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Dynamics of gut microbiota during pregnancy in women with TPOAb-positive subclinical hypothyroidism: a prospective cohort study.
Wu, M, Chi, C, Yang, Y, Guo, S, Li, T, Gu, M, Zhang, T, Gao, H, Liu, R, Yin, C
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2022;22(1):592
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Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in pregnancy refers to the elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone level with normal free T4 level. One third of women with SCH have been reported to test positive for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb+). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether gut microbiota can be potential therapeutic targets for managing TPOAb+ SCH. This study was a nested, prospective observational cohort study. A total of 64 and 68 pregnant women with TPOAb+ and TPOAb negative SCH, respectively, were included in this study. Results showed that women who were diagnosed with TPOAb+ SCH in trimester (T)1 show distinct dynamics of gut microbiota from T2 to T3. Furthermore, changes in the abundances of three types of bacterial species were abnormal in the presence of levothyroxine treatment. Authors conclude that gut microbiota can serve as potential therapeutic targets for TPOAb+ SCH during pregnancy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity can contribute to inhibit thyroxine synthesis. Gut microbiota can interact with metabolic or immune diseases. However, dynamics of gut microbiota from the second (T2) to the third trimester (T3) in women with TPOAb-positive/negative subclinical hypothyroidism (TPOAb+/TPOAb- SCH) have not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether gut microbiota can be potential therapeutic targets for managing TPOAb+ SCH. METHODS In this single-center prospective cohort study, we observed gut microbiota dynamics by sequencing 16S rRNA from fecal samples collected in T2 (20-23+ 6 weeks) and T3 (28-33+ 6 weeks). TPOAb+/TPOAb- SCH were stratified depending on whether or not they used levothyroxine (LT4) during the pregnancy (LT4+/LT4-). Microbiome bioinformatics analyses were performed using QIIME2. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was used for the quantitative analysis of biomarkers. Functional profiling was performed with PICRUSt2. RESULTS Distinct gut microbiota dynamics from T2 to T3 were noted in the TPOAb- (n = 68) and TPOAb+ (n = 64) SCH groups. The TPOAb+ LT4- group was characterized by enriched bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of Prevotella in T2 and Bacteria, Lachnospirales, Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, and Agathobacter in T3 and by depleted ASVs of Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacterales, and Enterobacteriaceae in T2 and Actinobacteriota, Coriobacteriia, Actinobacteria, Coriobacteriales, Bifidobacteriales, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium, Dorea formicigenerans, and Bifidobacterium longum in T3. The TPOAb+ LT4+ group was characterized by enriched bacterial ASVs of Blautia, Streptococcus salivarius, and Bifidobacterium longum in T3 and by depleted ASVs of Bacteroidota, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, and Prevotella in T2 and Agathobacter in T3. Moreover, we identified 53 kinds of metabolic functions that were mainly involved in sugar, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that low dynamics of gut microbiota composition and high dynamics of its metabolic function from T2 to T3 were associated with TPOAb+ SCH. We concluded that gut microbiota could be new targets for treatment of TPOAb+ SCH during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number ChiCTR2100047175 ) on June 10, 2021.
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Eight-hour time-restricted feeding improves endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome.
Li, C, Xing, C, Zhang, J, Zhao, H, Shi, W, He, B
Journal of translational medicine. 2021;19(1):148
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorders that affects up to 10% women of childbearing age. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) on menstruation, gonadal and metabolic parameters in women with anovulatory PCOS and propose a basis for its inclusion in the treatment of PCOS. This study is a 6-week trial with 2 consecutive periods: (1) 1-week baseline weight stabilization period; and (2) 5-week TRF period. Fifteen subjects were included in the study whose age varied between 18 and 31 years. Results show that five weeks of TRF improved menstruation, gonadal profiles, body weight, body mass index, body composition profiles, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance profiles, decreasing chronic inflammation markers and increasing insulin growth factor –1 [hormone]. Authors conclude that TRF may be suitable for PCOS women with appropriate counselling and patient management.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a form of intermittent fasting, which is beneficial for weight loss and cardiometabolic health. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine and metabolic diseases affecting women of childbearing age. It is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The effects of TRF on PCOS patients remains undefined, here we investigated the impact of TRF on women with anovulatory PCOS. METHODS Eighteen PCOS women aged between 18 and 31 with anovulation participated in a 6-week trial which were divided into two consecutive periods: (1) 1-week baseline weight stabilization period and (2) 5-week TRF period. Fifteen participants completed the study. Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat area (VFA), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH, total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), fasting glucose, fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), area under the curve (AUC) for insulin (AUCIns), area under the curve (AUC) for glucose (AUCGlu), AUCIns/AUCGlu Ratio, lipids, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), menstrual cycle and eating behaviors were evaluated. RESULTS Significant changes in body weight, BMI, BFM, BF%, VFA, TT, SHBG, FAI, FINS, HOMA-IR, AUCIns, AUCIns/AUCGlu Ratio, ALT, hsCRP and IGF-1 were found after the TRF period. An improvement in menstrual cycle irregularity was detected in 73.3% (11/15) patients. CONCLUSION The diet of TRF may be beneficial to anovulatory PCOS on weight loss especially reducing body fat, improving menstruation, hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT04580433, registered October 8, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04580433.
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Moderate Consumption of Beer (with and without Ethanol) and Menopausal Symptoms: Results from a Parallel Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women.
Trius-Soler, M, Marhuenda-Muñoz, M, Laveriano-Santos, EP, Martínez-Huélamo, M, Sasot, G, Storniolo, CE, Estruch, R, Lamuela-Raventós, RM, Tresserra-Rimbau, A
Nutrients. 2021;13(7)
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During the menopause, hormonal changes can trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy does reduce some of the symptoms, however there has been an increased interest in alternative therapies such as phytoestrogens to relieve these symptoms. Phytoestrogens are compounds with oestrogen-like properties naturally found in plants. Beer is the main food source of the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. The aim of this six-month parallel, controlled clinical intervention trial was to evaluate if a moderate daily intake of beer, with or without alcohol, could reduce menopausal symptoms in women. Female sex hormone profile and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) were also monitored. 34 postmenopausal women took part. One group included alcoholic beer (AB), and a second group added non-alcoholic beer (NAB) for 6 months. The control group took no alcohol in this time. After a 6-month follow-up both groups (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms. These results must be considered as preliminary and will require confirmation with larger sample sizes.
Abstract
The menopausal transition can be a challenging period for women's health and a trigger of uncomfortable symptoms. Beer is the main food source of isoxanthohumol, a precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. As phytoestrogens are reported to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we evaluated if a daily moderate consumption of beer with (AB) and without alcohol (NAB) could improve menopausal symptoms and modify cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 37 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a parallel controlled intervention trial and assigned to three study groups: 16 were administered AB (330 mL/day), 7 NAB (660 mL/day), and 14 were in the control group. After a 6-month follow-up of the 34 participants who finished the trial, both interventions (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms (p-value AB vs. Control: 0.009; p-value NAB vs. Control: 0.033). Moreover, AB had a beneficial net effect on psychological menopausal discomforts compared to the control group. As the sex hormone profile did not differ significantly between the study groups, the effects of both types of beers (AB and NAB) are attributed to the non-alcoholic fraction of beer. Furthermore, moderate NAB consumption improved the lipid profile and decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
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The Dose-Effects of Caffeine on Lower Body Maximal Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Strength-Trained Females.
Jones, L, Johnstone, I, Day, C, Le Marquer, S, Hulton, AT
Nutrients. 2021;13(10)
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Caffeine is a common ingredient in tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks and multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements. It is believed to elicit an ergogenic effect that enhances athletic performance. However, only very few studies have examined the effect of caffeine on women who take contraceptive pills. The aim of this double-blind, randomised, counterbalanced, crossover trial was to investigate the ergogenic effect of pre-exercise caffeine supplementation on strength performance and muscular endurance in strength-trained females taking contraceptives. Fourteen women were randomised to consume doses of 3 and 6 mg·kg−1 body mass of caffeine supplement or placebo thirty minutes prior to the exercise. Caffeine supplementation at 3 and 6 mg·kg−1 body mass significantly improved muscular endurance and total strength. No significant difference was observed between the higher and lower doses of caffeine in improving performance, indicating that the lower dose can potentially provide the same benefit without the adverse effect of the higher dose. The low dose had a similar caffeine content to that of a large coffee latte from a coffee shop, suggesting beneficial effects could be achieved through coffee/latte consumption. Caution should be applied when extrapolating the findings for eumenorrheic females with different training statuses. Healthcare practitioners can, however, use the results of this study to understand the potential benefits of caffeine for strength-trained women using hormone contraception.
Abstract
Caffeine supplementation has shown to be an effective ergogenic aid enhancing athletic performance, although limited research within female populations exists. Therefore, the aim of the investigation was to assess the effect of pre-exercise caffeine supplementation on strength performance and muscular endurance in strength-trained females. In a double-blind, randomised, counterbalanced design, fourteen strength-trained females using hormonal contraception consumed either 3 or 6 mg·kg-1 BM of caffeine or placebo (PLA). Following supplementation, participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press and repetitions to failure (RF) at 60% of their 1RM. During the RF test, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded every five repetitions and total volume (TV) lifted was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that RF (p = 0.010) and TV (p = 0.012) attained significance, with pairwise comparisons indicating a significant difference between 3 mg·kg-1 BM and placebo for RF (p = 0.014), with an effect size of 0.56, and for 6 mg·kg-1 BM (p = 0.036) compared to the placebo, with an effect size of 0.65. No further significance was observed for 1RM or for RPE, and no difference was observed between caffeine trials. Although no impact on lower body muscular strength was observed, doses of 3 and 6 mg·kg-1 BM of caffeine improved lower body muscular endurance in resistance-trained females, which may have a practical application for enhancing resistance training stimuli and improving competitive performance.
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Insulin resistance drives hepatic de novo lipogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Smith, GI, Shankaran, M, Yoshino, M, Schweitzer, GG, Chondronikola, M, Beals, JW, Okunade, AL, Patterson, BW, Nyangau, E, Field, T, et al
The Journal of clinical investigation. 2020;130(3):1453-1460
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common complication of obesity and is associated with multiorgan insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease. The aims of this study were to (a) determine hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) [the liver’s biochemical process of synthesising fatty acids] in 3 distinct cohorts, (b) determine the relationships among hepatic DNL and intrahepatic [within the liver] triglyceride (IHTG) content, and (c) determine the effect of moderate (10%) weight loss. This study is a cross-sectional study which included a total of 67 men and women (mean age: 39 ± 1 years; 14 men and 53 women). Results highlight the importance of DNL in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis [build up of fats in the liver] and suggest that increases in daily 24-hour plasma glucose and insulin concentrations are major drivers of increased DNL in individuals with obesity and NAFLD. Additionally, moderate (10%) weight loss caused a marked decrease in both hepatic DNL and IHTG content. Authors conclude that increases in circulating glucose and insulin promote hepatic DNL in individuals with NAFLD. Whereas an improvement in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in hepatic DNL, are potentially important contributors to the decline in IHTG content associated with moderate weight loss.
Abstract
BACKGROUNDAn increase in intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) is the hallmark feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is decreased by weight loss. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) contributes to steatosis in individuals with NAFLD. The physiological factors that stimulate hepatic DNL and the effect of weight loss on hepatic DNL are not clear.METHODSHepatic DNL, 24-hour integrated plasma insulin and glucose concentrations, and both liver and whole-body insulin sensitivity were determined in individuals who were lean (n = 14), obese with normal IHTG content (n = 26), or obese with NAFLD (n = 27). Hepatic DNL was assessed using the deuterated water method corrected for the potential confounding contribution of adipose tissue DNL. Liver and whole-body insulin sensitivity was assessed using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with glucose tracer infusion. Six subjects in the obese-NAFLD group were also evaluated before and after a diet-induced weight loss of 10%.RESULTSThe contribution of hepatic DNL to IHTG-palmitate was 11%, 19%, and 38% in the lean, obese, and obese-NAFLD groups, respectively. Hepatic DNL was inversely correlated with hepatic and whole-body insulin sensitivity, but directly correlated with 24-hour plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Weight loss decreased IHTG content, in conjunction with a decrease in hepatic DNL and 24-hour plasma glucose and insulin concentrations.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest hepatic DNL is an important regulator of IHTG content and that increases in circulating glucose and insulin stimulate hepatic DNL in individuals with NAFLD. Weight loss decreased IHTG content, at least in part, by decreasing hepatic DNL.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT02706262.FUNDINGThis study was supported by NIH grants DK56341 (Nutrition Obesity Research Center), DK20579 (Diabetes Research Center), DK52574 (Digestive Disease Research Center), and RR024992 (Clinical and Translational Science Award), and by grants from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, the College of Natural Resources of UCB, and the Pershing Square Foundation.
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Development and content validity of an instrument for assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity.
Silva, DFO, Souza, ALS, Pimentel, JB, Souza, TO, Araújo, EPDS, Sena-Evangelista, KCM, Arrais, RF, Lima, SCVC
PloS one. 2020;15(11):e0242680
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Reduction and control of body weight is an important measure in order to reduce health risks in adolescence and adulthood. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the content of an instrument to assess the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity. This is a methodological study. The development and content validation of the instrument was conducted in five stages. There were three rounds of evaluation; in the first round the responses of 12 experts were included, in the second round the responses of 10 experts were included and in the final round the responses of four experts were included. Findings show that the content validity evaluation of the items by the panel of experts allowed the selection of the most practical items for adolescents. Additionally, the revisions made in the wording of the items provided a better standardization in the presentation of the items and a clearer language adapted to the age range of the target audience. Authors conclude that further psychometric testing is needed to determine reliability and construct validity of the instrument.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and validate the content of an instrument for assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity. METHODS The development and validation of the instrument were conducted in five stages, for which two systematic reviews were conducted. The first one, for the identification of questionnaires assessing the motivation for weight loss, included six studies and contributed to the selection of the domains for the instrument. The second one, conducted to identify the motivations for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and/or obesity, included six studies and contributed to the selection of 17 motivations included in the initial version of the instrument. The motivations most commonly identified were: having better health, improving my appearance, improving my self-esteem and avoiding bullying. The content validity was confirmed by a committee of 12 experts from the areas of nutrition, endocrinology, psychology, and physical education. Based on these evaluations, the content validity index was calculated. Only the items with a content validity index >0.80 for practical relevance were held in the instrument. RESULTS Five of the 17 motivations included in the initial version of the instrument were excluded because they had content validity index <0.80 for practical relevance. Of the 12 items held in the instrument, five were revised by experts in order to standardize wording and make the language more appropriate for adolescents. Experts categorized the items into the health, personal satisfaction, appearance and social domains. CONCLUSIONS This is the first instrument assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity in Brazil. The content validity evaluation by the panel of experts provided more practical relevance, as well as contributed to a better presentation of the items. Further psychometric testing is needed to determine reliability and construct validity of the instrument.
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Lifestyle factors and visceral adipose tissue: Results from the PREDIMED-PLUS study.
Galmes-Panades, AM, Konieczna, J, Abete, I, Colom, A, Rosique-Esteban, N, Zulet, MA, Vázquez, Z, Estruch, R, Vidal, J, Toledo, E, et al
PloS one. 2019;14(1):e0210726
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Excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT, abdominal fat) is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and all cause mortality. Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, are associated with VAT. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between different levels of physical activity (PA), adherence to an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and sedentary lifestyle with VAT in older people with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. Data were taken from an ongoing randomised study evaluating the effect of a weight loss programme based on an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet, promotion of physical activity and behavioural support compared to usual care consisting of advice on an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet only. Total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and muscle strength were inversely, and sedentary behaviour was positively associated with VAT. There was no statistically significant association between VAT and light exercise, adherence to the energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and watching TV.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a strong predictor of cardiometabolic health, and lifestyle factors may have a positive influence on VAT depot. This study aimed to assess the cross-sectional associations between baseline levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviours (SB) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) with VAT depot in older individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS Baseline data of the PREDIMED-Plus study including a sample of 1,231 Caucasian men and women aged 55-75 years were used. Levels of leisure-time PA (total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous, in METs·min/day) and SB (total and TV-viewing, in h/day) were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using a 17-item energy-restricted MedDiet (erMedDiet) screener. The chair-stand test was used to estimate the muscle strength. VAT depot was assessed with DXA-CoreScan. Multivariable adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between lifestyle factors and VAT. For the statistics we had used multiadjusted linear regression models. RESULTS Total leisure-time PA (100 METs·min/day: β -24.3g, -36.7;-11.9g), moderate-to-vigorous PA (β -27.8g, 95% CI -40.8;-14.8g), chair-stand test (repeat: β -11.5g, 95% CI -20.1;-2.93g) were inversely associated, and total SB (h/day: β 38.2g, 95% CI 14.7;61.7) positively associated with VAT. Light PA, TV-viewing time and adherence to an erMedDiet were not significantly associated with VAT. CONCLUSIONS In older adults with overweigh/obesity and metabolic syndrome, greater PA, muscle strength, and lower total SB were associated with less VAT depot. In this study, adherence to an erMedDiet was not associated with lower VAT.
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A structured weight loss program increases gut microbiota phylogenetic diversity and reduces levels of Collinsella in obese type 2 diabetics: A pilot study.
Frost, F, Storck, LJ, Kacprowski, T, Gärtner, S, Rühlemann, M, Bang, C, Franke, A, Völker, U, Aghdassi, AA, Steveling, A, et al
PloS one. 2019;14(7):e0219489
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The global obesity epidemic is a major cause of the increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ensuing cardiovascular disease. The causes of obesity are complex ,and it has been shown that changes in the microbiome are associated with obesity. The microbiome can be altered through dietary intervention and weight loss. The aim of this open label pilot study was to investigate the microbiome of obese patients with T2DM during a weight loss programme. During the first six weeks the diet consisted of formula drink providing 800kcal per day, followed by nine weeks during which a regular diet of 1,200-1,500kcal per day was reintroduced, depending on the individuals’ needs. All participants lost weight continuously over the 15 weeks, from an average BMI of 39.6 at the start to 33.1 at the end of the programme. This was accompanied with an improvement in glucose metabolism, total and LDL cholesterol and uric acid levels, but not HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. All participants experienced changes in their microbiome towards greater diversity after the first six weeks of the low-calorie formula diet but these changes were partially reversed at the end of the study period at 15 weeks. A particular type of bacteria, Collinsella, which has been associated with poor metabolic health, was the only type found to remain reduced at the end of the 15 weeks, an 8.4-fold decrease. The authors hypothesise that this reduction in Collinsella may be associated with the improvement of metabolic factor in these patients at the end of the study.
Abstract
The global obesity epidemic constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality challenging public health care systems worldwide. Thus, a better understanding of its pathophysiology and the development of novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Recently, alterations of the intestinal microbiome in the obese have been discussed as a promoting factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and as a contributing factor to related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The present pilot study investigated the effect of a structured weight loss program on fecal microbiota in obese type 2 diabetics. Twelve study subjects received a low-calorie formula diet for six weeks, followed by a nine week food reintroduction and stabilization period. Fecal microbiota were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples at baseline, after six weeks and at the end of the study after fifteen weeks. All study subjects lost weight continuously throughout the program. Changes in fecal microbiota were most pronounced after six weeks of low-calorie formula diet, but reverted partially until the end of the study. However, the gut microbiota phylogenetic diversity increased persistently. The abundance of Collinsella, which has previously been associated with atherosclerosis, decreased significantly during the weight loss program. This study underlines the impact of dietary changes on the intestinal microbiome and further demonstrates the beneficial effects of weight loss on gut microbiota. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02970838.
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Mussel Consumption as a "Food First" Approach to Improve Omega-3 Status.
Carboni, S, Kaur, G, Pryce, A, McKee, K, Desbois, AP, Dick, JR, Galloway, SDR, Hamilton, DL
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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The omega-3 fatty acids (FA) EPA and DHA are important for health. In the UK it is recommended that adults should consume 250mg EPA and DHA combined per day, which is thought to be achievable by eating one 140g portion of oily fish per week. At present it is estimated that the average intake in the UK is only 1/3 of a portion per week. There are, however, concerns over sustainability and the potential of toxicity of fish. Farmed mussels are a rich source of EPA and DHA, and present less of toxicity and sustainability concerns. This study investigated the potential of dietary mussels to raise blood levels of EPA and DHA. Twelve healthy young volunteers consumed mussels at three meals per week for two weeks. Mussel omega 3 FA content and blood omega 3 FA levels were evaluated. Mussels provided on average almost 600 mg omega 3 FA per 100g, 42% and 44%, respectively, were EPA and DHA. There was a large variation between batches. Study participants consumed on average just over 300mg EPA and DHA combined per day during the study period. Blood levels of EPA and DHA increased significantly over the two week study period. The authors conclude that consuming mussels as a protein source can improve EPA and DHA levels in young healthy adults
Abstract
Numerous United Kingdom and European Union expert panels recommend that the general adult population consumes ~250 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day through the consumption of one portion of oily fish per week. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are only found in appreciable amounts in marine organisms. Increasing oily fish consumption conflicts with sustaining fisheries, so alternative dietary sources of EPA and DHA must be explored. Mussels are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a good source of essential amino acids. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of introducing mussels as a protein source in the lunchtime meal three times per week for two weeks on the omega-3 status of free-living participants. Following an initial two-week monitoring period, 12 participants (eight male and four female) attended the nutrition laboratory three times per week for two weeks. Each participant received a personalised lunch constituting one-third of their typical daily calorie consumption with ~20% of the calories supplied as cooked mussels. A portion of cooked mussels from each feeding occasion was tested for total omega-3 content. The mean ± SD mussel EPA + DHA content was 518.9 ± 155.7 mg/100 g cooked weight, meaning that each participant received on average 709.2 ± 252.6 mg of EPA + DHA per meal or 304.0 ± 108.2 mg of EPA + DHA per day. Blood spot analysis revealed a significant increase in the omega-3 index (week 1 = 4.27 ± 0.81; week 4 = 5.07 ± 1.00) and whole blood EPA content during the study (%EPA week 1 = 0.70 ± 0.0.35; %EPA week 4 = 0.98 ± 0.35). Consuming mussels three times per week for two weeks as the protein source in a personalised lunchtime meal is sufficient to moderately improve the omega-3 index and whole blood DHA + EPA content in young healthy adults.
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A 12-Month Lifestyle Intervention Program Improves Body Composition and Reduces the Prevalence of Prediabetes in Obese Patients.
König, D, Hörmann, J, Predel, HG, Berg, A
Obesity facts. 2018;11(5):393-399
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Obesity and its impact on the prevalence of diabetes and subsequent cardiovascular disease is one of the major health burdens in Western societies. Lifestyle intervention studies have shown that weight loss combined with increased physical activity can improve metabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention programme on weight and metabolic risk factors in 5884 obese individuals. The programme included 61 sessions over 12 months, including 41 exercise sessions, 12 psychological/self-management sessions and 8 nutritional counselling sessions (based on a low glycaemic index, low fat diet). After 12 months there was a significant reduction in weight (average 6%), waist circumference, physical fitness and all metabolic parameters (including blood sugar and fat metabolism). Overall, in 839 (38%) of the 2,227 participants who were pre-diabetic before intervention, the criteria of pre-diabetes were no longer detectable after 12 months, whilst only 66 (3%) progressed to type 2 diabetes mellitus. 46.7% of the 1,641 participants fulfilling the criteria of metabolic syndrome before the intervention, did not show any signs of this syndrome after the intervention; whilst only 120 participants (+7.3%) newly developed metabolic syndrome. The authors concluded that the intensive lifestyle intervention programme was successful, even in obese people with pre-diabetes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigated the effects of a 12-month interdisciplinary standardized lifestyle program addressing physical activity and changes in dietary and lifestyle behavior in 2,227 obese prediabetic participants. METHODS Measures of obesity (BMI, waist circumference), cardiopulmonary fitness, and metabolic parameters were determined before and after the intervention period. RESULTS From the 2,227 participants who were initially prediabetic, 839 participants (-37.7%) did no longer show the criteria of prediabetes after the intervention and had normal HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION The clinical effects are substantial, and it is likely that the applied intense and multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions could reduce the risk of developing diabetes and the prevalence of a full-blown metabolic syndrome in obese and prediabetic patients.