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The Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Ultrasonographic Indices of Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Undergoing Low Calorie Diet.
Shidfar, F, Bahrololumi, SS, Doaei, S, Mohammadzadeh, A, Gholamalizadeh, M, Mohammadimanesh, A
Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. 2018;2018:1053710
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the most common cause of death. The traditional Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of NAFLD and CVD and this protective effect is thought to be in part due to the use of olive oil in this dietary pattern. The aim of this randomised, single-blind study was to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oil as part of a low-calorie diet on markers of NAFLD. 43 overweight or obese patients with NAFLD, characterised by increased liver enzymes (ALT and AST), were randomised to either a low calorie diet with normal fat or a low calorie diet with 20% of total energy intake from olive oil (overall percentage of fat 30% of total energy intake in both groups) for three months. Significant weight loss was observed in both groups, with no significant difference between groups. There was a reduction in liver enzymes in the olive oil group which was significantly greater than in the control group. The severity of liver steatosis (the accumulation of fat in the liver) did not change significantly in either group. The authors concluded that a low calorie diet with virgin olive oil led to slight weight loss and improvements in markers for NAFLD.
Abstract
Background: Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in the patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies have shown that there is a strong relation between the increase in the aminotransferase levels and fat accumulation in the liver with cardiovascular complications, independent of all aspects of the metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to examine the effect of virgin olive oil on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the severity of steatosis in the NAFLD patients undergoing a weight-loss diet. Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 50 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (mean age of 45.91 ± 9.61 years, mean BMI of 29.7 ± 0.58 Kg/m2) and the subjects were randomly assigned to the olive oil group (receiving the equivalent of 20% of their total daily energy requirement from olive oil) or the control group (with normal consumption of oil) for 12 weeks. All the patients received a hypocaloric diet during the study. At the beginning and the end of the study, the serum levels of ALT and AST and liver steatosis were measured. Findings: A significant decrease in the level of ALT enzymes was observed in the control group at the end of the study (P = 0.004). In the olive oil group, both enzymes decreased compared to baseline measurements (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the ALT and AST levels between the two groups (P < 0.02). The severity of liver steatosis did not change significantly during the study. Conclusion: The consumption of a low calorie diet enriched with olive oil, along with slight weight reduction, reinforces the desired effects of weight loss in improving the levels of the hepatic enzymes.
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Vegetarian-style dietary pattern during adolescence has long-term positive impact on bone from adolescence to young adulthood: a longitudinal study.
Movassagh, EZ, Baxter-Jones, ADG, Kontulainen, S, Whiting, S, Szafron, M, Vatanparast, H
Nutrition journal. 2018;17(1):36
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Bone mass attained at the end of adolescence is an important determinant of later osteoporosis risk. Little is known about the influence of dietary patterns on bones during adolescence and their potential long-term implications into adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary patterns on bone change from adolescence to young adulthood in 125 adolescents and 115 young adults. Bone mineral content and bone mineral density were measured, and dietary intake from multiple 24-hour recalls were collected. Five dietary patterns were found including vegetarian style, western-like, high-fat high protein, mixed and snack. This study found that a vegetarian style diet during adolescence is positively associated with bone health. Based on these results, the authors conclude bone accrual in adolescence can be carried into young adulthood, and suggest further studies are needed to generalise these results to wider populations.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of bone accrued during adolescence is an important determinant of later osteoporosis risk. Little is known about the influence of dietary patterns (DPs) on the bone during adolescence and their potential long-term implications into adulthood. We examined the role of adolescent DPs on adolescent and young adult bone and change in DPs from adolescence to young adulthood. METHODS We recruited participants from the Saskatchewan Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (1991-2011). Data from 125 participants (53 females) for adolescent analysis (age 12.7 ± 2 years) and 115 participants (51 females) for adult analysis (age 28.2 ± 3 years) were included. Bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of total body (TB), femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adolescent dietary intake data from multiple 24-h recalls were summarized into 25 food group intakes and were used in the principal component analysis to derive DPs during adolescence. Associations between adolescent DPs and adolescent or adult BMC/BMD were analyzed using multiple linear regression and multivariate analysis of covariance while adjusting for sex, age, the age of peak height velocity, height, weight, physical activity and total energy intake. Generalized estimating equations were used for tracking DPs. RESULTS We derived five DPs including "Vegetarian-style", "Western-like", "High-fat, high-protein", "Mixed" and "Snack" DPs. The "Vegetarian-style" DP was a positive independent predictor of adolescent TBBMC, and adult TBBMC, TBaBMD (P < 0.05). Mean adolescent TBaBMD and young adult TBBMC, TBaBMD, FNBMC and FNaBMD were 5%, 8.5%, 6%, 10.6% and 9% higher, respectively, in third quartile of "Vegetarian-style" DP compared to first quartile (P < 0.05). We found a moderate tracking (0.47-0.63, P < 0.001) in DP scores at individual levels from adolescence to adulthood. There were an upward trend in adherence to "Vegetarian-style" DP and an downward trend in adherence to "High-fat, high-protein" DP from adolescence to young adulthood (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION A "Vegetarian-style" DP rich in dark green vegetables, eggs, non-refined grains, 100% fruit juice, legumes/nuts/seeds, added fats, fruits and low-fat milk during adolescence is positively associated with bone health.
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The Effect of a High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial.
Ford, TC, Downey, LA, Simpson, T, McPhee, G, Oliver, C, Stough, C
Nutrients. 2018;10(12)
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A diet rich in vitamins and micronutrients, particularly B vitamins, is essential for body and brain functionality. B vitamin supplementation has been found to reduce depression, enhance mood, lessen anxiety and improve cognition. New neuroimaging techniques have shed light on the relationship between blood and neural biomarkers, connecting diet quality and brain function. The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was to investigate the effect of 6-month high-dose B-vitamin supplementation on neural and blood biomarkers of metabolism in 32 healthy adults. Participants were randomised to consume either B-vitamin supplementation or placebo pills twice a day for six months and underwent blood tests and brain imaging before and after supplementation. This study found supplementation effectively increased vitamin B6 and B12 levels and reduced homocysteine with no changes in folate as compared with placebo. Supplementation promoted neural metabolic pathways and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Based on these findings, the authors conclude B-group vitamins are important for maintaining brain health in healthy adults and may play a role in prevention and alleviation of neural disease and disability.
Abstract
A diet rich in B-group vitamins is essential for optimal body and brain function, and insufficient amounts of such vitamins have been associated with higher levels of neural inflammation and oxidative stress, as marked by increased blood plasma homocysteine. Neural biomarkers of oxidative stress quantified through proton magnetic spectroscopy (1H-MRS) are not well understood, and the relationship between such neural and blood biomarkers is seldom studied. The current study addresses this gap by investigating the direct effect of 6-month high-dose B-group vitamin supplementation on neural and blood biomarkers of metabolism. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 32 healthy adults (20 female, 12 male) aged 30⁻65 years underwent blood tests (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels) and 1H-MRS of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) before and after supplementation. Results confirmed the supplement was effective in increasing vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 levels and reducing homocysteine, whereas there was no change in folate levels. There were significant relationships between vitamin B6 and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, and creatine, as well as between vitamin B12 and creatine (ps < 0.05), whereas NAA in the PCC increased, albeit not significantly (p > 0.05). Together these data provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of high-dose B-group supplementation in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through increasing oxidative metabolism. It may also promote myelination, cellular metabolism, and energy storage.
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Combined bioavailable isoflavones and probiotics improve bone status and estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal osteopenic women: a randomized controlled trial.
Lambert, MNT, Thybo, CB, Lykkeboe, S, Rasmussen, LM, Frette, X, Christensen, LP, Jeppesen, PB
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2017;106(3):909-920
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Oestrogens play a vital role in maintaining bone health. The natural decline in oestrogen during menopause negatively impacts bone mineral density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Standard interventions offered include calcium and vitamin D supplementation and hormone replacement therapy. As hormone replacement therapy is associated with increased cancer risk, there is a need to find effective treatments that display a suitable safety profile for long-term use. Isoflavones are compounds found in legume plants, many of which are dietary staples in some cultures. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, substances that can selectively interact with human oestrogen receptors. Initial research on Isoflavones indicated that it reduces bone breakdown whilst showing protective effects for certain cancers. This randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the effectiveness of an lactic acid fermented, probiotic-rich isoflavone product from Red Clover (RCE) or a placebo, when given in addition to Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D (CMD) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Participants were monitored using blood tests assessing phytoestrogen activity and oestrogen metabolism, DXA scans to observe changes in bone structure and activity and dietary questionnaires. A total of 78 participants completed the study. The results showed that twice a day 60 mg isoflavones from RCE had a significant physiological impact on preventing bone loss associated with oestrogen deficiency, and was more effective in preserving bone density than CDM alone. The authors concluded that RCE was close to effectiveness to conventional bone-preserving treatments like hormone therapy but stood out due to its better safety profile and minimal side effects. Gut bacteria enhance the effectiveness of these isoflavones, which can be metabolised into compounds called equol. While before the study none of the participants could produce equol, in the end, half of the participants in the RCE group were able to produce equol, suggesting that the probiotic presence in the supplement positively influenced the participants' gut bacteria, creating favourable conditions. Additionally, RCE treatment led to favourable changes in urinary oestrogen metabolites associated with less carcinogenic oestrogen metabolism. In conclusion, the probiotic RCE, enhanced the effectiveness of CMD in preventing bone loss, whilst also increasing the ability to produce equol.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- Fermented red clover extract, rich in bioavailable isoflavones with selective oestrogen receptor affinity and probiotics, combined with traditional supplementation (calcium, magnesium and vitamin D) improves bone mineral density and bone turnover compared to placebo in post menopausal women with osteopenia.
- Combining probiotics with isoflavones appears to enhance intestinal isoflavone uptake and isoflavone metabolism.
Evidence Category:
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X
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:
Introduction
This was a well-constructed randomised, parallel-design, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial over 12 months. The primary aim was to determine the effectiveness of a novel fermented red clover extract (RCE) containing isoflavones and probiotics combined with traditional calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplementation, in comparison with traditional calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplementation alone on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
Methods
- The trial followed the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and received ethics approval.
- Inclusion criteria: female; >=1 year postmenopause; age 60-85; and bone T score of -1 to -2.25.
- Exclusion criteria: medical treatment for osteopenia or hormone replacement therapy within the past 3 months; diet rich in or supplementation with isoflavones; supplementation with Vitamin K; medical history of stipulated conditions.
- 85 participants were eligible and randomised to either the control or treatment group.
- Treatment group received 95 mL of RCE twice daily, containing 60 mg isoflavone aglycones and probiotics, plus 1040mg calcium, 487mg magnesium and 25μg Vitamin D daily (CMD/d). Control group received masked RCE placebo plus CMD/d.
Results
- The change in BMD (p=0.043) and T score (p=0.045) showed a statistically significant greater decrease in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and hip of the control group than the RCE treatment group after 12 months of treatment.
- A statistically significant reduction in one bone resorption marker was found in the RCE group compared to control (p=0.045). All other bone biomarkers failed to reach significance.
- Plasma isoflavone concentration was elevated in the RCE treatment group compared to control (p=0.0094).
- The concentration ratios of urinary oestrogen metabolites 2-OH:16αOH was significantly increased in the RCE group compared to control (p=0.026).
Conclusion
Fermented RCE with CMD/d slowed oestrogen-deficient BMD loss and improved one marker of bone turnover in postmenopausal osteopenic women. Combining RCE with CMD/d was found to be more effective in preserving bone density than CMD/d alone in this target group. Probiotics in the fermented RCE appear to enhance intestinal isoflavone uptake, metabolism, and therapeutic effect.
Clinical practice applications:
- Healthcare practitioners working with women in post-menopause with osteopenia could consider the addition of fermented RCE with CMD/d for improved bone mineral density and bone turnover over 12 months.
- Given the positive impact of RCE intake over 12 months on 2-OH:16αOH oestrogen metabolite ratios, healthcare practitioners could consider fermented RCE when HRT is not an available option in relation to cancer risk.
- Based on these results, Nutritional Therapists working with post-menopausal women with osteopenia can focus on dietary isoflavone intake and pre and probiotic foods to support BMD, alongside supplementary options.
Considerations for future research:
- Given the length of time taken in bone remodelling cycles, a clinical trial of more than 2 years would strengthen the evidence provided by DXA scan.
- All trial participants were normotensive and healthy weight. Future studies could include women with hypertension and obesity to determine effects of RCE on bone and blood pressure/lipid markers in this group.
- Controlled feeding studies to determine the dietary effects of isoflavones and pre and probiotic foods would provide additional information in this area.
- Other fermented RCE products should be trialled to replicate findings.
Abstract
Background: Female age-related estrogen deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, which can be effectively treated with the use of hormone replacement therapy. However, hormone replacement therapy is demonstrated to increase cancer risk. Bioavailable isoflavones with selective estrogen receptor affinity show potential to prevent and treat osteoporosis while minimizing or eliminating carcinogenic side effects.Objective: In this study, we sought to determine the beneficial effects of a bioavailable isoflavone and probiotic treatment against postmenopausal osteopenia.Design: We used a novel red clover extract (RCE) rich in isoflavone aglycones and probiotics to concomitantly promote uptake and a favorable intestinal bacterial profile to enhance isoflavone bioavailability. This was a 12-mo, double-blind, parallel design, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial of 78 postmenopausal osteopenic women supplemented with calcium (1200 mg/d), magnesium (550 mg/d), and calcitriol (25 μg/d) given either RCE (60 mg isoflavone aglycones/d and probiotics) or a masked placebo [control (CON)].Results: RCE significantly attenuated bone mineral density (BMD) loss at the L2-L4 lumbar spine vertebra (P < 0.05), femoral neck (P < 0.01), and trochanter (P < 0.01) compared with CON (-0.99% and -2.2%; -1.04% and -3.05%; and -0.67% and -2.79, respectively). Plasma concentrations of collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide was significantly decreased in the RCE group (P < 0.05) compared with CON (-9.40% and -6.76%, respectively). RCE significantly elevated the plasma isoflavone concentration (P < 0.05), the urinary 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH) to 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OH) ratio (P < 0.05), and equol-producer status (P < 0.05) compared with CON. RCE had no significant effect on other bone turnover biomarkers. Self-reported diet and physical activity were consistent and differences were nonsignificant between groups throughout the study. RCE was well tolerated with no adverse events.Conclusions: Twice daily RCE intake over 1 y potently attenuated BMD loss caused by estrogen deficiency, improved bone turnover, promoted a favorable estrogen metabolite profile (2-OH:16α-OH), and stimulated equol production in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. RCE intake combined with supplementation (calcium, magnesium, and calcitriol) was more effective than supplementation alone. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02174666.
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Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting on Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Cardioprotection Among Metabolically Healthy Obese Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Trepanowski, JF, Kroeger, CM, Barnosky, A, Klempel, MC, Bhutani, S, Hoddy, KK, Gabel, K, Freels, S, Rigdon, J, Rood, J, et al
JAMA internal medicine. 2017;177(7):930-938
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Restricting calories every second day to as low as 500 calories (alternate day fasting) has become popular in recent years as a weight loss strategy. This randomised clinical trial of 69 obese, but otherwise healthy, individuals aimed to assess the impact of alternate day fasting for 6 months on weight loss and risk factors for heart disease, in comparison to more traditional daily calorie restriction. The study results showed that average weight loss was similar for the alternate day fasting group and daily calorie restriction group, compared to control. Average HDL cholesterol levels were higher at month 6 and average LDL cholesterol levels were higher at month 12 in the alternate day fasting group, compared to the daily calorie restriction group. There were no other statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for other markers of heart disease. Drop out rates were highest in the alternate day fasting group, suggesting that it is a harder diet to stick to in the longer term. Nutrition practitioners practising individualised nutrition can use the results of this trial to work with overweight clients in choosing the best dietary strategy for weight loss in relation to their clients’ goals and lifestyle.
Abstract
Importance: Alternate-day fasting has become increasingly popular, yet, to date, no long-term randomized clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy. Objective: To compare the effects of alternate-day fasting vs daily calorie restriction on weight loss, weight maintenance, and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease. Design, Setting, and Participants: A single-center randomized clinical trial of obese adults (18 to 64 years of age; mean body mass index, 34) was conducted between October 1, 2011, and January 15, 2015, at an academic institution in Chicago, Illinois. Interventions: Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 1 year: alternate-day fasting (25% of energy needs on fast days; 125% of energy needs on alternating "feast days"), calorie restriction (75% of energy needs every day), or a no-intervention control. The trial involved a 6-month weight-loss phase followed by a 6-month weight-maintenance phase. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes were adherence to the dietary intervention and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease. Results: Among the 100 participants (86 women and 14 men; mean [SD] age, 44 [11] years), the dropout rate was highest in the alternate-day fasting group (13 of 34 [38%]), vs the daily calorie restriction group (10 of 35 [29%]) and control group (8 of 31 [26%]). Mean weight loss was similar for participants in the alternate-day fasting group and those in the daily calorie restriction group at month 6 (-6.8% [95% CI, -9.1% to -4.5%] vs -6.8% [95% CI, -9.1% to -4.6%]) and month 12 (-6.0% [95% CI, -8.5% to -3.6%] vs -5.3% [95% CI, -7.6% to -3.0%]) relative to those in the control group. Participants in the alternate-day fasting group ate more than prescribed on fast days, and less than prescribed on feast days, while those in the daily calorie restriction group generally met their prescribed energy goals. There were no significant differences between the intervention groups in blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, or homocysteine concentrations at month 6 or 12. Mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at month 6 significantly increased among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (6.2 mg/dL [95% CI, 0.1-12.4 mg/dL]), but not at month 12 (1.0 mg/dL [95% CI, -5.9 to 7.8 mg/dL]), relative to those in the daily calorie restriction group. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated by month 12 among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (11.5 mg/dL [95% CI, 1.9-21.1 mg/dL]) compared with those in the daily calorie restriction group. Conclusions and Relevance: Alternate-day fasting did not produce superior adherence, weight loss, weight maintenance, or cardioprotection vs daily calorie restriction. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00960505.
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Red meat, dairy, and insulin sensitivity: a randomized crossover intervention study.
Turner, KM, Keogh, JB, Clifton, PM
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2015;101(6):1173-9
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Insulin resistance increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Based on epidemiological studies, the roles of specific dietary components, namely red meat and dairy, have reached varied conclusions. Limited interventions have linked red meat to an increased risk of developing T2D whereas dairy consumption has been associated to a lowered risk of developing T2D. The aim of this trial was to compare the effects of consuming either a diet high in lean red meat or high in low-fat dairy on insulin sensitivity. The study included 47 overweight and obese participants divided by normal or impaired glucose tolerance. Participants were randomised to consume a high-red meat, low-dairy diet or a high-dairy, low-red meat diet for four weeks with a two week washout period in between. Dietary and clinical measures were recorded and analysed. The results of this study suggest that high consumption of dairy reduces insulin sensitivity compared with a diet high in lean red meat in overweight and obese individuals.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have linked high consumption of red and processed meat with risk of developing type 2 diabetes, whereas high dairy consumption has been associated with decreased risk, but interventions have been limited. OBJECTIVE We compared the effects on insulin sensitivity of consuming a diet high in lean red meat with minimal dairy, a diet high in primarily low-fat dairy (from milk, yogurt, or custard) with no red meat, and a control diet that contained neither red meat nor dairy. DESIGN A randomized crossover study was undertaken with 47 overweight and obese men and women divided into 2 groups as follows: those with normal glucose tolerance and those with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Participants followed the 3 weight-stable dietary interventions for 4 wk with glucose, insulin, and C-peptide measured by using oral-glucose-tolerance tests at the end of each diet. RESULTS Fasting insulin was significantly higher after the dairy diet than after the red meat diet (P < 0.01) with no change in fasting glucose resulting in a decrease in insulin sensitivity after the high-dairy diet (P < 0.05) as assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). A significant interaction between diet and sex was observed such that, in women alone, HOMA-IR was significantly lower after the red meat diet than after the dairy diet (1.33 ± 0.8 compared with 1.71 ± 0.8, respectively; P < 0.01). Insulin sensitivity calculated by using the Matsuda method was 14.7% lower in women after the dairy diet than after the red meat diet (P < 0.01) with no difference between diets in men. C-peptide was not different between diets. CONCLUSION In contrast to some epidemiologic findings, these results suggest that high consumption of dairy reduces insulin sensitivity compared with a diet high in lean red meat in overweight and obese subjects, some of whom had glucose intolerance. This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12613000441718.
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Modifying influence of dietary sugar in the relationship between cortisol and visceral adipose tissue in minority youth.
Gyllenhammer, LE, Weigensberg, MJ, Spruijt-Metz, D, Allayee, H, Goran, MI, Davis, JN
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2014;22(2):474-81
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Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is one of the strongest risk factors associated with obesity and related co-morbidities. A potential mechanism for this association involves cortisol and cortisol receptors, however the specific interaction of cortisol and diet upon fat deposition has not yet been explored in humans. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of a high-fat, high-sugar diet on the association between stress and visceral fat in 165 overweight minority youth. The results of this study showed that cortisol was significantly associated with elevated VAT under conditions of high sugar intake in this population. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that dietary sugar may play a crucial role in moderating the adverse effects of cortisol.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cortisol has been associated with preferential visceral adipose tissue (VAT) deposition; however, findings in humans are mixed, which may be clarified when diet is considered. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants included 165 African-American and Latino, overweight adolescents (BMI% 97.2±3.2%, ages 13-18, 67% Latino, 66% female). Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, abdominal fat depots [VAT, subcutaneous (SAT)] by multiple-slice MRI, time-controlled serum sample to measure cortisol, and 2-day multi-pass 24-hour dietary recall. Linear regression analysis examined the cross-sectional relationship between cortisol, and the interaction of diet and cortisol on adiposity measures. Sex, race, age, and total body fat were a priori covariates. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between cortisol and sugar (total and added) in the prediction of VAT (P(interaction) ≤ 0.05). Amongst participants with high total or added-sugar intake, cortisol was significantly associated with VAT (ß = 0.031 P < 0.001; ß = 0.026 P < 0.001), with no relationship in low consumers of total or added-sugar. CONCLUSION Dietary sugar may play an important role in modifying the relationship between cortisol and VAT, such that cortisol is significantly associated with elevated VAT under conditions of high sugar intake.
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Adapting iron dose supplementation in pregnancy for greater effectiveness on mother and child health: protocol of the ECLIPSES randomized clinical trial.
Arija, V, Fargas, F, March, G, Abajo, S, Basora, J, Canals, J, Ribot, B, Aparicio, E, Serrat, N, Hernández-Martínez, C, et al
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2014;14:33
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Currently there is no consensus on the best practice for meeting the differing iron needs of pregnant women during the gestational period. Iron needs during pregnancy are influenced by many factors including initial iron status, genetic alterations and dietary intake, and these individual characteristics should be considered when prescribing an iron supplement. The aim of this protocol is to determine a trial design that assesses the effectiveness of iron supplementation adapted to haemoglobin levels at the start of pregnancy relative to the usually prescribed dose. Women in the first trimester will be divided into two groups based on their initial haemoglobin levels and will be randomised to receive either a low or high dose iron supplement. If this protocol is carried out, outcomes should elucidate the optimal iron supplementation dose required to promote maternal and infant health, based on initial haemoglobin levels. These findings would contribute to developing guidelines for good clinical practice.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no consensus regarding iron supplementation dose that is most beneficial for maternal and offspring health during gestation. Recommended iron supplementation dose does not preempt anemia in around 20% of the pregnancies, nor the risk of hemoconcentration in 15%. This deficit, or excess, of iron prejudices the mother-child wellbeing. Therefore the aims of the study are to determine the highest level of effectiveness of iron supplementation adapted to hemoglobin (Hb) levels in early pregnancy, which would be optimum for mother-child health. METHODS/DESIGN DESIGN Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) triple-blindedSetting: 10 Primary Care Centers from Catalunya (Spain)Study subjects: 878 non-anemic pregnant women at early gestation stage, and their subsequent newborns METHODS The study is structured as a RCT with 2 strata, depending on the Hb levels before week 12 of gestation. Stratum #1: If Hb from 110 to 130 g/L, randomly assigned at week 12 to receive iron supplement of 40 or 80 mg/d. Stratum #2: If Hb >130 g/L, randomly assigned at week 12 to receive iron supplement of 40 or 20 mg/d. MEASUREMENTS In the mother: socio-economic data, clinical history, food item frequency, lifestyle and emotional state, and adherence to iron supplement prescription. Biochemical measurements include: Hb, serum ferritin, C reactive protein, cortisol, and alterations in the HFE gene (C282Y, H63D). In children: ultrasound fetal biometry, anthropometric measurements, and temperament development.Statistical analyses, using the SPSS program for Windows, will include bivariate and multivariate analyses adjusted for variables associated with the relationship under study. DISCUSSION Should conclusive outcomes be reached, the study would indicate the optimal iron supplementation dose required to promote maternal and infant health. These results would contribute towards developing guidelines for good clinical practice.