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Cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults with vitamin D deficiency in Ireland.
Lacey, LF, Armstrong, DJ, Royle, E, Magee, P, Pourshahidi, LK, Ray, S, Strain, JJ, McSorley, E
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2022;5(1):98-105
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Clinical vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration below <30nmol/L) increases the risk of excess mortality and disease. Vitamin D deficiency, as measured by serum 25(OH)D, is particularly high among older Irish adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults in Ireland, with year-round vitamin D deficiency. This study investigated three age groups: (1) ≥50 years, (2) ≥60 years and (3) ≥70 years. Results show that cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation is most robust in adults ≥70 years. Furthermore, the results of the cost-effectiveness analysis are most sensitive to the mortality risk reduction following vitamin D3 supplementation. Authors conclude by proposing the implementation of a GP-monitored, vitamin D3 supplementation programme for adults ≥70 years of age.
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults in Ireland, with year-round vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <30 nmol/L) (13% of Irish adults), from the perspective of the Health Service Executive. Methods: Three age groups were investigated: (1) ≥50 years, (2) ≥60 years and (3) ≥70 years. Based on the clinical literature, vitamin D3 supplementation may: (1) decrease all-cause mortality by 7% and (2) reduce hip fractures by 16% and non-hip fractures by 20%. A discount rate of 4% was applied to life years and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and healthcare costs. The annual healthcare costs per patient used in the model are based on the average annual health resource use over the 5-year time horizon of the model. Results: The cost/QALY estimates in all three age groups are below the usually acceptable cost-effectiveness threshold of €20 000/QALY. The most cost-effective and least costly intervention was in adults ≥70 years. For this age group, the average annual costs and outcomes would be approximately €5.6 million, 1044 QALYs gained, with a cost/QALY of approximately €5400. The results are most sensitive to the mortality risk reduction following vitamin D3 supplementation. Conclusion: The cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation is most robust in adults ≥70 years. Clinical uncertainty in the magnitude of the benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation could be further addressed by means of: (1) performing a clinical research study or (2) conducting a pilot/regional study, prior to reaching a decision to invest in a nationwide programme.
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Body weight, diabetes incidence vascular events and survival 15 years after very low calorie diet in community medical clinics in the UK.
Paisey, R, Daniels, C, Howitt, W, Greatorex, D, Campbell, C, Paisey, C, Paisey, R, Frost, J, Bromige, R
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2022;5(1):55-61
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The prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by implementing population-wide weight loss dietary strategies. A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) has been considered a successful dietary strategy for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. A total of 325 people participated in this long-term observational study. Female participants consumed 450 kcal/day, and male participants consumed 650 kcal/day for at least three months. This 15-year follow-up retrospective study looked at the effects of VLCD in obese participants. In the 15-year follow-up, only 5.9% of participants maintained >10kg weight loss. However, 95% of participants gained weight after 15 years. Ten participants went into diabetes remission after three months of VLCD intervention. The results showed no positive effects of VLCD on diabetes remission after 15 years. However, there was a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease among participants who had considerable weight loss after the VLCD intervention. Further robust studies are required to evaluate the relationship between weight loss and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the short-term benefits of VLCD and the long-term impact of the obesogenic environment on the health of the general population.
Abstract
Objective: To assess weight loss maintenance, diabetes status, mortality and morbidity 15 years after a very low calorie diet programme (VLCD) in patients with obesity. Design: General practice data bases were interrogated for subjects coded for group therapy with VLCD in the 1990s. Causes of death, occurrence of vascular disease and remission or development of diabetes were ascertained from patient records and national stroke and cardiovascular disease data bases. Results: 325 subjects engaged in the programme and had sufficient data for analysis. Baseline characteristics were: age 47.8±12. 8 years; body mass index (BMI) 36.1±6.8 kg/m2; 79.1% female/20.9% male; 13.5% had type 2 diabetes. After 15±4 years weight had changed from 97.9±19 kg at baseline to 100±20.8 kg. 10 with diabetes at baseline were in remission at 3 months, but only two remained in remission at 5 years. 50 new cases of type 2 diabetes and 11 of impaired fasting glucose developed during follow-up. Only 5.9% who remained healthy at follow-up had maintained >10% body weight reduction. Neither diabetes incidence nor diabetes free survival were related to percentage body weight lost during VLCD. Only baseline BMI was related to development of new impaired fasting glucose or diabetes by 15 years (p=0.007). 37 subjects had a cardiovascular event. Age (p=0.000002) and degree of weight loss after VLCD (p=0.03) were significantly associated with subsequent vascular events. Conclusion: Long-term maintenance of weight loss after VLCD was rare in this single centre retrospective study 15 years later. Glucose intolerance developed in 21.4%. Lasting remission of type 2 diabetes or prevention of later glucose intolerance were not achieved. Vascular events were more frequent in those who lost most weight. Risk management during weight regain should be studied in future to assess potential for reduction in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
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Longitudinal study of the effects of price and promotion incentives on purchases of unhealthy foods: evidence for restricting food promotions.
Kopasker, D, Ejebu, OZ, Norwood, P, Ludbrook, A
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2022;5(1):62-71
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The European Commission and WHO have updated their approach to addressing obesity and promoting healthy eating among the general population. Foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt provide little nutritional value and are calorie dense. Price interventions, like the levy introduced by the UK government, have effectively reduced consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks. Both the UK and Scottish governments have recently proposed legislation to restrict the promotion of unhealthy foods. This longitudinal regression analysis assessed the consumer microdata over time to determine the effectiveness of price, price promotions, and volume promotions in predicting reductions in household purchases of high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods. The results revealed that in-store promotions led to a significant increase in household purchasing. Volume promotions were more effective than price promotions, but they resulted in greater calorie intake per household. Additionally, there were significant differences in purchasing behaviour and income levels of households. Households with children tended to purchase more than those without. These findings suggest that policies aimed at limiting promotions may help reduce household purchases and consumption of HFSS foods. Healthcare professionals can utilise the outcomes of this review to comprehend the correlation between price and volume promotions on household buying and consumption of HFSS foods.
Abstract
Objectives: Taxes and restrictions on promotions have recently been proposed as policy instruments to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods. The objective of this study is to add to the limited evidence on the comparative effectiveness of price changes, price promotions and volume promotions in changing household purchasing of unhealthy foods, using biscuits, crisps and savoury snacks as examples. Design: Longitudinal regression analysis of consumer microdata. Setting: Secondary data on itemised household purchases of biscuits, crisps and savoury snacks from 2006 to 2012. Participants: Sample of 3024 households in Scotland. Main outcome measures: Changes in the number of calories (kcal) purchased in the product category by a household caused by changes in the price for the product category, any temporary in-store price promotions and any temporary in-store volume promotions. Changes are measured at the mean, median, 25th percentile and 75th percentile of the household purchasing distribution for the full sample. Subgroup analyses were conducted by household income band and for households with and without children. Results: Between product categories, the scale of purchasing response to incentives varies significantly. Within product categories, the mean calories (kcal) purchased by a household are more responsive to any volume promotion than to price or any price promotion for all product categories. As the volume of items purchased increases, households are less responsive to price, less responsive to any volume promotion and more responsive to any price promotion. Statistically significant differences are observed between household income groups in their response to price and promotion incentives within the biscuits category only. In cases where statistically significant differences are observed, households with children are more responsive to promotion and price incentives than households without children. Conclusions: For all product categories analysed (biscuits, crisps and savoury snacks), household purchasing is most responsive to any volume promotion. Therefore, assuming the response of consumers to incentives remains constant following legislation, the most effective policy instrument to reduce the calorie intake from these products may be a ban on volume promotions.
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Effectiveness of Therapeutic Patient Education Interventions in Obesity and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Correia, JC, Waqas, A, Huat, TS, Gariani, K, Jornayvaz, FR, Golay, A, Pataky, Z
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) account for the highest burden of non-communicable diseases. Obesity is also highly comorbid with type 2 DM with a prevalence of 8.5% among adults around the globe. The aims of this study were to present (a) a critical synthesis of the theoretical basis and development of therapeutic patient education (TPE) interventions for obesity and diabetes, and (b) quantitative evidence for the efficacy of these interventions across a range of biomedical, psychosocial and psychological outcomes. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of fifty-four randomised controlled trials. Results show that: - TPE interventions bring about significant improvements in biomedical outcomes among patients with DM and obesity. - there weren’t significant differences in the quality of life of participants undergoing TPE interventions (inconclusive as only data from two studies were considered). - interventions delivered through different media and delivery formats may be equally effective. Authors conclude that the use of electronic media such as short messaging services, website-based educational programs and animation media can be used to deliver TPE effectively.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity account for the highest burden of non-communicable diseases. There is increasing evidence showing therapeutic patient education (TPE) as a clinically and cost-effective solution to improve biomedical and psychosocial outcomes among people with DM and obesity. The present systematic review and meta-analysis present a critical synthesis of the development of TPE interventions for DM and obesity and the efficacy of these interventions across a range of biomedical, psychosocial and psychological outcomes. A total of 54 of these RCTs were identified among patients with obesity and diabetes and were thus qualitatively synthesized. Out of these, 47 were included in the quantitative synthesis. There was substantial heterogeneity in the reporting of these outcomes (I2 = 88.35%, Q = 317.64), with a significant improvement noted in serum HbA1c levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.272, 95% CI: 0.118 to 0.525, n = 7360) and body weight (SMD = 0.526, 95% CI: 0.205 to 0.846, n = 1082) in the intervention group. The effect sizes were comparable across interventions delivered by different modes and delivery agents. These interventions can be delivered by allied health staff, doctors or electronically as self-help programs, with similar effectiveness (p < 0.001). These interventions should be implemented in healthcare and community settings to improve the health outcomes in patients suffering from obesity and DM.
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Healthy Lifestyle Is Associated with Reduced Mortality in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Yu, C, Gao, J, Ge, X, Wang, X, Ding, Y, Tian, T, Xu, X, Guo, W, Wang, Q, Ge, Z, et al
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the predominant cause of chronic liver disease. Given the association between NAFLD and metabolic syndrome [11,12], lifestyle modification can improve patients’ life quality and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the joint association of several modifiable lifestyle factors with overall and cause-specific mortality among NAFLD individuals and depict the mortality risk of varied composite modes of lifestyle. This study is a large, nationally representative, population-based study. It is based on the NHANES III (1988–1994, the National Center for Health Statistics, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention), which used a complex multistage probability design to recruit a representative sample of participants. Results show a protective effect among NAFLD participants following a healthy lifestyle, particularly impacting CVD-related mortality. Notably, among the most common lifestyle factor combinations, the effect of risk reduction on mortality was particularly strong when smoking was avoided. Authors conclude that their findings can be a useful tool to help the general public and patients with NAFLD to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It is unclear whether a healthy lifestyle impacts mortality in the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to examine the joint association of several modifiable lifestyle factors with mortality risk for NAFLD patients. METHODS We collected lifestyle behavior data form the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III from 1988 to 1994 and follow-up data form NHANES III-linked mortality data through 2015. We estimated joint association between four healthy lifestyle factors (non-smoking, non-drinking, regular physical activity, a healthy diet) after NAFLD diagnosis and mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS During a median of 22.83 years of follow-up, 2932 deaths occurred. The risk of all-cause mortality decreased significantly with the healthy lifestyle scores increasing (p < 0.001). NAFLD patients with a favorable lifestyle (3 or 4 healthy lifestyle factors) reduced 36% of all-cause mortality and 43% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared with those with an unfavorable lifestyle (0 or 1 healthy lifestyle factor) (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50-0.81], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.37-0.88]). Compared with the non-NAFLD group, the number of NAFLD patients required to adhere to a favorable lifestyle to prevent one cardiovascular disease death in 20 years was fewer (77 vs. 125). CONCLUSIONS For the NAFLD patients, adopting a healthy lifestyle could significantly reduce their risk of death.
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Dietary Vitamin D Intake, Pain Incidence, and Pain Changes in Older Adults: The Seniors-ENRICA-1 Cohort.
Carballo-Casla, A, de Paz-Cantos, S, Ortolá, R, García-Esquinas, E, Sotos-Prieto, M, Banegas, JR, Rodríguez-Artalejo, F
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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A growing body of evidence supports foods and nutrients as a potential means to prevent and reduce pain. Among the most promising is vitamin D. Low serum vitamin D concentrations are frequent among older adults and have also been associated with conditions such as widespread pain, muscle pain, arthritis, and low-back pain. The aim of this study was to study the association of habitual dietary vitamin D intake with (1) pain incidence and (2) pain changes over a 5-year follow-up in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. This study is based on data from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 study, a cohort of community-dwelling adults ≥60 years in Spain. Results show that higher dietary vitamin D intake was associated with lower pain incidence and favourable pain changes over 5 years. These associations were consistent in main and sensitivity analyses and highlight the potential role of dietary vitamin D intake as an adjunctive pain prevention and management strategy. Authors conclude that diet is often measured with some error, can change over time, and its effects on health could be cumulative, larger observational studies with repeated assessment of vitamin D intake should replicate these findings.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D plays a role in bone health, pain signaling, and inflammation. We examined the largely unknown relation of dietary vitamin D intake with pain incidence and pain changes over time in older adults. METHODS Data were taken from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort, which included 950 individuals aged ≥60 years. Habitual vitamin D intake was assessed in 2012 with a validated diet history, and pain both in 2012 and 2017 with a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 6 (highest pain), according to its severity, frequency, and number of locations. Analyses on pain incidence and pain changes were performed in the 524 participants free of pain at baseline and the overall sample, respectively. RESULTS Higher dietary vitamin D intake was associated with lower 5-year pain incidence; the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.88 (0.79,0.99) for every 1-µg/day increase in vitamin D intake, and 0.49 (0.28,0.88) for the highest (>3.52 µg/day) vs. lowest (<1.85 µg/day) tertile. Dietary vitamin D intake (highest vs. lowest tertile) was also associated with 5-year favorable pain changes: the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of pain worsening vs. no change/pain improvement was 0.55 (0.36,0.86), and the β coefficient for changes in the pain scale was -0.56 (-1.03,-0.09). Similar results were found for pain severity, frequency, and number of pain locations. CONCLUSIONS In an older adult population, where compliance with vitamin D intake recommendations was very low, a slightly increased dietary intake was associated with lower pain incidence and favorable pain changes over 5 years.
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Association between Mediterranean Diet and Fatty Liver in Women with Overweight and Obesity.
Leone, A, Bertoli, S, Bedogni, G, Vignati, L, Pellizzari, M, Battezzati, A
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition resulting from excessive lipid accumulation in the liver in individuals with low alcohol consumption. Obesity is an established risk factor for the development of NAFLD, and 50% to 75% of people with obesity also have NAFLD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Mediterranean diet and non-invasive indices of fatty liver in a large sample of women with overweight and obesity. This study is a cross-sectional study of 2967 consecutive women with overweight and obesity. Results show that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower indices of fatty liver in women with overweight and obesity (particularly obese women than in women who are overweight). Authors conclude that women with obesity, especially during the premenopausal period, may benefit more from following a Mediterranean-style diet.
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for NAFLD. However, not all people with obesity have an excessive intrahepatic fat content. Adherence to a high-quality dietary pattern may also promote liver health in obesity. A cross-sectional study of 2967 women with overweight and obesity was carried out to assess the association between a Mediterranean diet and fatty liver. All women underwent clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, ultrasound measurements of abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat, and assessment of adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the 14-item MEDAS questionnaire. Fatty liver index (FLI), NAFLD fatty liver steatosis (NAFLD-FLS) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI) were calculated. In women with obesity, the MEDAS score was inversely associated with FLI (β = -0.60, 95% CI: -1.04, -0.16, p = 0.008), NAFLD-FLS (β = -0.092, 95% CI: -0.134, -0.049, p < 0.001) and HSI (β = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.30, -0.04, p = 0.011). Stronger associations were observed in premenopausal women with obesity. Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with NAFLD-FLS in women with overweight, independently of menopausal status. In conclusion, Mediterranean diet is associated with a better liver status in women with overweight and obesity. This may have a public health impact and be useful in drafting nutritional guidelines for NAFLD.
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The Effect of Resveratrol on Blood Lipid Profile: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Cao, X, Liao, W, Xia, H, Wang, S, Sun, G
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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It is well known that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death. Imbalances in the blood lipid levels, such as elevation of total cholesterol, Triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes, blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, peanuts, and knotweeds, has protective effects against cardiovascular disease. In this meta-analysis, 17 randomised controlled trials were included, with varying durations of 4 to 48 weeks and intervention dosages ranging from 10 to 3000 mg/day. According to the results of this meta-analysis, Resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol. In addition, the reduction in LDL cholesterol was more significant in type 2 diabetic patients when resveratrol was supplemented for 12 weeks or more. A crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of resveratrol supplementation is its dosage. High doses over 500 mg/day were found to have the opposite effect of increasing body mass index and body weight and suppressing the cardioprotective effect. The effects of different dosages and durations of resveratrol supplementation on cardiometabolic health require further robust research. Healthcare professionals may use the results of this study to understand the importance of careful consideration when supplementing resveratrol as a nutraceutical.
Abstract
(1) Background: The effects of resveratrol on blood lipids are controversial. Whether there is a dose-response of the lipid profile upon resveratrol supplementation is unknown. (2) Methods: This dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to explore the effects of resveratrol supplementation on lipid profile. A systematical and comprehensive search of several databases was conducted by 30 June 2022. (3) Results: The results indicated that the intake of resveratrol could significantly decrease the total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference = -10.28; 95%CI: -13.79, -6.76, p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (Mean difference = -856; 95%CI: -12.37, -4.75, p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = -5.69; 95%CI: -11.07, -0.31, p = 0.038) level, but did not alter the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In the non-linear dose-response analysis, we observed a significant effect of the supplementation dosage on the level of LDL-C (p-nonlinearity = 0.002). Results from the sub-group analysis showed that the reduction of LDL-C was more significant in the trials with a duration of ≥12 weeks and in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (4) Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that resveratrol may be beneficial to reduce TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the blood. The dosage of the resveratrol intervention is an essential factor that affects the level of LDL-C.
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Dietary Acid Load Was Positively Associated with the Risk of Hip Fracture in Elderly Adults.
Li, CF, Liu, YP, Liu, CY, Zhu, HL, Wu, BH, Li, BL, Chen, YM
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Osteoporosis causes huge disease and economic burdens worldwide. Hip fracture is deemed the most devastating result of osteoporosis owing to its high disability and mortality rate. Dietary acid load (DAL) is often used to evaluate the acid–base equilibrium state of the body. The aim of this study was to examine the association between DAL and the risk of hip fracture among middle-aged and older people (Chinese). This study is a large 1:1 matched case–control study with a total of 1070 (women, 795; men, 275) pairs of cases and controls. Results show that DAL had significant positive associations with the risk of hip fracture among middle-aged and older Chinese people especially in those with a lower body mass index - less than 23 kg/m2. Authors conclude that future prospective studies with objective DAL measures are required in order to further confirm the findings of this study.
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that dietary acid load (DAL) harms bone health, but the evidence is inconsistent and insufficient. This study examined the relationships between DAL and the risk of hip fracture. This case-control study contained 1070 pairs of 1:1 age-, city-, and gender-matched incident cases and controls (mean age, 71 years) recruited in Guangdong, China. Dietary information was collected using a validated 79-item food frequency questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. DAL was estimated based on established algorithms for the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Higher PRAL and NEAP were dose-dependently associated with a higher risk of hip fracture in both the conditional logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline analysis after adjusting for potential covariates. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios and 95% CI of hip fracture for tertiles 2 and 3 (vs. 1) of DAL were 1.63 (1.18, 2.25) and 1.92 (1.36, 2.71) for PRAL and 1.81 (1.30, 2.53) and 2.55 (1.76, 3.71) for NEAP in all participants (all p-trends < 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed more pronounced associations in participants with a lower body mass index. Our findings suggested positive associations between the estimated DAL and the risk of hip fractures in the elderly Chinese population.
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Acute Flaxseed Intake Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.
Moreira, FD, Reis, CEG, Welker, AF, Gallassi, AD
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Glucose levels tend to rise postprandially in patients with type 2 diabetes. Flaxseeds are known to have glycaemic control-improving properties and are rich in dietary fibre, alpha-linolenic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid and phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, lignans, flavonoids and tocopherols. Therefore, this randomised cross-over clinical trial evaluated the effects of ground raw golden flaxseeds on postprandial glycaemia induced by the consumption of complex carbohydrates in Type 2 diabetic patients. To assess the 2-hour postprandial glycaemic curve, 19 male Type 2 diabetics were randomly assigned either to consume 15 grams of ground raw gold flaxseeds 15 minutes before eating a standardised balanced breakfast or to consume a standardised balanced breakfast without ground flaxseeds. Compared to men who did not consume ground flaxseeds before their breakfast meal, those who ate 15 grams of ground flaxseed were able to lower their postprandial glucose levels by 24% and reduce their peak glucose levels by 17%. In order to generalise the results for the general population, further robust long-term studies are required to examine the beneficial effects of flaxseed on postprandial glycaemic excursions. This study can, however, assist healthcare professionals in implementing dietary strategies that include flaxseed to manage postprandial blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postprandial glycemic excursions are associated with impairment control of diabetes mellitus. Long-term consumption of flaxseed can lower blood glucose levels; however, its effects on the postprandial glycemic response remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of raw flaxseed consumption on the 2 h postprandial glycemic curve in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS This was a randomized crossover clinical trial. Nineteen men with T2DM were randomly assigned a standardized breakfast without (control) or with a previous intake of 15 g of ground raw golden flaxseed (flax). Glycemia was measured at fasting and postprandial at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Palatability markers (visual appeal, smell, and pleasantness of taste) and taste intensity (sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness, and creaminess) were evaluated. RESULTS The peak glucose rise and the 2 h AUC glycemic response reduced in the flax group by 17% (p = 0.001) and 24% (p < 0.001), respectively. The glucose peak time, palatability, and taste parameters did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Ingestion of 15 g of ground raw golden flaxseed before breakfast decreases the 2 h postprandial glycemic response in men with T2DM.