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Vegan diet in young children remodels metabolism and challenges the statuses of essential nutrients.
Hovinen, T, Korkalo, L, Freese, R, Skaffari, E, Isohanni, P, Niemi, M, Nevalainen, J, Gylling, H, Zamboni, N, Erkkola, M, et al
EMBO molecular medicine. 2021;13(2):e13492
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As vegan diets gain popularity amongst families, there is little known about the impact of strict plant-based diets on metabolism and micronutrient status in children, apart from reduced average growth within the norm. This small study looked at 40 Finnish children from one day centre, and compared children following an omnivore or vegetarian diet to those raised on a vegan diet. The diets were analysed, and biomarkers and metabolites were measured. The metabolic profile and nutrient status of children who followed a vegan diet from birth were distinctively different to other diet patterns, including vegetarians. The authors suggest that little animal source foods are enough to shift the metabolism of children. Dietary analysis showed that vegan children had higher folate consumption and lower protein and saturated fats intake. Despite intake appearing adequate, serum markers for fat-soluble vitamins A and D were low. While the fatty acid ALA was higher compared to omnivores, DHA and overall cholesterol were decreased. The authors concluded that the bodies own cholesterol production does not seem to compensate for a lack of dietary cholesterol in this case and it remains to be established whether lower cholesterol in vegan children are negative to health. Furthermore, the circulating amino acids pool was decreased in vegan children, particularly branch chained amino acids. The most distinct difference, however, was seen in the variance of bile acid patterns. The physiological functions of bile acids go beyond digestion, yet the consequences of diverging bile acid profiles in children’s health are unknown. In conclusion, the data shows that a strict vegan diet affects the metabolism of healthy children, but much of the long-term impact on health is currently still unclear. This article highlights some of the differences, risks and uncertainties that come with raising young children on a strictly vegan diet.
Abstract
Vegan diets are gaining popularity, also in families with young children. However, the effects of strict plant-based diets on metabolism and micronutrient status of children are unknown. We recruited 40 Finnish children with a median age 3.5 years-vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores from same daycare centers-for a cross-sectional study. They enjoyed nutritionist-planned vegan or omnivore meals in daycare, and the full diets were analyzed with questionnaires and food records. Detailed analysis of serum metabolomics and biomarkers indicated vitamin A insufficiency and border-line sufficient vitamin D in all vegan participants. Their serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, essential amino acid, and docosahexaenoic n-3 fatty acid (DHA) levels were markedly low and primary bile acid biosynthesis, and phospholipid balance was distinct from omnivores. Possible combination of low vitamin A and DHA status raise concern for their visual health. Our evidence indicates that (i) vitamin A and D status of vegan children requires special attention; (ii) dietary recommendations for children cannot be extrapolated from adult vegan studies; and (iii) longitudinal studies on infant-onset vegan diets are warranted.
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Type 2 diabetes preventive effects with a 12-months sardine-enriched diet in elderly population with prediabetes: An interventional, randomized and controlled trial.
Díaz-Rizzolo, DA, Serra, A, Colungo, C, Sala-Vila, A, Sisó-Almirall, A, Gomis, R
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2021;40(5):2587-2598
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Older people have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to the possibility of β-cell dysfunction due to ageing. Sardines are believed to be protective against the development of T2D. Therefore, this randomised controlled trial evaluated the preventative effects of a sardine-rich diet in elderly prediabetic patients. For one year, both the sardine group (SG) and control group (CG) followed a T2D prevention diet, with the SG consuming 200 g of sardines each week. Both groups improved body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and body composition. Taurine, EPA, DHA, omega-3 fatty acid, calcium, iodine, zinc, phosphorous and fluoride, vitamin B12 and D, and lycopene and tocopherols were found to be higher in the SG than the CG, indicating the sardines were protective against T2D. In SG, HDL cholesterol and adiponectin levels were significantly increased, and blood pressure and triglycerides were decreased, signalling a reduced risk of T2D and cardiovascular disease. In addition, SG showed a reduction in HOMA-IR and an Omega-3 fatty acid was substituted for Omega-6 fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane, suggesting a reduced risk of T2D. Further robust research is required to confirm the protective effect of a sardine-enriched diet against T2D. It may be useful to healthcare providers to comprehend how a sardine-enriched diet could improve obesity, T2D and CVD markers in pre-diabetic elderly patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish could play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D) but there has been little specification about the type of fish and the preventive mechanism involved in its health claim. The sardine is a source of omega-3 and taurine that, in isolation or in synergy, would produce T2D-delaying through different molecular mechanism. HYPOTHESIS The consumption of twice a week of sardine, during one year would reduce T2D-developing risk in a population with prediabetes (preDM) and old age. DESIGN 152 subjects with fasting glucose between 100-124 mg/dL aged ≥65 yo were recruited from three primary care centers in Barcelona and were randomly distributed among two interventional groups: control group (CG) and sardine group (SG). Both groups received same T2D-prevention nutritional during a year but only SG had to add 200 g of sardine per week. All variables were collected before to start and at the end of the diet. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03557541). RESULTS 152 people were randomized into CG (n=77) and SG (n=75) with 18 and 12 drop outs respectively. Subjects in SG, significantly compared to CG, decreased percentage classified-individuals in a very high risk group to develop T2D according to FINDRISC (p=0.035). In addition to increasing HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin and decreasing triglycerides (p<0.05) and blood pressure (<0.05), SG showed a lower HOMA-IR (p=0.032). The consumption of sardine characteristics nutrients as omega-3, EPA and DHA, vitamin D, fluorine and taurine were higher for SG (p<0.05). These results agreed with the increased of taurine, fatty acid (FA) omega-3 and bile acids circulating metabolites (p<0.05). Changes erythrocyte membrane FA were detected only in SG with a decrease of 5 omega-6 FA (p<0.001) and an increase of 3 omega-3 FA types (p<0.001). CONCLUSION We conclude that a year T2D-prevention diet with sardine supplementation has a greater protective effect against developing T2D and CV events.
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Effect of Lactobacillus casei on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in patients with alcoholic liver injury.
Li, X, Liu, Y, Guo, X, Ma, Y, Zhang, H, Liang, H
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2021;75(8):1227-1236
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Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a series of liver diseases caused by long-term heavy drinking. Lipid metabolism disorder often occurs in people with alcoholic liver injury. Treatment is mainly a combination of alcohol abstinence, improving nutrition, treating the liver injury, and preventing or reversing the progress of liver fibrosis or promoting liver regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in patients with alcoholic liver injury. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 181 ALD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the three groups; low-dose group, high-dose group and positive control group (+ there was another group of 20 healthy people which served as normal control group). Results showed disorder of lipid metabolism, intestinal flora imbalance and inflammation in patients with alcoholic liver injury. Furthermore, after supplementation of Lactobacillus casei, there was a significant increase in the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Authors conclude that Lactobacillus casei supplementation can improve lipid metabolism and regulate intestinal flora disorders in patients with alcoholic liver injury.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aims to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in patients with alcoholic liver injury. METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 158 recruited alcoholic liver injury patients were randomized to three treatments for 60 days: low-dose group (LP, n = 58, 100 ml of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS)), high-dose group (HP, n = 54, 200 ml of LcS), and positive control group (PC, n = 46, 100 ml of special drinks without active Lactobacillus casei). Another group of 20 healthy people was served as normal control group (NC). RESULTS The serum levels of TG and LDLC in the HP group were significantly decreased by 26.56% and 23.83%, respectively than those in the PC group (P < 0.05). After supplementation of Lactobacillus casei, there was a significant increase in the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium when compared with the PC group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of Lactobacillus casei can improve lipid metabolism and regulate intestinal flora disorders in patients with alcoholic liver injury.
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Effect of a Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention on Estimated Dementia Risk.
Solomon, A, Handels, R, Wimo, A, Antikainen, R, Laatikainen, T, Levälahti, E, Peltonen, M, Soininen, H, Strandberg, T, Tuomilehto, J, et al
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 2021;82(4):1461-1466
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Early identification of individuals at-risk of dementia is essential for effective preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on the risk of dementia. This study is a post-hoc analyses of intervention effects on change in the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) Dementia Risk Score. The CAIDE score was used to select at-risk participants to the FINGER trial. FINGER is a multicentre study conducted in 6 centres in Finland. Results show a significant beneficial intervention effect, especially in women, on reducing estimated dementia risk measured by the CAIDE score. Authors conclude that CAIDE risk score can be used as a tool to communicate dementia risk, and to select persons that may benefit from lifestyle interventions.
Abstract
We investigated the effect of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on the risk of dementia estimated using the validated CAIDE risk score (post-hoc analysis). The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) is a 2-year randomized controlled trial among 1,260 at-risk older adults (60-77 years). Difference in the estimated mean change in CAIDE score at 2 years in the intervention compared to the control group was -0.16 (95 %CI -0.31 to 0.00) (p = 0.013), corresponding to a relative dementia risk reduction between 6.04-6.50%. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the prevention potential of the intervention.
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Gastric emptying of solutions containing the natural sweetener erythritol and effects on gut hormone secretion in humans: A pilot dose-ranging study.
Wölnerhanssen, BK, Drewe, J, Verbeure, W, le Roux, CW, Dellatorre-Teixeira, L, Rehfeld, JF, Holst, JJ, Hartmann, B, Tack, J, Peterli, R, et al
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2021;23(6):1311-1321
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In recent years, erythritol, a non-calorie sweetener, has gained popularity due to the rise in obesity and Type 2 diabetes worldwide. The purpose of this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial was to assess the effects of erythritol on the release of gut hormones, speed of gastric emptying, and the release of glucagon, motilin, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide after erythritol administration. Erythritol in doses of ten, twenty-five, and fifty grams was well tolerated by the participants. The administration of erythritol induced a statistically significant dose-dependent stimulation of gut hormones such as plasma cholecystokinin, active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and peptide tyrosine. Compared to the placebo, participants had slower gastric emptying with erythritol. Erythritol had no effect on the levels of motilin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, blood lipids, or uric acid. Erythritol should be evaluated in larger, robust studies to determine whether it improves glycaemic control. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the potential uses of erythritol in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Abstract
AIM: To determine whether a dose-dependent effect in the stimulation of gut hormone release (plasma cholecystokinin [CCK], active glucagon-like peptide-1 [aGLP-1] and peptide tyrosine tyrosine [PYY]) is found for the natural sweetener erythritol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve healthy, lean volunteers received solutions with 10, 25 or 50 g erythritol, or tap water enriched with 13 C-sodium acetate on four study days via a nasogastric tube in this randomized (active treatments), placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial. Blood samples and breath samples (13 C-sodium acetate method for measurement of gastric emptying [GE]) were taken at regular intervals, and sensations of appetite and gastrointestinal symptoms were rated. RESULTS We found (a) a dose-dependent stimulation of CCK, aGLP-1 and PYY, and slowing of GE, (b) no effect on blood glucose, insulin, motilin, glucagon or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, (c) no effect on blood lipids and uric acid, and (d) no abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. CONCLUSIONS Solutions with 10 and 50 g of erythritol stimulated gut hormone release. Emptying of erythritol-containing solutions from the stomach was slower compared with placebo. There was no effect on plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, blood lipids or uric acid. All doses were well tolerated.
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Greater risk of severe COVID-19 in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations is not explained by cardiometabolic, socioeconomic or behavioural factors, or by 25(OH)-vitamin D status: study of 1326 cases from the UK Biobank.
Raisi-Estabragh, Z, McCracken, C, Bethell, MS, Cooper, J, Cooper, C, Caulfield, MJ, Munroe, PB, Harvey, NC, Petersen, SE
Journal of public health (Oxford, England). 2020;42(3):451-460
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has to date resulted in over 6 million cases. Growing reports highlight men and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) cohorts as at higher risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether differential patterns of COVID-19 incidence and severity, by sex and ethnicity, might be explained by cardiometabolic, socio-economic, lifestyle and behavioural exposures. This study is a prospective cohort study of over half a million men and women from across the UK. Results showed that male sex, BAME ethnicity, higher body mass index and greater household size were associated with significantly greater odds of a positive result. However, the sex and ethnicity differential pattern of COVID-19 is not adequately explained by variations in cardiometabolic factors, 25(OH)-vitamin D levels, socio-economic or behavioural factors. Authors conclude that investigation of alternative biological and genetic susceptibilities as well as more comprehensive assessment of the complex economic, social and behavioural differences should be prioritised.
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined whether the greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amongst men and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals is explained by cardiometabolic, socio-economic or behavioural factors. METHODS We studied 4510 UK Biobank participants tested for COVID-19 (positive, n = 1326). Multivariate logistic regression models including age, sex and ethnicity were used to test whether addition of (1) cardiometabolic factors [diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, prior myocardial infarction, smoking and body mass index (BMI)]; (2) 25(OH)-vitamin D; (3) poor diet; (4) Townsend deprivation score; (5) housing (home type, overcrowding) or (6) behavioural factors (sociability, risk taking) attenuated sex/ethnicity associations with COVID-19 status. RESULTS There was over-representation of men and BAME ethnicities in the COVID-19 positive group. BAME individuals had, on average, poorer cardiometabolic profile, lower 25(OH)-vitamin D, greater material deprivation, and were more likely to live in larger households and in flats/apartments. Male sex, BAME ethnicity, higher BMI, higher Townsend deprivation score and household overcrowding were independently associated with significantly greater odds of COVID-19. The pattern of association was consistent for men and women; cardiometabolic, socio-demographic and behavioural factors did not attenuate sex/ethnicity associations. CONCLUSIONS In this study, sex and ethnicity differential pattern of COVID-19 was not adequately explained by variations in cardiometabolic factors, 25(OH)-vitamin D levels or socio-economic factors. Factors which underlie ethnic differences in COVID-19 may not be easily captured, and so investigation of alternative biological and genetic susceptibilities as well as more comprehensive assessment of the complex economic, social and behavioural differences should be prioritised.
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The Effects of Low-Energy Moderate-Carbohydrate (MCD) and Mixed (MixD) Diets on Serum Lipid Profiles and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Men: A Randomized Controlled Parallel-Group Clinical Trial.
Michalczyk, MM, Maszczyk, A, Stastny, P
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(4)
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Diets high in poor quality carbohydrates and fats and low in fibre are believed to play an integral role in the formation of many different chronic diseases. Calorie restricted diets have previously shown to have health benefits, but these are stringent and hard to maintain. More recently low-carbohydrate diets have shown that they may be better tolerated. This randomised control trial aimed to compare a calorie restricted diet (MixD) with a calorie restricted moderate-carbohydrate diet (MCD) on indicators for chronic disease in 60 overweight and obese men over four weeks. The results showed that MCD resulted in significant loss of body fat without loss of muscle mass compared to MixD and significantly decreased markers for heart disease risk. It was concluded that the amount of body fat can be attributed to the amount and quality of carbohydrates consumed and that consumption of a MCD is more effective for weight loss without compromising muscle mass than a MixD. This study could be used by health professionals to recommend a MCD to middle aged obese men in order to lose body fat, retain muscle mass and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Abstract
Carbohydrate-restricted diets have become very popular due to their numerous health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 4 weeks of a well-planned, low-energy moderate-carbohydrate diet (MCD) and a low-energy mixed diet (MixD) on the lipoprotein profile, glucose and C-reactive protein concentrations, body mass, and body composition in middle-aged males. Sixty middle-aged males were randomly assigned to the following groups: hypocaloric MCD (32% carbohydrates, 28% proteins, and 40% fat), hypocaloric MixD (50% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 30% fat), and a conventional (control) diet (CD; 48% carbohydrates, 15% proteins, and 37% fat). The participants who were classified into the MCD and MixD groups consumed 20% fewer calories daily than the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Baseline and postintervention fasting triacylglycerol (TG), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (tCh), glucose (Gl), and C-reactive protein were evaluated. Body mass (BM) and body composition changes, including body fat (BF), % body fat (PBF), and muscle mass (MM), were monitored. Compared with MixD and CD, MCD significantly changed the fasting serum concentrations of TG (p < 0.05), HDL-C (p < 0.05), LDL-C (p < 0.05), tCh (p < 0.05), and glucose (p < 0.01). Additionally, body fat content (kg and %) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after MCD compared with MixD and CD. After the MixD intervention, BM and MM decreased (p < 0.05) compared with baseline values. Compared with baseline, after the MixD, BM, MM, tCh, LDL-C, and TG changed significantly. The 4 week low-energy MCD intervention changed lipoproteins, glucose, and body fat to a greater extent than the low-energy MixD. A hypocaloric MCD may be suggested for middle-aged male subjects who want to lose weight by reducing body fat content without compromising muscle mass.
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Effect of 12-Week Interventions Involving Nordic Walking Exercise and a Modified Diet on the Anthropometric Parameters and Blood Lipid Profiles in Overweight and Obese Ex-Coal Miners.
Sadowska-Krępa, E, Gdańska, A, Rozpara, M, Pilch, W, Přidalová, M, Bańkowski, S
Obesity facts. 2020;13(2):201-212
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Upon retirement, underground coal miners who previously expended a lot of energy in their work, do not change their eating habits, resulting in weight gain. Increasing moderate intensity physical activity and adjusting the diet may combat this. However, introduction at the same time may be difficult and demotivating for some individuals. This 12-week intervention study aimed to assess the effect of Nordic walking (NW) or a reduced calorie diet on 30 overweight and obese coal miners. The results showed that both low calorie diet and NW improved body measurements, however low-calorie diet was more successful. NW did improve indicators of lower cardiovascular disease risk compared to low-calorie diet, but this was not sustained. It was concluded that although both treatments were effective in improving body measurements and fats, calorie restriction was more effective. This study could be used by physicians to recommend a calorie restricted diet to overweight and obese individuals; however, the combined effect of diet and exercise should not be underestimated, and exercise should be considered after successful introduction of a modified diet.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity after retirement are likely to be caused by unhealthy eating habits and the energy intake exceeding the energy expenditure. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to assess the effects of two 12-week interventions involving, respectively, either regular physical activity or a modified lower-calorie diet on the anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles in overweight and obese retired miners with lipid disorders. DESIGN The study participants (n = 30, aged 58.7 ± 4.1 years, body height 174.8 ± 7.3 cm, body weight 96.6 ± 13.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups: the Nordic walking group (NW), which exercised with intensity from 60 to 70% of participants' maximal heart rates for 1 h 3 times a week, and the modified diet group (MD). Modification of the diet consisted of reducing the daily energy intake by 30%, increasing the dietary content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, and reducing the proportion of saturated fatty acids. The variables assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks were: anthropometric parameters (body weight, fat mass content [FM], fat percentage [BF], BMI, waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and blood lipid indicators (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and high density lip-oprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]). RESULTS The body weight of the participants in the NW was lower at week 12 by an average of 5 kg, BMI by 6%, FB by 19%, FM by 15%, WC by 8%, HC by 6%, and WHR by 3%. In the MD, the respective decreases were 8 kg and 8, 25, 20, 6, 2, and 7%. In the MD, the postintervention concentrations of TC and TG were within the reference range. CONCLUSION Both 12-week interventions improved the anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles of retired heavy manual workers, with the improvements being more pronounced in the dieting group.
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Efficacy of a 2-Month Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) Compared to a Standard Low-Calorie Diet in Reducing Visceral and Liver Fat Accumulation in Patients With Obesity.
Cunha, GM, Guzman, G, Correa De Mello, LL, Trein, B, Spina, L, Bussade, I, Marques Prata, J, Sajoux, I, Countinho, W
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020;11:607
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Excess fat in the liver, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Standard treatment regimens consist of low-calorie (LC) diets and exercise, however these may be ineffective at reversing fat accumulation in the liver. A very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for NAFLD. This randomised control pilot study of 39 individuals with obesity aimed to compare LC diet and VLCKD on fat accumulation and indicators for NAFLD for two months. The results showed greater weight loss, abdominal fat reduction, liver fat reduction and improvements in liver function with VLCKD compared to the LC diet. Cholesterol was significantly reduced by both diets. However liver stiffness remained unchanged. The authors concluded that VLCKD was more successful at reducing liver fat and abdominal fat accumulation than current standard therapy and has the potential to improve NAFLD. Health care professionals could use this study to improve liver and abdominal fat loss in patients with obesity to improve NAFLD, when standard therapy has been inadequate.
Abstract
Background: Currently the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is based on weight loss through lifestyle changes, such as exercise combined with calorie-restricted dieting. Objectives: To assess the effects of a commercially available weight loss program based on a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat content compared to a standard low-calorie (LC) diet. As a secondary aim, we evaluated the effect on liver stiffness measurements. Methods: Open, randomized controlled, prospective pilot study. Patients were randomized and treated either with an LC or a VLCKD and received orientation and encouragement to physical activity equally for both groups. VAT, liver fat fraction, and liver stiffness were measured at baseline and after 2 months of treatment using magnetic resonance imaging. Paired t-tests were used for comparison of continuous variables between visits and unpaired test between groups. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2-test. Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between VAT, anthropometric measures, and hepatic fat fraction. A significance level of the results was established at p < 0.05. Results: Thirty-nine patients (20 with VLCKD and 19 with LC) were evaluated at baseline and 2 months of intervention. Relative weight loss at 2 months was -9.59 ± 2.87% in the VLCKD group and -1.87 ± 2.4% in the LC group (p < 0.001). Mean reductions in VAT were -32.0 cm2 for VLCKD group and -12.58 cm2 for LC group (p < 0.05). Reductions in liver fat fraction were significantly more pronounced in the VLCKD group than in the LC group (4.77 vs. 0.79%; p < 0.005). Conclusion: Patients undergoing a VLCKD achieved superior weight loss, with significant VAT and liver fat fraction reductions when compared to the standard LC diet. The weight loss and rapid mobilization of liver fat demonstrated with VLCKD could serve as an effective alternative for the treatment of NAFLD. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04322110.
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Two apples a day lower serum cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic biomarkers in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial.
Koutsos, A, Riccadonna, S, Ulaszewska, MM, Franceschi, P, Trošt, K, Galvin, A, Braune, T, Fava, F, Perenzoni, D, Mattivi, F, et al
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;111(2):307-318
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Apples contain naturally occurring substances, called polyphenols, which in combination with fibre may be beneficial in preventing heart disease in a number of different ways. However, high quality research on this is lacking. This randomised control crossover trial of 40 individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol, aimed to assess the effects of consuming two apples a day for 20 weeks, on indicators for heart disease and in particular cholesterol levels. The results showed that consuming two apples per day resulted in decreased cholesterol and improved indicators for heart disease. It was concluded that the consumption of 2 apples per day decreased heart disease risk, attributed to the polyphenols and fibre they contain. Health professionals could use this study to recommend 2 apples per day in patients with slightly raised cholesterol in order to decrease their risk of heart disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apples are rich in bioactive polyphenols and fiber. Evidence suggests that consumption of apples or their bioactive components is associated with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and other markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these data and explore the mechanisms. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the effects of apple consumption on circulating lipids, vascular function, and other CVD risk markers. METHODS The trial was a randomized, controlled, crossover, intervention study. Healthy mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers (23 women, 17 men), with a mean ± SD BMI 25.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2 and age 51 ± 11 y, consumed 2 apples/d [Renetta Canada, rich in proanthocyanidins (PAs)] or a sugar- and energy-matched apple control beverage (CB) for 8 wk each, separated by a 4-wk washout period. Fasted blood was collected before and after each treatment. Serum lipids, glucose, insulin, bile acids, and endothelial and inflammation biomarkers were measured, in addition to microvascular reactivity, using laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis, and arterial stiffness, using pulse wave analysis. RESULTS Whole apple (WA) consumption decreased serum total (WA: 5.89 mmol/L; CB: 6.11 mmol/L; P = 0.006) and LDL cholesterol (WA: 3.72 mmol/L; CB: 3.86 mmol/L; P = 0.031), triacylglycerol (WA: 1.17 mmol/L; CB: 1.30 mmol/L; P = 0.021), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (WA: 153.9 ng/mL; CB: 159.4 ng/mL; P = 0.028), and increased serum uric acid (WA: 341.4 μmol/L; CB: 330 μmol/L; P = 0.020) compared with the CB. The response to endothelium-dependent microvascular vasodilation was greater after the apples [WA: 853 perfusion units (PU), CB: 760 PU; P = 0.037] than after the CB. Apples had no effect on blood pressure or other CVD markers. CONCLUSIONS These data support beneficial hypocholesterolemic and vascular effects of the daily consumption of PA-rich apples by mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01988389.