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Impact of Blueberry Consumption on the Human Fecal Bileacidome: A Pilot Study of Bile Acid Modulation by Freeze-Dried Blueberry.
Gagnon, W, Garneau, V, Trottier, J, Verreault, M, Couillard, C, Roy, D, Marette, A, Drouin-Chartier, JP, Vohl, MC, Barbier, O
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Primary bile acids (BAs) are made in the liver from cholesterol. They are released into the small intestine, where they aid fat digestion and absorption. Most BAs are reabsorbed from the gut, yet a small amount gets modified by the gut bacteria, forming secondary BAs destined for faecal excretion. Excess secondary BAs have negative health consequences. The different types of primary BAs influence many physiological functions. Such as glucose regulation, fat metabolism and absorption, intestinal inflammation and immunity, as well as gut bacteria diversity. For optimal BA metabolism, they are tightly regulated by the body, as minimal changes in BA pool and composition can have a significant impact on overall health. The composition of the BA pool can be influenced by gut bacteria, metabolic disorders, pathologies of the liver and gut, and diet. Dietary polyphenols, a plant-based compound, have been of particular interest here. This study sought to investigate the impact of supplementary freeze-dried blueberry powder (BBP), a rich polyphenol source, on the faecal BA pool composition in people at risk of metabolic syndrome. For this 11 men and 13 women were supplemented for 8 weeks. When compared to the data before the intervention, no significant changes in total BAs were observed. However, the composition of the BA pool changed leading to the accumulation of particular BAs and a reduction in secondary BA levels. This suggested that the consumption of blueberries can be considered a potential clinical intervention to aid the elimination of toxic secondary BAs. As the mechanisms leading to such modifications and their consequences for human health are complex, the authors advocate for investigation in larger population groups and also alert that such changes may be subject to interindividual variability and health status.
Abstract
Cholesterol-derived bile acids (BAs) affect numerous physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and absorption, intestinal inflammation and immunity, as well as intestinal microbiota diversity. Diet influences the composition of the BA pool. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of a dietary supplementation with a freeze-dried blueberry powder (BBP) on the fecal BA pool composition. The diet of 11 men and 13 women at risk of metabolic syndrome was supplemented with 50 g/day of BBP for 8 weeks, and feces were harvested before (pre) and after (post) BBP consumption. BAs were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. No significant changes in total BAs were detected when comparing pre- vs. post-BBP consumption samples. However, post-BBP consumption samples exhibited significant accumulations of glycine-conjugated BAs (p = 0.04), glycochenodeoxycholic (p = 0.01), and glycoursodeoxycholic (p = 0.01) acids, as well as a significant reduction (p = 0.03) in the secondary BA levels compared with pre-BBP feces. In conclusion, the fecal bileacidome is significantly altered after the consumption of BBP for 8 weeks. While additional studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and physiological implications of these changes, our data suggest that the consumption of blueberries can modulate toxic BA elimination.
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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 Moderate Weight Loss on a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Liver Fibrosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Koutoukidis, DA, Jebb, SA, Aveyard, P, Astbury, NM
Obesity facts. 2020;13(2):144-151
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease covers a range of conditions from excess fat in the liver through inflammation and fibrosis, to advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score is emerging as a promising blood biomarker for fibrosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether a community weight loss programme reduces ELF score over 12 months compared with a weight-loss intervention which is less effective. This study is a secondary analysis of a published randomised controlled trial. Participants (n=73) were equally randomised to a community weight loss programme (WeightWatchers) or usual care. Results indicate that there was no evidence of an effect of a community weight loss programme on changes in the ELF score and no association between weight loss and the ELF score in people who had, on average, an ELF score compatible with moderate fibrosis. Authors conclude that using the ELF test to assess weight loss treatment efficacy in improving liver fibrosis may be of limited value, thus biopsy remains the gold-standard assessment for liver fibrosis.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Referral to weight loss programmes is the only effective treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Clinicians should advise weight loss and screen for liver fibrosis using the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score. AIM: To examine if the ELF score changes with weight loss. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN85485463) in UK primary care during 2007-2008. METHOD Adults with a BMI of 27-35 kg/m2 and ≥1 risk factor for obesity-related disease were randomised to attend a community weight loss programme (n = 45) or receive usual weight loss advice from a practice nurse (n = 28). Weight and the ELF score were measured at baseline and 1 year. Analysis of covariance examined mean changes in the ELF score between groups and its relationship with weight loss. RESULTS Mean (SD) BMI was 31.10 kg/m2 (2.55) with evidence of moderate levels of liver fibrosis at baseline (mean ELF score: 8.93 [0.99]). There was no evidence that the community weight loss programme reduced the ELF score compared with usual care (difference +0.13 points, 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.52) despite greater weight loss (difference: -2.66 kg, 95% CI: -5.02 to -0.30). Mean weight loss in the whole cohort was 7.8% (5.9). There was no evidence of an association between weight change and change in ELF; the coefficient for a 5% weight loss was -0.15 (95% CI: -0.30 to 0.0002). CONCLUSION We found no evidence that the ELF score changed meaningfully following moderate weight loss. Clinicians should not use the ELF score to measure improvements in NAFLD fibrosis following weight loss programmes.
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A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?
Vigar, V, Myers, S, Oliver, C, Arellano, J, Robinson, S, Leifert, C
Nutrients. 2019;12(1)
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The demand for organic products has risen rapidly over the last decades. The reasons why consumers may favour organic over conventional products are varied. They may be for personal health and wellbeing, environmental considerations, animal welfare or perceived higher nutritional profile - which is true for some, but not all components. While the long-term safety of pesticide consumption through conventional food production has been questioned, organic foods clearly show lower levels of toxic metabolites, like heavy metals and synthetic fertilizer and pesticide residues. This systematic review aimed to assess the current evidence of organic diet consumption and human health compared to conventionally produced foods. Included were 35 papers on clinical trials and observational studies. The clinical trials studied pesticide and phytochemical excretion, antioxidant capacity, body composition, lipids and inflammatory markers. The observational studies were focused on fertility, foetal and childhood development, pregnancy, lactation and levels of pesticides in children and adults, as well as nutritional biomarkers and cancer risk in adults. An increased intake of organic produce in long-term studies appeared to reduce the incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergies, middle ear infection, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Organic intake was also linked to reduced urinary levels of organophosphorus pesticides and herbicides. Yet, the author highlighted that organic consumers are more likely to be health conscious, physically active, eat a more plant-based diet, have higher education levels and income, and therefore are not representative of the general population. They also argue that the possible benefits from an organic diet may be partially due to the quality and composition of the diet rather than a direct effect of organic food consumption. Whereby a growing number of findings demonstrate the health benefits of organic food consumption, according to the authors, the current evidence does not yield a solid and definitive answer.
Abstract
The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.
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Metabolic Syndrome Features: Is There a Modulation Role by Mineral Water Consumption? A Review.
Costa-Vieira, D, Monteiro, R, Martins, MJ
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Metabolic syndrome, defined as having high blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose and being obese, is becoming an increasing worldwide health problem. It’s considered to be a result of modern-day life styles and there is no effective cure other than diet and life style interventions. This review paper looks at the mineral content and the alkalising effects of mineral water when consumed by participants with metabolic syndrome. The minerals within mineral water are thought to be more readily absorbed in the body than when consumed in foods and since Westernised diets are low in mineral content and high in acidity, consuming mineral water could help counteract mineral deficiencies and help to balance pH in those with metabolic syndrome. 20 studies, both animal and human, were selected for evaluation of the effect of mineral water on blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose and waist circumference. The authors conclude that mineral water is indeed beneficial to those with metabolic syndrome and can help counteract mineral deficiencies and balance pH. However, it is unclear whether mineral water in high quantities would be detrimental to a person with adequate mineral status and a pH within optimal range. Further studies are needed.
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) promotes, among others, the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its prevalence increases with age, highlighting the relevance of promoting precocious MetSyn primary prevention and treatment with easy-to-implement lifestyle interventions. MetSyn features modulation through mineral water consumption was reviewed on Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: metabolic syndrome, hypertension, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein, chylomicron, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose, insulin, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), obesity and mineral(-rich) water. Twenty studies were selected: 12 evaluated BP, 13 assessed total-triglycerides and/or HDL-cholesterol, 10 analysed glucose and/or 3 measured WC. Mineral waters were tested in diverse protocols regarding type and composition of water, amount consumed, diet and type and duration of the study. Human and animal studies were performed in populations with different sizes and characteristics. Distinct sets of five studies showed beneficial effects upon BP, total-triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and glucose. WC modulation was not reported. Minerals/elements and active ions/molecules present in mineral waters (and their pH) are crucial to counterbalance their inadequate intake and body status as well as metabolic dysfunction and increased diet-induced acid-load observed in MetSyn. Study characteristics and molecular/physiologic mechanisms that could explain the different effects observed are discussed. Further studies are warranted for determining the mechanisms involved in the putative protective action of mineral water consumption against MetSyn features.
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Anti-Obesity Effects of Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms.
Ganesan, K, Xu, B
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2018;23(11)
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Medicinal mushrooms have long been considered healthful due to of their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as high-quality proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols etc. More recently they have been analysed for their anti-obesity effects. The health implications of obesity are extensive, often affecting all bodily systems. The purpose of this review was to analyse previous animal studies to determine whether consuming edible mushrooms has a positive effect on obesity related illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease etc. The authors explore and summarise the different methods used to treat obesity including pharmacotherapy (weight loss drugs), natural products such as Ayurveda medicine and exercise. They present promising results that suggest the therapeutic properties of edible mushrooms have anti-obesity potentials and propose that the findings from animal studies could likely be mirrored in humans and recommend consuming mushrooms to aid weight loss and therefore improve health.
Abstract
Obesity is a group of metabolic disorders caused by multiple factors, including heredity, diet, lifestyle, societal determinants, environment, and infectious agents, which can all lead to the enhancement of storage body fat. Excess visceral fat mass in adipose tissue generate several metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases with chronic inflammation based pathophysiology. The objective of the current review is to summarize the cellular mechanisms of obesity that attenuate by antioxidant potentials of medicinal and edible mushrooms. Studies have showed that mushrooms potentially have antioxidant capacities, which increase the antioxidant defense systems in cells. They boost anti-inflammatory actions and thereby protect against obesity-related hypertension and dyslipidemia. The practice of regular consumption of mushrooms is effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, and thus could be a good candidate for use in future pharmaceutical or nutraceutical applications.
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Inhalational Alzheimer's disease: an unrecognized - and treatable - epidemic.
Bredesen, DE
Aging. 2016;8(2):304-13
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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the third leading cause of death in the USA, with around 5.2 million Americans diagnosed with AD. Effective treatment with medications has yet to be found. A recent multiple therapy programme (originally known as MEND, now called ReCODE) proposed by Professor Bredesen and team, has shown some promising anecdotal results. Identifying sub-types of AD has been proposed as a means to develop targeted protocols for treatment. Recently, 3 sub-types of AD have been described: Type 1 (inflammatory), Type 2 (non-inflammatory or decreasing brain size) and Type 3 (damage to the outer layer of the cerebrum). This report describes 7 patients with Type 3 AD. Type 3 AD is characterised by exposure to specific toxins (usually inhaled) and is often associated with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). The report provides the symptoms, signs and laboratory values representative of Type 3 AD and could be used by Nutrition Practitioners to help with implementation of appropriate nutrition protocols when working with clients with AD.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most significant healthcare problems today, with a dire need for effective treatment. Identifying subtypes of Alzheimer's disease may aid in the development of therapeutics, and recently three different subtypes have been described: type 1 (inflammatory), type 2 (non-inflammatory or atrophic), and type 3 (cortical). Here I report that type 3 Alzheimer's disease is the result of exposure to specific toxins, and is most commonly inhalational (IAD), a phenotypic manifestation of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), due to biotoxins such as mycotoxins. The appropriate recognition of IAD as a potentially important pathogenetic condition in patients with cognitive decline offers the opportunity for successful treatment of a large number of patients whose current prognoses, in the absence of accurate diagnosis, are grave.