individuals after Consuming a Synbiotic. A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.
Quero, CD, Manonelles, P, Fernández, M, Abellán-Aynés, O, López-Plaza, D, Andreu-Caravaca, L, Hinchado, MD, Gálvez, I, Ortega, E
Nutrients. 2021;13(4)
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Synbiotic, a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics, is known to improve neurotransmitter interactions, immune, inflammatory, and stress responses by modulating the gut microbial composition. It is also believed that physical activity plays an important role in the modulation of immune function and stress response. The purpose of this triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study was to evaluate the health benefits of symbiotic intervention in fourteen sedentary students and thirteen soccer players, especially in terms of improving immunophysiological and metabolic parameters. The 300mg of symbiotic intervention contained Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, Bifidobacterium longum ES1(109 colony-forming unit), and fructooligosaccharides (200 mg) plus 1.5 mg of zinc, 8.25 µg of selenium, 0.75 µg of vitamin, and maltodextrin. Following a one-month intervention with synbiotic formulation, soccer players showed improvements in anxiety, sleep quality and stress, a slight reduction in proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, an exercise-induced significant increase in dopamine and a slight elevation of corticotropin-releasing hormone. For confirmation of results of this pilot study and to assess more significant effects of symbiotic intervention in athletes as well as in the general population, longer-term robust studies are required. The findings of this study can help healthcare professionals understand the extensive health benefits of synbiotic intervention and its relationship to physical activity.
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to carry out an experimental study, triple-blind, on the possible immunophysiological effects of a nutritional supplement (synbiotic, Gasteel Plus®, Heel España S.A.U.), containing a mixture of probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, and Bifidobacterium longum ES1, as well as the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, on both professional athletes and sedentary people. The effects on some inflammatory/immune (IL-1β, IL-10, and immunoglobulin A) and stress (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol) biomarkers were evaluated, determined by flow cytometer and ELISA. The effects on metabolic profile and physical activity, as well as on various parameters that could affect physical and mental health, were also evaluated via the use of accelerometry and validated questionnaires. The participants were professional soccer players in the Second Division B of the Spanish League and sedentary students of the same sex and age range. Both study groups were randomly divided into two groups: a control group-administered with placebo, and an experimental group-administered with the synbiotic. Each participant was evaluated at baseline, as well as after the intervention, which lasted one month. Only in the athlete group did the synbiotic intervention clearly improve objective physical activity and sleep quality, as well as perceived general health, stress, and anxiety levels. Furthermore, the synbiotic induced an immunophysiological bioregulatory effect, depending on the basal situation of each experimental group, particularly in the systemic levels of IL-1β (increased significantly only in the sedentary group), CRH (decreased significantly only in the sedentary group), and dopamine (increased significantly only in the athlete group). There were no significant differences between groups in the levels of immunoglobulin A or in the metabolic profile as a result of the intervention. It is concluded that synbiotic nutritional supplements can improve anxiety, stress, and sleep quality, particularly in sportspeople, which appears to be linked to an improved immuno-neuroendocrine response in which IL-1β, CRH, and dopamine are clearly involved.
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Psychological and Sleep Effects of Tryptophan and Magnesium-Enriched Mediterranean Diet in Women with Fibromyalgia.
Martínez-Rodríguez, A, Rubio-Arias, JÁ, Ramos-Campo, DJ, Reche-García, C, Leyva-Vela, B, Nadal-Nicolás, Y
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(7)
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Fibromyalgia is a syndrome with unknown cause, characterised by muscle pain and physical exhaustion and is especially common in women aged 20-55 years. Anxiety, mood disturbance and psychological disorders are also often reported. Two micronutrients found in food, which may be of benefit to fibromyalgia patients are tryptophan (TRY) and magnesium (MG). This randomised control trial aimed to determine the effects of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with TRY and MG in 22 women with fibromyalgia for 16 weeks. The results showed that supplementation improved anxiety, mood, eating disorders and body image, but did not affect sleep quality. It was concluded that Mediterranean diet supplemented with TRY and MG was of benefit to anxiety, depression and reduced eating disorders but did not affect sleep quality. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to recommend a Mediterranean diet enriched with TRY and MG to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in women with fibromyalgia.
Abstract
Anxiety, mood disturbance, eating and sleep disorders, and dissatisfaction with body image are prevalent disorders in women with fibromyalgia. The authors of this study aimed to determine the effects of tryptophan (TRY) and magnesium-enriched (MG) Mediterranean diet on psychological variables (trait anxiety, mood state, eating disorders, self-image perception) and sleep quality in women with fibromyalgia (n = 22; 49 ± 5 years old). In this randomized, controlled trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the placebo group. The intervention group received a Mediterranean diet enriched with high doses of TRY and MG (60 mg of TRY and 60 mg of MG), whereas the control group received the standard Mediterranean diet. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, Body Shape Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Profile of Mood States (POMS-29) Questionnaire, Eating Attitudes Test-26, and Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and 16 weeks after the intervention. Significant differences were observed between groups after the intervention for the mean scores of trait anxiety (p = 0.001), self-image perception (p = 0.029), mood disturbance (p = 0.001), and eating disorders (p = 0.006). This study concludes that tryptophan and magnesium-enriched Mediterranean diet reduced anxiety symptoms, mood disturbance, eating disorders, and dissatisfaction with body image but did not improve sleep quality in women with fibromyalgia.
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The Impact of Coconut Oil and Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Levels of IL-6, Anxiety and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
Platero, JL, Cuerda-Ballester, M, Ibáñez, V, Sancho, D, Lopez-Rodríguez, MM, Drehmer, E, Ortí, JER
Nutrients. 2020;12(2)
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with high levels of inflammation, especially the inflammatory molecule interleukin 6 (IL-6). Anxiety has been reported to be linked to inflammation and IL-6. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a naturally occurring chemical, which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been related to improvements in anxiety. This pilot study of 51 individuals with MS aimed to assess the impact of EGCG and coconut oil on IL-6 and anxiety over 4 months. The results showed that individuals receiving EGCG and coconut oil had decreased IL-6 and anxiety. However, the individuals who did not also showed decreased IL-6 but not anxiety. It was concluded that anxiety was decreased in individuals with MS when taking EGCG and coconut oil, but this does not appear to be as a direct result of decreased IL-6 levels. It may be due to the Mediterranean diet all participants were asked to follow during the intervention. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the relationship between IL-6 and anxiety in patients with MS.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the inflammatory nature of multiple sclerosis (MS), interleukin 6 (IL-6) is high in blood levels, and it also increases the levels of anxiety related to functional disability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) decreases IL-6, which could be enhanced by the anti-inflammatory effect of high ketone bodies after administering coconut oil (both of which are an anxiolytic). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of coconut oil and EGCG on the levels of IL-6, anxiety and functional disability in patients with MS. METHODS A pilot study was conducted for four months with 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, and the control group was prescribed a placebo. Both groups followed the same isocaloric Mediterranean diet. State and trait anxiety were determined before and after the study by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In addition, IL-6 in serum was measured using the ELISA technique and functional capacity was determined with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the body mass index (BMI). RESULTS State anxiety and functional capacity decreased in the intervention group and IL-6 decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS EGCG and coconut oil improve state anxiety and functional capacity. In addition, a decrease in IL-6 is observed in patients with MS, possibly due to the antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet and its impact on improving BMI.
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Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
de Oliveira, IJ, de Souza, VV, Motta, V, Da-Silva, SL
Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. 2015;18(1):11-8
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Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well known anti-oxidant that has been studied in relation to anxious behaviour triggered by stressful situations. This study set out to examine the effects of vitamin C (50mg per day) or placebo on 42 high school students in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Levels of anxiety were measured before and after a 14 day supplementation of vitamin C or placebo using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Plasma levels of vitamin C, heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. The results showed vitamin C supplementation reduced anxiety levels and increased plasma vitamin C levels. There was also a significant decrease in heart rate. There was no significant difference in blood pressure. The study concluded that vitamin C has a therapeutic affect on reducing anxiety levels. It was recommend high schools implement nutritional programs high in antioxidants such as vitamin C to reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.
Abstract
Vitamin C ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant that is involved in anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue and mood state in humans. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may trigger neuropsychological disorders. Antioxidants may play an important therapeutic role in combating the damage caused by oxidative stress in individuals that suffer from anxiety. In this context, it was hypothesized that oral vitamin C supplementation would reduce anxiety. However, few up to date studies have evaluated the consequences of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in humans. The present study examined the effects of oral vitamin C supplements in 42 high school students, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The students were given either vitamin C (500 mg day(-1)) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and blood pressure were measured before the intervention and then one day after the intervention. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each student before and after 14 days following supplementation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that vitamin C reduced anxiety levels and led to higher plasma vitamin C concentration compared to the placebo. The mean heart rates were also significantly different between vitamin C group and placebo control group. Present study results not only provide evidence that vitamin C plays an important therapeutic role for anxiety but also point a possible use for antioxidants in the prevention or reduction of anxiety. This suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C may be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety and improve academic performance.
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Lack of effect of high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal intake on stress-related mood and eating behavior.
Lemmens, SG, Martens, EA, Born, JM, Martens, MJ, Westerterp-Plantenga, MS
Nutrition journal. 2011;10:136
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Previous research has shown that overweight people may eat during times of stress, even in the absence of hunger. Alongside this, people are more likely to eat calorific ‘comfort’ foods to cope with feelings of stress, even though these foods may add to physiological stress levels. This study explored whether different macronutrients (protein vs carbohydrate) influenced stress-related eating behaviour. This was a randomized cross-over trial with 38 adults (19 men, 19 women) investigating the effects of a high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal on the stress-induced psychological mood response, the rewarding value of food (‘liking’ and ‘wanting’), and the stress-induced food choice and subsequent food intake. Participants were tested in four conditions: 1) a stress condition, with a consumption of a high-protein meal; 2) a rest condition, with a consumption of a high-protein meal; 3) a stress condition, with a consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal; 4) a rest condition, with a consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal. A difficult IQ test with not enough time to solve the questions was used to simulate the stress conditions, while an easy version of the test with plenty of time to solve the questions was used for the rest conditions. Food reward and food choice were measured using psychometric questionnaires, while the subsequent energy intake was calculated based on the consumed 'wanted' food items, chosen by the participants during the psychometric tests. The results of this study showed no greater feelings of satiety in the high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate groups, with no significant differences in food choice or intake between the groups following the stress/rest tests. Decreased ‘wanting’ and energy intake was only seen in participants with high tendency to overeat ("disinhibited eating pattern"), and only during the rest condition, after the consumption of a high-protein meal. This effect, however, disappeared under the stress condition. The authors conclude that the consumption of a high-protein meal, compared with a high-carbohydrate meal, appears to have limited impact on stress-related eating behaviour.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of meals with different macronutrients, especially high in carbohydrates, may influence stress-related eating behavior. We aimed to investigate whether consumption of high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meals influences stress-related mood, food reward, i.e. 'liking' and 'wanting', and post-meal energy intake. METHODS Participants (n = 38, 19m/19f, age = 25 ± 9 y, BMI = 25.0 ± 3.3 kg/m2) came to the university four times, fasted, once for a stress session receiving a high-protein meal, once for a rest session receiving a high-protein meal, once for a stress session receiving a high-carbohydrate meal and once for a rest session receiving a high-carbohydrate meal (randomized cross-over design). The high-protein and high-carbohydrate test meals (energy percentage protein/carbohydrate/fat 65/5/30 vs. 6/64/30) matched for energy density (4 kJ/g) and daily energy requirements (30%). Stress was induced using an ego-threatening test. Pre- and post-meal 'liking' and 'wanting' (for bread, filling, drinks, dessert, snacks, stationery (non-food alternative as control)) was measured by means of a computer test. Following the post-meal 'wanting' measurement, participants received and consumed their wanted food items (post-meal energy intake). Appetite profile (visual analogue scales), mood state (Profile Of Mood State and State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires), and post-meal energy intake were measured. RESULTS Participants showed increased feelings of depression and anxiety during stress (P < 0.01). Consumption of the test meal decreased hunger, increased satiety, decreased 'liking' of bread and filling, and increased 'liking' of placebo and drinks (P < 0.0001). Food 'wanting' decreased pre- to post-meal (P < 0.0001). The high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate test meal induced lower subsequent 'wanting' and energy intake (1.7 ± 0.3 MJ vs. 2.5 ± 0.4 MJ) only in individuals characterized by disinhibited eating behavior (factor 2 Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, n = 16), during rest (P ≤ 0.01). This reduction in 'wanting' and energy intake following the high-protein meal disappeared during stress. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of a high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate meal appears to have limited impact on stress-related eating behavior. Only participants with high disinhibition showed decreased subsequent 'wanting' and energy intake during rest; this effect disappeared under stress. Acute stress overruled effects of consumption of high-protein foods. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR1904). The protocol described here in this study deviates from the trial protocol approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Maastricht University as it comprises only a part of the approved trial protocol.
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Lysine fortification reduces anxiety and lessens stress in family members in economically weak communities in Northwest Syria.
Smriga, M, Ghosh, S, Mouneimne, Y, Pellett, PL, Scrimshaw, NS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2004;101(22):8285-8
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The risk of protein deficiency, particularly lysine, is high among communities that depend on wheat for their protein supply. In experimental animals, prolonged lysine inadequacy increases stress-induced anxiety, however the evidence of nutritional benefits for fortifying wheat with lysine is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether consuming lysine-fortified wheat for three months would reduce stress and anxiety in Northwest Syrian rural communities. This study indicated that lysine fortification significantly reduced anxiety in males. These results suggest that some stress responses among economically weak populations consuming wheat-based diets can be improved with lysine fortification.
Abstract
Lysine is a limiting amino acid in diets based on wheat as the staple. In experimental animals, prolonged dietary lysine inadequacy increases stress-induced anxiety. If observed in humans, such a result would have a strong implication for the relationship between nutrition and communal quality of life and mental health. As part of a 3-month randomized double-blind study, we tested whether lysine fortification of wheat reduces anxiety and stress response in family members in poor Syrian communities consuming wheat as a staple food. In the lysine-fortified group, the plasma cortisol response to the blood drawing as a cause of stress was reduced in females, as was sympathetic arousal in males as measured by skin conductance. Lysine fortification also significantly reduced chronic anxiety as measured by the trait anxiety inventory in males. These results suggest that some stress responses in economically weak populations consuming cereal-based diets can be improved with lysine fortification.