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Effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in children with obesity.
Visuthranukul, C, Chamni, S, Kwanbunbumpen, T, Saengpanit, P, Chongpison, Y, Tepaamorndech, S, Panichsillaphakit, E, Uaariyapanichkul, J, Nonpat, N, Chomtho, S
Scientific reports. 2022;12(1):13014
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The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen dramatically. Overweight and obese children are at risk of developing co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome, non-alcohol fatty liver disease and premature cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, obese children are highly prone to become obese adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prebiotic (as inulin) supplementation on body weight, adiposity, and metabolic profiles in obese Thai children. This study is a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Participants (n=165) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: inulin, placebo, and dietary fibre advice group. Results show that the intensive behavioural modification and frequent follow-up are effective strategies to reduce body mass index and adiposity in obese children. Furthermore, even though inulin supplementation did not demonstrate considerable effect on adiposity and metabolic outcomes, it can increase fat-free mass in these children. Authors conclude that further research regarding the change of gut microbiota composition and their metabolites are needed to determine inulin’s impact on host microbe interaction in obese paediatric population.
Abstract
Inulin might improve body composition in obese children. We aimed to determine the effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in obese children. A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study was conducted in obese Thai children aged 7-15 years. Participants were assigned to 3 treatment groups for 6 months: 13 g of extracted inulin powder from Thai Jerusalem artichoke, isocaloric maltodextrin, and dietary fiber advice groups. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. One-hundred and fifty-five children completed the study (mean age 10.4 ± 2.2 years, BMI z-score 3.2 ± 1.0, 59% male). The drop-out rate was 6%. The inulin extract yielded more than 90% compliance without significant gastrointestinal side effects. All three groups demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI z-score, fat mass index (FMI), and trunk FMI, but the differences between groups were not observed. Fat-free mass index significantly increased only in the inulin group (16.18 ± 1.90 vs. 16.38 ± 1.98 kg/m2, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the metabolic profiles between groups. Despite showing no substantial effect on adiposity, inulin may increase fat-free mass in obese children. Further research in the change of gut microbiota composition is needed to determine inulin's impact on host-microbe interaction in pediatric obesity.
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Combined berberine and probiotic treatment as an effective regimen for improving postprandial hyperlipidemia in type 2 diabetes patients: a double blinded placebo controlled randomized study.
Wang, S, Ren, H, Zhong, H, Zhao, X, Li, C, Ma, J, Gu, X, Xue, Y, Huang, S, Yang, J, et al
Gut microbes. 2022;14(1):2003176
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Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases particularly when combined with hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current diagnostic criteria and treatment targets are based on evaluating fasting lipidaemia (FL). However, increasing evidence has supported that a high level of non-fasting lipidaemia, mainly constituted by post-prandial lipidaemia (PL), is also an important CVD risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate how the combination treatment of berberine (BBR) and probiotics (Prob), or either one could exert benefit on lowering PL, and whether their impact on gut microbiota could contribute to this effect. This study is based on the PREMOTE trial, which was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 20 medical centres in China and enrolled newly diagnosed T2D patients. This lipidomic study included 365 of the 409 participants enrolled for the PREMOTE trial. Results showed that: - Prob+BBR combined therapy exerted a similar effect on reducing fasting lipidaemia with BBR alone but a superior effect on the levels of postprandial plasma total cholesterol and post-prandial low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to either BBR or Prob alone. - a substantial decrease in various lipid species after Prob+BBR treatment. Authors conclude that their findings proved the therapeutic effect of a combined treatment of oral administration of probiotics with berberine on improving PL in patients newly diagnosed with T2D and proposed a new gut microbiome related remedy for managing dyslipidaemia, covering both PL and FL, in patients with T2D.
Abstract
Non-fasting lipidemia (nFL), mainly contributed by postprandial lipidemia (PL), has recently been recognized as an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk as fasting lipidemia (FL). PL serves as a common feature of dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), albeit effective therapies targeting on PL were limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the therapy combining probiotics (Prob) and berberine (BBR), a proven antidiabetic and hypolipidemic regimen via altering gut microbiome, could effectively reduce PL in T2D and to explore the underlying mechanism. Blood PL (120 min after taking 100 g standard carbohydrate meal) was examined in 365 participants with T2D from the Probiotics and BBR on the Efficacy and Change of Gut Microbiota in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (PREMOTE study), a random, placebo-controlled, and multicenter clinical trial. Prob+BBR was superior to BBR or Prob alone in improving postprandial total cholesterol (pTC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (pLDLc) levels with decrement of multiple species of postprandial lipidomic metabolites after 3 months follow-up. This effect was linked to the changes of fecal Bifidobacterium breve level responding to BBR alone or Prob+BBR treatment. Four fadD genes encoding long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase were identified in the genome of this B. breve strain, and transcriptionally activated by BBR. In vitro BBR treatment further decreased the concentration of FFA in the culture medium of B. breve compared to vehicle. Thus, the activation of fadD by BBR could enhance FFA import and mobilization in B. breve and diliminish the intraluminal lipids for absorption to mediate the effect of Prob+BBR on PL. Our study confirmed that BBR and Prob (B. breve) could exert a synergistic hypolipidemic effect on PL, acting as a gut lipid sink to achieve better lipidemia and CVD risk control in T2D.
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Consuming a Protein and Fiber-Based Supplement Preload Promotes Weight Loss and Alters Metabolic Markers in Overweight Adults in a 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Glynn, EL, Fleming, SA, Edwards, CG, Wilson, MJ, Evans, M, Leidy, HJ
The Journal of nutrition. 2022;152(6):1415-1425
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One of the challenges of reduced-calorie diets is the inability to control appetite. Reductions in food intake can lead to the activation of neurological pathways that increase hunger and food cravings. Adjusting nutrient intake has the potential to serve as an effective strategy for increasing feelings of satiety, which can lead to improved appetite control. The aim of this study was to determine if greater weight loss and greater changes in body composition and metabolic outcomes could be achieved following a 12-wk energy-restricted diet that included twice-daily consumption of a protein and fibre-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement shake (HPF) compared with an isocaloric low-protein/lower-fibre placebo (LPF) in adults with overweight and obesity. This study is a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study. Two hundred and six healthy adults were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio. Results show that the habitual consumption of an HPF preload 30 min before breakfast and lunch resulted in greater weight loss compared with an isocaloric LPF preload in overweight/obese adults. In addition, improved metabolic outcomes were observed in the HPF group throughout the 84-d randomized controlled trial. Authors conclude that diet composition rather than energy reduction alone may influence the success of a weight-loss regimen, potentially including protein and fibre content.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher protein and fiber diets promote weight management and metabolic health. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine if greater weight loss and positive changes in metabolic outcomes could be achieved with twice-daily consumption of a high-protein and fiber-based multi-ingredient nutritional shake (HPF) compared with an isocaloric low-protein, lower fiber-based placebo (LPF). METHODS Study procedures were conducted by an independent research organization under clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT03057873. Healthy overweight and obese adults [n = 206; BMI (kg/m2): 27-35; 70% female] were randomly assigned to HPF or LPF. All participants were prescribed an energy-restricted diet (500 kcal/d less than energy needs) and consumed a HPF (17 g protein, 6 g fiber) or LPF (1 g protein, 3 g fiber) shake 30 min before breakfast and lunch for 12 wk. Primary outcomes included body weight and total body fat percentage. Blood samples were collected at days (D) 0, 28, 56, and 84 for secondary analyses related to metabolic markers of health. RESULTS Although weight loss occurred in both groups, HPF had greater weight loss at D84 compared with LPF (-3.3 kg vs. -1.8 kg, P < 0.05). Percentage body fat decreased in both groups (HPF: -1.33%, LPF: -1.09%; P < 0.001) with no differences between groups. Serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxidized LDL decreased between -5.1% to -8.3%, whereas adiponectin increased over time in both groups; these changes occurred to a greater extent in HPF compared with LPF (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A multi-ingredient HPF nutritional supplement shake consumed as a preload before breakfast and lunch positively influenced weight management and metabolic outcomes in overweight adults compared with an LPF placebo. These findings suggest that specific nutrient factors (i.e., potentially including protein, fiber, and bioactive content) other than calorie reduction alone influence the success of a weight-loss regimen. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03057873.
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A Randomized Controlled Trial of Fasting and Lifestyle Modification in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Effects on Patient-Reported Outcomes.
Jeitler, M, Lauche, R, Hohmann, C, Choi, KA, Schneider, N, Steckhan, N, Rathjens, F, Anheyer, D, Paul, A, von Scheidt, C, et al
Nutrients. 2022;14(17)
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The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterized by the presence of at least three cardiovascular risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia. The aim of this study was to assess effects of fasting followed by the Mind-Body Medicine in Integrative and Complementary Medicine (MICOM) lifestyle modification intervention in patients with MetS on patient-reported outcomes, compared to a lifestyle modification intervention only. This study is a single-blind, bicentre, randomized controlled study. Patients (n=145) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into one of the 2 groups: fasting and lifestyle modification or the lifestyle modification. They started with 2 vegan days (max. 1200 kcal/day), followed by 5 days of fasting (max. 350 kcal/day), and a stepwise reintroduction of food. Then they participated in the 10-week MICOM comprehensive multimodal lifestyle modification intervention with weekly 6-h sessions. Results show that after the multimodal lifestyle modification intervention, there were improvements for all outcome measures, namely quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, mood as well as self-efficacy, mindfulness, and self-compassion, which persisted at the follow-up after 24 weeks. Authors conclude that their findings show beneficial and clinically relevant effects of fasting and intensified lifestyle modification on quality of life and psychological parameters.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
For clients with Metabolic syndrome a 5-day fast consisting of max. 350 kcal/day, in conjunction with therapies that focus on improved emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioural factors may directly affect health and support improved mood.
Therapies include mindfulness and specific group training rooted in psycho-neuroendocrinology, and the use of formal meditation and gentle yoga exercises. As well as nutritional education included lectures, cooking workshops, as well as group support.
Bottom line: The use of complimentary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga and medication in conjunction with nutritional advice and may be effective to support improved mood in clients with Metabolic syndrome.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterised by the presence of at least three cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
The authors refer to epidemiological studies that have identified the role of psychological risk factors such as psychosocial stress, depression and anxiety in patients with MetS and cardiovascular disease.
This single-blind, bi-centre RCT assessed the effects of fasting followed by a comprehensive lifestyle modification program MICOM (Mind-Body Medicine in Integrative and Complementary Medicine) in 145 participants with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) (62.8% women; 59.7 ± 9.3 years) randomised to:
1. 5-day fasting followed by 10 weeks of lifestyle modification (F + LM; modified DASH diet, exercise, mindfulness; n = 73) or
2. 10 weeks of lifestyle modification only (LM; n = 72)
The study duration was 24 weeks occurring from April 2014 to December 2014, with the last follow-up assessment in December 2015. 73 Participants were randomised into an F + LM group and 72 participants into an LM group between the ages of 59 and 60.
Outcomes were assessed at weeks 0, 1, 12, and 24, for quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-36), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, CPSS), mood (Profile of Mood States, POMS), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS).
At week 1, POMS depression and fatigue scores were significantly lower in F + LM compared to LM. At week 12, most self-report outcomes improved in both groups—only POMS vigour was significantly higher in F + LM than in LM. Most of the beneficial effects within the groups persisted at week 24.
Clinical practice applications:
This randomised controlled trial highlights fasting-induced mood-modulating effects in the short term (<24 months).
LM induced several positive effects on quality of life and psychological parameters in participants with MetS.
The compliance rate for this study was good and there were no adverse effects reported suggesting a potentially effective lifestyle modification intervention for adults with metabolic syndrome.
The authors did note the extent to which participants adhered to the program by using stress reduction techniques at home was not assessed.
Considerations for future research:
MBM lifestyle modification intervention led to an improvement of self-efficacy, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Further studies to explore explanatory models for the effects of MBM are needed.
Mediating variables on mindfulness, self-efficacy, and compassion, and the effects on physical and psychological parameters, need to be examined more closely.
Future studies could use condition-specific questionnaires in addition to generic ones, which have previously been used to facilitate the comparison of the study results with those in the population.
Abstract
Lifestyle interventions can have a positive impact on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this randomized controlled trial, 145 participants with MetS (62.8% women; 59.7 ± 9.3 years) were randomized to (1) 5-day fasting followed by 10 weeks of lifestyle modification (F + LM; modified DASH diet, exercise, mindfulness; n = 73) or (2) 10 weeks of lifestyle modification only (LM; n = 72). Outcomes were assessed at weeks 0, 1, 12, and 24, and included quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, SF-36), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, CPSS), mood (Profile of Mood States, POMS), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS). At week 1, POMS depression and fatigue scores were significantly lower in F + LM compared to LM. At week 12, most self-report outcomes improved in both groups-only POMS vigor was significantly higher in F + LM than in LM. Most of the beneficial effects within the groups persisted at week 24. Fasting can induce mood-modulating effects in the short term. LM induced several positive effects on quality of life and psychological parameters in patients with MetS.
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The effect of high-polyphenol Mediterranean diet on visceral adiposity: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial.
Zelicha, H, Kloting, N, Kaplan, A, Yaskolka Meir, A, Rinott, E, Tsaban, G, Chassidim, Y, Bluher, M, Ceglarek, U, Isermann, B, et al
BMC medicine. 2022;20(1):327
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Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is one of the main key factors that differentiate between metabolic healthy and unhealthy obese individuals. VAT is closely related to the development of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The Mediterranean (MED) diet, high in polyphenol content and rich in plant food sources, was shown to have an enhanced effect on VAT reduction in combination with physical activity (PA), regardless of weight loss The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the MED diet, further enriched with polyphenols, and lower in red and processed meat (“green-MED diet”) on visceral adiposity in the 18-month Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial-Polyphenols, Unprocessed trial. This study is a randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups (1:1:1 ratio): healthy dietary guidelines, MED diet, or green-MED diet, all included PA recommendations, with a free gym membership and educational sessions promoting moderate-intensity PA. Results show that participants following the green-MED diet achieved more than twice the degree of VAT reduction compared to those following the MED diet, despite similar weight loss. In fact, VAT loss was specifically related to lower red meat intake and increased walnuts, green tea, Wolfa globosa, and dietary fibre (this was reflected by higher plasma polyphenol and serum folate levels). Authors conclude that a green-MED diet enriched with polyphenols and decreased red meat consumption might serve as an improved version of the MED diet for targeted VAT reduction.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- The positive health effects of the traditional MED diet, moderately high in PUFAs and MUFAs and low in red meat, are well-established
- Higher levels of total plasma polyphenol and serum folate may reflect higher consumption of “green” dietary components, which were significantly associated with greater VAT loss
- The green-MED diet, richer in dietary polyphenols and green plant-based proteins and lower in red meat, might be a more effective strategy for VAT loss than the traditional healthy MED diet, achieving more than twice the degree of VAT reduction, despite similar weight loss.
- VAT loss was specifically related to lower red meat intake and increased walnuts, green tea, Wolffia globosa, and dietary fibre and was reflected by higher plasma polyphenol and serum folate levels.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
A mediterranean (MED) diet is a rich source of polyphenols, which benefit adiposity by several mechanisms. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is one of the main factors that differentiate between metabolic healthy and unhealthy obese individuals.
In this Dietary Intervention Randomised Controlled Trial PoLyphenols UnproceSsed (DIRECT‐ PLUS) weight‐loss trial, 294 participants were randomised to: (A) healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), (B) MED, or (C) green‐MED diets, all combined with physical activity. The study duration was 18‐months.
This study explored the effect of the green‐MED diet, twice fortified in dietary polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the abdominal adipose tissues.
Both isocaloric (with the same calorific value) MED groups consumed 28 g/day of walnuts (+ 440 mg/day polyphenols). The green‐MED group further consumed green tea (3–4 cups/day) and Wolffia globosa (duckweed strain) plant green shake (100 g frozen cubes/day) (+ 800mg/day polyphenols) and reduced red meat intake.
The mean weight loss (HDG: −0.4% (5.0), MED: −2.7% (5.6), green-MED: −3.9% (6.5)) and WC loss (HDG: −3.6% (5.1), MED: −4.7% (5.0), green-MED: −5.7%(5.7)) after 18 months were similar between the two MED diets (p > 0.05 for all) and higher as compared to the HDG (weight: HDG vs. MED: p = 0.02; HDG vs. green+MED: p < 0.001; WC: HDG vs. MED: p = 0.33, HDG vs. green+MED: p = 0.02).
All three abdominal fat depots decreased over 18 months of intervention (p < 0.05 vs. baseline for all). The green-MED group achieved a greater reduction in VAT than the other intervention groups (HDG: −4.2% (22.5), MED: −6.0%(31.3), green-MED: −14.1%(27.7); p < 0.05 green-MED vs. MED or vs. HDG groups). These differences in VAT loss across the groups remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and 18-month WC change (green-MED vs. MED p = 0.023; green-MED vs. HDG p = 0.002) (Fig. 1)
Limitations of the study included a low proportion of women, and different VAT proportions at baseline across groups limit the generalisability of findings to women.
The authors of the study did not identify the exact components responsible for the dietary effects when they compared dietary regimens and not specific nutrients.
Adherence was by a validated, self-reported dietary intake assessment tool, which the authors acknowledge is subject to error
Strengths of the study included the relatively large sample size, high retention rate, and use of 3-T MRI measurements (considered one of the gold standards tools for the quantification of specific fat depots
Clinical practice applications:
- This trial shows that, when combined with a Mediterranean diet, higher dietary consumption of green tea, walnuts, and dietary fibre and reduced red meat consumption were significantly associated with greater %VAT loss
- The authors observed a significant synergistic interaction effect between decreased red meat consumption and increased serum folate on VAT loss
- A reduction in VAT accumulation, known as a key risk factor in CVD development, may reduce metabolic complications, improve the lipid profile, and decrease cardiometabolic risk.
Considerations for future research:
- Future studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms of specific polyphenol-rich foods on visceral adiposity.
- Future studies could explore whether the results are replicable in both male and female participants, as this sample was largely male.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediterranean (MED) diet is a rich source of polyphenols, which benefit adiposity by several mechanisms. We explored the effect of the green-MED diet, twice fortified in dietary polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, on visceral adipose tissue (VAT). METHODS In the 18-month Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial PoLyphenols UnproceSsed (DIRECT-PLUS) weight-loss trial, 294 participants were randomized to (A) healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), (B) MED, or (C) green-MED diets, all combined with physical activity. Both isocaloric MED groups consumed 28 g/day of walnuts (+ 440 mg/day polyphenols). The green-MED group further consumed green tea (3-4 cups/day) and Wolffia globosa (duckweed strain) plant green shake (100 g frozen cubes/day) (+ 800mg/day polyphenols) and reduced red meat intake. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the abdominal adipose tissues. RESULTS Participants (age = 51 years; 88% men; body mass index = 31.2 kg/m2; 29% VAT) had an 89.8% retention rate and 79.3% completed eligible MRIs. While both MED diets reached similar moderate weight (MED: - 2.7%, green-MED: - 3.9%) and waist circumference (MED: - 4.7%, green-MED: - 5.7%) loss, the green-MED dieters doubled the VAT loss (HDG: - 4.2%, MED: - 6.0%, green-MED: - 14.1%; p < 0.05, independent of age, sex, waist circumference, or weight loss). Higher dietary consumption of green tea, walnuts, and Wolffia globosa; lower red meat intake; higher total plasma polyphenols (mainly hippuric acid), and elevated urine urolithin A polyphenol were significantly related to greater VAT loss (p < 0.05, multivariate models). CONCLUSIONS A green-MED diet, enriched with plant-based polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, may be a potent intervention to promote visceral adiposity regression. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03020186.
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Effect of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Supplementation on Vascular Endothelial Cell Morphology and Function in Patients with Dyslipidaemia-A Preliminary Observation.
Kanikowska, D, Malińska, A, Mickiewicz, A, Zawada, A, Rutkowski, R, Pawlaczyk, K, Sato, M, Bręborowicz, A, Witowski, J, Korybalska, K
Nutrients. 2022;14(14)
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Flaxseed appears to be a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and fibre, which lower lipids and have anti-atherogenic activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 10 weeks of supplementation with the flaxseed (28g/day) on endothelial cells function, serum lipids and proinflammatory mediators in patients with mild and severe dyslipidaemia. This study is a prospective study of two groups of patients. The first group (n=14) was composed of lean (n=6), and obese (n=8) outpatients receiving therapy of lipoprotein apheresis (once every two weeks) for severe hyperlipidaemia. The second group was composed of 11 obese outpatients with dyslipidaemia receiving a diet at home. In both groups, flaxseed was given blindly. Results show that patients diagnosed with dyslipidaemia who took 28g daily of flaxseed showed a significant reduction in serum lipids but exhibited a slight beneficial effect on endothelial cells. However, it only shows that flaxseed might have the potential ability to improve endothelial function but, in obese patients, it does not have the potency to reverse endothelial ultrastructural changes observed in electron microscopy. Authors conclude that flaxseed supplementation produced consistent lipid-lowering effects and can modulate VEGF (endothelial cell marker) concentration depending on the severity of dyslipidaemia.
Abstract
CONTEXT Flaxseed has a characteristic fatty acids composition and unique phytonutrient profile that may have health-promoting properties. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of 10 weeks of supplementation with the flaxseed (28 g/day) on endothelial cells (EC) function, serum lipids and proinflammatory mediators in patients with mild and severe dyslipidaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven lean patients with severe dyslipidaemia treated with apheresis (group 1; 10 weeks treated in four phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) ordinary diet + flaxseed, (iii) ordinary diet (wash out), (iv) ordinary diet + placebo) and eleven obese patients with mild dyslipidaemia-not treated with apheresis (group 2; 10 weeks treated in two phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) low fat diet + flaxseed). Flaxseed was given blindly. Serum was collected at the end of each phase of the study. ECs were exposed in vitro to the medium supplemented with pooled serum taken from patients from both groups to detect their morphological changes using light and electron microscopy. ECs proliferation was also measured at the end of each study phase. RESULTS Serum vascular endothelial growth factor was decreased after flaxseed supplementation but only in group 1. ECs proliferation was increased after flaxseed supplementation only in obese patients. ECs exposed to medium supplemented with obese patients' serum revealed the following cellular abnormalities: accumulation of lipid droplets, changes of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and flaxseed did not reverse observed changes. At the same time, flaxseed supplementation decreases total cholesterol in both tested groups, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in group 1 and triglycerides in group 2. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the potential role of flaxseed in treating dyslipidaemia but indicate only a slight impact on endothelial cell function.
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The Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Biological Aging and Antioxidant Capacity in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.
Chung, TH, Kim, JH, Seol, SY, Kim, YJ, Lee, YJ
Nutrients. 2021;13(9)
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Korean red ginseng (KRG) is produced by steaming and drying fresh, unpeeled ginseng. KRG has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties and consuming it improves immune system activity, fatigue symptoms, blood circulation, and memory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KRG primarily on biological aging and antioxidant capacity, also to evaluate how it affects clinical fatigue symptoms. This study comprised an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to take a 500 mg KRG or placebo tablet four times daily. A total of 73 participants were enrolled in this study, 37 of whom were randomly placed in the KRG group and 36 of whom were randomly placed in the placebo group. Results show that taking 2 g/day of KRG for 8 weeks increased mtDNA copy number and total antioxidant status and reduced fatigue symptoms more than the placebo group. On the other hand, the mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the KRG group decreased from 136 to 127 mg/dL, but they did not decrease in the placebo group. However, this decrease was not statistically significant (p = 0.067). Authors conclude that their findings show that administering 2 g/day of KRG for 8 weeks increased the mtDNA copy number, increased antioxidant activity, and reduced fatigue symptoms more than the placebo.
Abstract
Postmenopausal women are vulnerable to aging and oxidative stress due to reduced estrogen. Previous studies have shown that Korean red ginseng (KRG) has beneficial effects on aging and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of KRG on biological aging and antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. This study conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly administered KRG or a placebo, and the following metrics were measured: mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) copy number as an indicator of biological aging and, total antioxidant status (TAS) as a marker of antioxidant capacity. Clinical symptoms of fatigue, as measured by the fatigue severity scale, were assessed before and after KRG administration. There were 63 participants, of whom 33 received KRG and 30 received a placebo. The mtDNA copy number (KRG group: 1.58 ± 2.05, placebo group: 0.28 ± 2.36, p = 0.023) and TAS (KRG group: 0.11 ± 0.25 mmol/L, placebo group: -0.04 ± 0.16 mmol/L, p = 0.011) increased and the fatigue severity scale (KRG group: -7 ± 12, placebo group: -1 ± 11, p = 0.033) decreased significantly more in the KRG group than the placebo group. KRG significantly increased the mtDNA copy number, total antioxidant status, and improved symptoms of fatigue in postmenopausal women.
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A Comparison of the Weight Loss Effect between a Low-carbohydrate Diet and a Calorie-restricted Diet in Combination with Intragastric Balloon Therapy.
Maekawa, S, Niizawa, M, Harada, M
Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan). 2020;59(9):1133-1139
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Obesity is one of the most important public health issues, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Conventional treatments, such as diet therapy, regular physical activity and behavioural modification, are important and essential for managing obesity. However, bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss intervention. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate diet with that of a calorie-restricted diet when used in combination with intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. This study is a randomised single-centred study which was conducted on 51 patients who had undergone IGB therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to either a low-carbohydrate diet or a conventional calorie-restricted diet in combination with IGB therapy. Results show that at 12 months after IGB placement, the body weight and body mass index were significantly lower than those observed at baseline in both groups. In fact, there were no significant differences in the body weight or body mass index outcomes between the two groups. Authors conclude that both a low-carbohydrate diet and a calorie-restricted diet are effective interventions for weight management in combination with IGB therapy.
Abstract
Objective Intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy is a low-invasion treatment for obesity. Recently, a low-carbohydrate diet has shown effectiveness for encouraging weight loss, but whether or not a low-carbohydrate diet improves the efficacy of IGB therapy remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate diet compared with a calorie-restricted diet in combination with IGB therapy. Methods A prospective study was conducted on 51 patients who had undergone IGB therapy from October 2012 to December 2017. Overall, 31 of the 51 patients were included in this study (12-month assessment after IGB placement). These 31 cases consisted of 18 IGB plus low-carbohydrate diet and 13 IGB plus calorie-restricted diet. We compared the two groups with respect to body weight loss as outcomes. Results At 12 months after IGB placement, the body weight was significantly lower than that observed at baseline in both the IGB plus low-carbohydrate diet group (baseline 101.9±25.8 kg, 12 months 88.2±21.9 kg) (p<0.0001) and the IGB plus calorie-restricted diet group (baseline 103.5±17.0 kg, 12 months 89.1±6.2 kg) (p<0.005). The percentage of excess weight loss in the IGB plus low-carbohydrate diet group was slightly higher than that in the IGB plus calorie-restricted diet group, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at 12 months after IGB placement (IGB plus low-carbohydrate 49.9±60.0%, IGB plus calorie-restricted diet 33.1±27.0%). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that both a low-carbohydrate diet and a calorie-restricted diet were effective interventions for weight reduction in combination with IGB therapy.
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Development and Effects of College-Based Lifestyle Modification Program for Menstrual Health of Young Adult Women with Irregular Menses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Park, YJ, Shin, H, Jeon, S, Cho, I, Park, HJ
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;18(1)
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Irregular menstruation is characterized by abnormal uterine bleeding, unpredictable menstrual volume, and irregularity of menstruation. A regular menstrual cycle demonstrates a normal sex hormone profile and functioning of reproductive organs, whereas irregularity may suggest a dysfunctional sex hormone profile or disorder of reproductive organs. This study is a randomised controlled trial intended to develop a College-based Lifestyle Modification Programme (LMP) to improve the menstrual health of young adult women who experienced irregular menstruation less than ten times a year, and its effects on their health. The study has two arms: intervention and control group. Female participants (n=46) were randomly assigned 1:1 to one of the two groups. Results show that the College-based LMP had positive effects on the alleviation of depression and anxiety, and improvement of sleep duration. Whereas there were no significant differences for certain variables (menstrual cycle index, sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, free androgen index), overall premenstrual syndrome, menstrual volume, body composition parameters, and nutrient intake. Authors conclude that their findings demonstrated the importance of lifestyle modifications, which could provide ordinary young adult women with healthy menstruation. However, further studies with the use of supplements are required to address the limitations of the current study.
Abstract
Purpose: This study was conducted to develop the 'College-based Lifestyle Modification Program' (College-based LMP) for young adult women with irregular menstruation and examine its effects after intervention. Methods: The College-based LMP consisted of small group education, individual physical exercise counseling/training, individual diet counseling, and feedback and support. Participants were comprised of 38 females who reported less than 10 irregular menstruations in a year and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The primary outcome variables consisted of menstrual cycle index (MCI), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and androgenic profile (testosterone-T, free androgen index-FAI), while the outcome variables included premenstrual symptoms (PMS), menstrual volume, body composition parameters, glycemic parameters (fasting blood sugar-FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR), sleep duration, perceived stress, and nutrient intake.. Results: There were no significant differences in primary outcome variables (MCI, SHBG, T, and FAI). In the variables, there were no significant differences except for the partial domain of PMS (symptoms of depression and anxiety) and sleep duration. Conclusions: The study was significant in that it demonstrated the importance of lifestyle, which could provide ordinary young adult women with healthy menstruation. The College-based LMP needs to be elaborated with further studies.
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Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Computerised Decision-Support Tool for Health Professionals for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial.
Moschonis, G, Michalopoulou, M, Tsoutsoulopoulou, K, Vlachopapadopoulou, E, Michalacos, S, Charmandari, E, Chrousos, GP, Manios, Y
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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Obesity is related to the increased risk for chronic diseases and to nutrient insufficiencies, a paradox that has been characterised as the “double burden of malnutrition”. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a computerised decision-support tool as a means of childhood obesity management. The effectiveness of the decision-support tool was assessed through a pilot randomised controlled intervention trial. The study recruited a total sample of 80 children (obese or overweight) with an age range between 6 and 12 years. The participants were allocated to two study groups – intervention group and control group. Results indicate that a computerised decision-support tool, designed to assist paediatric healthcare professionals in providing personalised nutrition and lifestyle optimisation recommendations to overweight or obese children and their parents, can result in favourable changes to certain dietary intake and anthropometric indices in the children that received the intervention. Authors conclude that the computerised decision-support tool resulted in improvement of the children’s dietary intake and body mass index. Hence, the tool can support clinicians to improve the effectiveness of care.
Abstract
We examined the effectiveness of a computerised decision-support tool (DST), designed for paediatric healthcare professionals, as a means to tackle childhood obesity. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 65 families of 6⁻12-year old overweight or obese children. Paediatricians, paediatric endocrinologists and a dietitian in two children's hospitals implemented the intervention. The intervention group (IG) received personalised meal plans and lifestyle optimisation recommendations via the DST, while families in the control group (CG) received general recommendations. After three months of intervention, the IG had a significant change in dietary fibre and sucrose intake by 4.1 and -4.6 g/day, respectively. In addition, the IG significantly reduced consumption of sweets (i.e., chocolates and cakes) and salty snacks (i.e., potato chips) by -0.1 and -0.3 portions/day, respectively. Furthermore, the CG had a significant increase of body weight and waist circumference by 1.4 kg and 2.1 cm, respectively, while Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased only in the IG by -0.4 kg/m². However, the aforementioned findings did not differ significantly between study groups. In conclusion, these findings indicate the dynamics of the DST in supporting paediatric healthcare professionals to improve the effectiveness of care in modifying obesity-related behaviours. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.