Nutrients

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14 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lower Postprandial Thermogenic Response to an Unprocessed Whole Food Meal Compared to an Iso-Energetic/Macronutrient Meal Replacement in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Trial

by Alex E. Mohr, Carmen Ramos, Kelvin Tavarez and Paul J. Arciero

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082469 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4617

Abstract

In contrast to ultra-processed foods that are associated with increased weight gain and obesity risk, nutritionally engineered dietary supplements, including meal replacement (MR) bars and shakes, are generally promoted as healthy. Limited data is available comparing the metabolic and hunger responses of whole [...] Read more.

In contrast to ultra-processed foods that are associated with increased weight gain and obesity risk, nutritionally engineered dietary supplements, including meal replacement (MR) bars and shakes, are generally promoted as healthy. Limited data is available comparing the metabolic and hunger responses of whole food (WF) versus MR meals. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the thermic effect (TEM), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), hunger/taste ratings, and glucose response of two different breakfast meals containing MR and WF products in young healthy women. Eight volunteers completed two iso-caloric (529 kcals)/macronutrient (50% carbohydrates; 26% fat; 24% protein) test meals in a single-blind, randomized crossover design: (1) whole food meal; or (2) meal replacement. TEM was significantly higher following MR compared with WF (percent mean difference: 7.76 ± 3.78%; absolute mean difference: 0.053 ± 0.026 kcal/minute, p = 0.048), whereas WF substrate utilization demonstrated lower carbohydrate oxidation (RER) than MR (mean difference: −0.024 ± 0.008, p = 0.005). No differences existed for blood glucose response and feelings of hunger, desire to eat, and satiety among trials. Consumption of an MR meal increases postprandial thermogenesis and RER compared to a WF meal, which may impact weight control and obesity risk over the long-term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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18 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience and CVD-protective Health Behaviors in Older Women: Examining Racial and Ethnic Differences in a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative

by Sparkle Springfield, FeiFei Qin, Haley Hedlin, Charles B. Eaton, Milagros C. Rosal, Herman Taylor, Ursula M. Staudinger and Marcia L. Stefanick

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2107; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072107 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3475

Abstract

Little is known about the relationship between self-reported psychological resilience (resilience) and health behaviors shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines the associations between resilience and CVD-related risk factors, such as diet, smoking, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol [...] Read more.

Little is known about the relationship between self-reported psychological resilience (resilience) and health behaviors shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines the associations between resilience and CVD-related risk factors, such as diet, smoking, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol consumption among older American women from diverse backgrounds. Methods: A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted on 77,395 women (mean age 77 years, Black (N = 4475, 5.8%), non-Hispanic white (N = 69,448, 89.7%), Latina (N = 1891, 2.4%), and Asian or Pacific Islander (N = 1581, 2.0%)) enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Extension Study II. Resilience was measured using an abbreviated version of the brief resilience scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between resilience and health behaviors associated with risk for CVD, while adjusting for stressful life events and sociodemographic information. To test whether these associations varied among racial/ethnic groups, an interaction term was added to the fully adjusted models between resilience and race/ethnicity. Results: High levels of resilience were associated with better diet quality (top 2 quintiles of the Healthy Eating Index 2015) (OR = 1.22 (95% Confidence Interval (1.15–1.30)), adhering to recommended physical activity (≥ 150 min per week) (1.56 (1.47, 1.66)), sleeping the recommended hours per night (7–9) (1.36 (1.28–1.44)), and moderate alcohol intake (consuming alcoholic drink(s) 1–7 days per week) (1.28 (1.20–1.37)). The observed association between resilience and sleep is modified by race/ethnicity (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Irrespective of race/ethnicity, high resilience was associated with CVD-protective health behaviors. This warrants further investigation into whether interventions aimed at improving resilience could increase the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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14 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Gluten-Free Meal Produces a Lower Postprandial Thermogenic Response Compared to an Iso-Energetic/Macronutrient Whole Food or Processed Food Meal in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Trial

by Brittney Dioneda, Margaret Healy, Maia Paul, Caitlin Sheridan, Alex E. Mohr and Paul J. Arciero

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072035 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3984

Abstract

Consumption of ultra-processed food (PF) is associated with obesity risk compared with whole food (WF) intake. Less is known regarding the intake of gluten-free (GF) food products. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the thermic effect (TEM), substrate utilization, hunger/taste [...] Read more.

Consumption of ultra-processed food (PF) is associated with obesity risk compared with whole food (WF) intake. Less is known regarding the intake of gluten-free (GF) food products. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the thermic effect (TEM), substrate utilization, hunger/taste ratings, and glucose response of three different meals containing PF, WF, and GF food products in young healthy women. Eleven volunteers completed all three iso-caloric/macronutrient test meals in a single-blind, randomized crossover design: (1) whole food meal (WF); (2) processed food meal (PF); or (3) gluten-free meal (GF). TEM was significantly lower following GF compared with WF (−20.94 kcal/meal, [95% CI, −35.92 to −5.96], p = 0.008) and PF (mean difference: −14.94 kcal/meal, [95% CI, −29.92 to 0.04], p = 0.04), respectively. WF consumption resulted in significantly higher feelings of fullness compared to GF (mean difference: +14.36%, [95% CI, 3.41 to 25.32%], p = 0.011) and PF (mean difference: +16.81%, [95% CI, 5.62 to 28.01%], p = 0.004), respectively, and enhanced palatability (taste of meal) compared to PF meal (mean Δ: +27.41%, [95% CI, 5.53 to 49.30%], p = 0.048). No differences existed for substrate utilization and blood glucose response among trials. Consumption of a GF meal lowers postprandial thermogenesis compared to WF and PF meals and fullness ratings compared to a WF meal which may impact weight control and obesity risk over the long-term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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14 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-intensity Interval Training Promotes the Shift to a Health-Supporting Dietary Pattern in Young Adults

by Sabrina Donati Zeppa, Davide Sisti, Stefano Amatori, Marco Gervasi, Deborah Agostini, Giovanni Piccoli, Alexander Bertuccioli, Marco B.L. Rocchi, Vilberto Stocchi and Piero Sestili

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030843 - 21 Mar 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7343

Abstract

A healthy lifestyle is based on a correct diet and regular exercise. Little is known about the effect of different types of exercise on dietary preferences. To address the question of whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could modulate spontaneous food choices, an experimental [...] Read more.

A healthy lifestyle is based on a correct diet and regular exercise. Little is known about the effect of different types of exercise on dietary preferences. To address the question of whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could modulate spontaneous food choices, an experimental study was carried out on 32 young, healthy normal-weight subjects. The spontaneous diet of each subject has been monitored over nine weeks of indoor-cycling training, divided into three mesocycles with an incremental pattern: total energy intake, macronutrients and micronutrients have been analysed. A two-way mixed model has been used to assess differences in dietary variables; a principal factor analysis has been performed to identify sample subgroups. An increased energy intake (+17.8% at T3; p < 0.01) has been observed, although macronutrients’ proportions did not vary over time, without differences between sexes. An increase of free fat mass was found in the last mesocycle (+3.8%), without an augmentation of body weight, when, despite the increased training load, a stabilization of energy intake occurred. Three different subgroups characterized by different dietary modifications could be identified among participants that showed a common trend towards a healthier diet. Nine weeks of HIIT promoted a spontaneous modulation of food choices and regulation of dietary intake in young normal-weight subjects aged 21–24. Importantly, this life-period is critical to lay the foundation of correct lifestyles to prevent metabolic diseases and secure a healthy future with advancing age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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12 pages, 1312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Vascular Endothelial Function in Participants with Prehypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Tamami Odai, Masakazu Terauchi, Kiyoko Kato, Asuka Hirose and Naoyuki Miyasaka

Nutrients 2019, 11(12), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122844 - 20 Nov 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 7445

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on blood pressure and vascular endothelial function in middle-aged Japanese adults with prehypertension. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 6 men and 24 women aged 40–64 years old. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on blood pressure and vascular endothelial function in middle-aged Japanese adults with prehypertension. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 6 men and 24 women aged 40–64 years old. The participants were randomized to receive tablets containing either low-dose (200 mg/day) or high-dose (400 mg/day) GSPE, or placebo, for 12 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and other cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. The mean SBP in the high-dose group significantly decreased by 13 mmHg after 12 weeks (P = 0.028), although FMD did not change. In an ad hoc analysis of non-smoking participants (n = 21), the mean SBP, DBP, stiffness parameter β, distensibility, incremental elastic modulus (Einc), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) also significantly improved in the high-dose group after 12 weeks. Changes in Einc and PWV from baseline to 12 weeks were significantly greater in the high-dose group than in the placebo group (Einc, P = 0.023; PWV, P = 0.03). GSPE consumption could help maintain vascular elasticity and normal blood pressure in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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11 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal Women Is Associated with the Dietary Intake of α-Tocopherol: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Tamami Odai, Masakazu Terauchi, Asuka Hirose, Kiyoko Kato and Naoyuki Miyasaka

Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2474; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102474 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3837

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of various nutrients and bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged women. This cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the clinical records of 157 women aged 38–76. Their lumbar spine BMD was measured with [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of various nutrients and bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged women. This cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the clinical records of 157 women aged 38–76. Their lumbar spine BMD was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and dietary habits were assessed with the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants were divided into premenopausal (n = 46) and postmenopausal (n = 111) groups and the correlation between the BMD Z-score (Z-score) and the intakes of 43 nutrients was investigated separately for each group. In premenopausal women, the daily intake of ash, calcium, and α-tocopherol was positively correlated with the Z-score (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, R = 0.31, 0.34, 0.33, p = 0.037, 0.020, 0.027, respectively). When dividing the consumption of ash, calcium, and α-tocopherol into low, middle, and high tertiles, the Z-score significantly differed only between the α-tocopherol tertiles. After adjustment for age, body mass index, and lifestyle factors, daily intake of α-tocopherol remained significantly associated with the Z-score (regression coefficient = 0.452, p = 0.022). No nutrient was found to be significantly correlated with the Z-score in postmenopausal women. Increase in the intake of α-tocopherol could help maintain bone mass in premenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Affects Offspring’s Epigenome. Is There a Way to Reduce the Negative Consequences?

by Monika Słupecka-Ziemilska, Piotr Wychowański and Monika Puzianowska-Kuznicka

Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092792 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8049

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common pregnancy complication worldwide and may result in short-term and long-term consequences for offspring. The present review highlights evidence of epigenetic programming, mostly from human studies, which occurs in offspring exposed to maternal GDM during different [...] Read more.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common pregnancy complication worldwide and may result in short-term and long-term consequences for offspring. The present review highlights evidence of epigenetic programming, mostly from human studies, which occurs in offspring exposed to maternal GDM during different stages of development, paying special attention to the differences in sensitivity of offspring to maternal hyperglycemia as a result of sex-related factors. We also aim to answer the following question: If these epigenetic changes are constant throughout the lifetime of the offspring, how do they present phenotypically? Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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25 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Time-Restricted Feeding during Ramadan on Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Metabolic Outcomes

by Farhana Osman, Sumanto Haldar and Christiani Jeyakumar Henry

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082478 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 8739

Abstract

Ramadan fasting is a form of time-restricted feeding which combines a fast and feast period daily for a duration of one month every year. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink consumption from dawn till sunset and this change in the meal [...] Read more.

Ramadan fasting is a form of time-restricted feeding which combines a fast and feast period daily for a duration of one month every year. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink consumption from dawn till sunset and this change in the meal schedule and frequency results in significant changes to the composition of the diet, such as energy and nutrient intake. These changes in dietary habits and their corresponding effects on cardiometabolic disease risk are compiled in this review. Ramadan fasting shows limited benefits to body composition via reductions in body mass in both healthy and obese individuals, although the results are often found to be transient and heterogeneous. There is, however, a more consistent improvement in blood lipid profile during Ramadan fasting, which often lasts beyond the Ramadan period. The results for glucose homeostasis, on the contrary, are more conflicting and inconclusive. The heterogeneity in the findings from the various studies can be generally attributed to cultural variations in dietary habits, differences in the duration of fasting due to seasonal/climatic differences at various geographical locations, age, gender and socioeconomic status, as well as other health and lifestyle factors of the various study populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Diet and Lifestyle Is a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health)

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