Healthier Dietary Pattern and Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Physically Active Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables, and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 105 women (mean age: 55.2 ± 4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and habitual physical activity was assessed with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (<6000 steps daily) or physically active (≥6000 steps daily).

Results: Compared to the inactive group, active women had higher protein, total fat, cholesterol, iron, calcium, and the antioxidant micronutrients zinc and selenium intake as well as differences on food groups: higher meat, egg, and whole-dairy intake and lower intake of chips. Active participants also presented lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP; p = 0.011), fasting glucose (p = 0.003), fasting insulin (p = 0.019), and homeostasis model assessment index (p = 0.017). After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–11.66), us-CRP (OR = 6.57, 95% CI, 2.20–19.56), and percentage body fat (OR = 5.65, 95% CI, 1.19–28.89).

Conclusion: Both physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed toward a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.     

Designing and evaluating a health education session on respiratory infections addressed to caregivers of children under three years of age attending day-care centres in Porto,Portugal: A community-based intervention

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are common in children, increasing the pressure on clinicians to prescribe antibiotics and affecting public health

Objectives: This study aimed to design a health education session (HES) for caregivers of children, and to evaluate its effects on caregivers’ needs, as well as on their knowledge and attitudes concerning ARI.

Methods: A generalized model of developing, implementing and evaluating a community-based intervention was followed, including caregivers of children under three years of age. Caregivers were randomly distributed into an intervention group (IG) (n?=?41) and a control group (CG) (n?=?51) and the HES was administered to the IG. The caregivers’ needs as well as knowledge of and attitudes to ARI were evaluated in both groups, before (M0) and two months after the HES (M1).

Results: At M0 the caregivers from both groups had ‘some or great need’ about all HES domains; at M1 the caregivers in the IG expressed ‘no or low need’, whereas the CG maintained ‘some or great need’ about all HES domains (0.011 ≤ P?≤?.047). Concerning caregivers’ knowledge of and attitudes to ARI, at M1 there was a higher frequency of caregivers with right answers in the IG than in the CG (IG =7.5?±?1 versus CG =6.0?±?2; P?=?.000). Those differences occurred in domain (e) nasal clearance techniques, revealing a higher percentage of caregivers who used correctly nasal irrigation (P?=?.000), nasal aspirators (0.000 ≤P?≤?.001) and nebulization (P?=?.000) in IG.

Conclusion: The HES met the caregivers’ needs regarding ARI and increased their knowledge and attitudes towards ARI, especially regarding nasal clearance techniques.     

The Effects of a Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement on Micronutrient Status,Antioxidant Capacity and Cytokine Production in Healthy Older Adults Consuming a Fortified Diet

Background: Inadequate micronutrient intake among older adults is common despite the increased prevalence of fortified/enriched foods in the American diet. Although many older adults take multivitamin supplements in an effort to compensate, studies examining the benefits of this behavior are absent.

Objective: To determine whether a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can improve micronutrient status, plasma antioxidant capacity and cytokine production in healthy, free-living older adults already consuming a fortified diet.

Methods: An eight-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial among 80 adults aged 50 to 87 years (mean=66.5±8.6 years).

Results: Multivitamin treatment significantly increased (p<0.01, compared to placebo) plasma concentrations of vitamins D (77 to 100 nmol/L), E (27 to 32 μmol/L), pyridoxal phosphate (55.1 to 75.2 nmol/L), folate (23 to 33 nmol/L), B12 (286 to 326 pmol/L)), C (55 to 71 μmol/L), and improved the riboflavin activity coefficient (1.23 to 1.15), but not vitamins A and thiamin. The multivitamin reduced the prevalence of suboptimal plasma levels of vitamins E (p=0.003), B12 (p=0.004), and C (p=0.08). Neither glutathione peroxidase activity nor antioxidant capacity (ORAC) were affected. No changes were observed in interleukin?2, ?6 or ?10 and prostaglandin E₂, proxy measures of immune responses.

Conclusions: Supplementation with a multivitamin formulated at about 100% Daily Value can decrease the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin status in older adults and improve their micronutrient status to levels associated with reduced risk for several chronic diseases.     

Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Plant Lignan 7-Hydroxymatairesinol and Effects on Serum Enterolactone and Clinical Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Single-Blinded,Parallel, Dose-Comparison Study

Objective: 7-Hydroxymaitairesinol (7-HMR) is a naturally occurring plant lignan found in whole grains and the Norway spruce (Piciea abies). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of a proprietary 7-HMR product (HMRlignan, Linnea SA, Locarno, Switzerland) through measurement of lignan metabolites and metabolic precursors.

Methods: A single-blind, parallel, pharmacokinetic and dose-comparison study was conducted on 22 postmenopausal females not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Subjects were enrolled in either a 36 mg/d (low-dose) or 72 mg/d dose (high-dose) regimen for 8 weeks. Primary measured outcomes included plasma levels of 7-HMR and enterolactone (ENL), and single-dose pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on a subset of subjects in the low-dose group. Safety data and adverse event reports were collected as well as data on hot flash frequency and severity.

Results: Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated 7-HMR C _max = 757.08 ng/ml at 1 hour and ENL C _max = 4.8 ng/ml at 24 hours. From baseline to week 8, plasma 7-HMR levels increased by 191% in the low-dose group (p < 0.01) and by 1238% in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). Plasma ENL levels consistently increased as much as 157% from baseline in the low-dose group and 137% in the high-dose group. Additionally, the mean number of weekly hot flashes decreased by 50%, from 28.0/week to 14.3/week (p < 0.05) in the high-dose group. No significant safety issues were identified in this study.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that HMRlignan is quickly absorbed into the plasma and is metabolized to ENL in healthy postmenopausal women. Clinically, the data demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in hot flash frequency. Doses up to 72 mg/d HMRlignan for 8 weeks were safe and well tolerated in this population.     

Effect of a Mediterranean Diet-Based Nutritional Intervention on the Risk of Developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Other Maternal-Fetal Adverse Events in Hispanic Women Residents in Spain

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent morbidity found in pregnancy, and it increases the risk for several maternal-fetal complications. Hispanic women are considered at high risk. The St. Carlos GDM prevention study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted from 2016–2017. Normoglycemic women were randomized at 12–14 Gestation week (WG) to an intervention group (IG) receiving recommendations based on the MedDiet (supplemented with ExtraVirgin Olive Oil/pistachios), or to a control group (CG), recommended to limit fat intake. After RCT conclusion, IG recommendations were applied to a real-world group (RW) in routine clinical practice. The primary endpoint of the current study is an assessment of the GDM rate in Hispanic participants of the aforementioned studies: 132 RCT, 128 CT, 284 RW participants. The GDM rate was lower in IG: 19/128(14.8%), p = 0.021, and RW: 38/284(13.4%), p = 0.029) than in CG: 34/132(25.8%). Adjusted RR (95%CI) for GDM: 0.72 (0.50–0.97), p = 0.037 in IG and 0.77 (0.61–0.97), p = 0.008 in RW. Rates of urinary tract infections, emergency caesarean-sections and perineal trauma were also lower in IG and RW. Other adverse outcomes were lower in IG vs. CG. In conclusion, a MedDiet-based intervention reduces the rate of GDM and several adverse maternal-fetal outcomes in Hispanic women residing in Spain.     

Serum Retinol,Folic Acid,and Copper Are Associated With Sperm Abnormalities in Men With Obesity

Background and objectives: Micronutrients may influence the development and differentiation of sperm cells. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of deficiencies in several vitamins and trace elements with sperm abnormalities in men with obesity.

Participants and methods: Thirty male patients with moderate to severe obesity and ten lean controls who gave written informed consent were included. Anthropometric parameters were recorded. Hormonal and lipid profiles were analyzed, as well as serum concentrations of zinc, copper, retinol, α-tocopherol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, cobalamin, and folic acid. For sperm analysis, we used the reference values proposed by the World Health Organization.

Results: Fourteen of the thirty men (47%) presented abnormal sperm results. The most common abnormality was low motility in 33% of them, followed by low sperm concentration in 27% of the patients. Patients with abnormal sperm results showed lower serum folic acid (p = 0.005) and higher serum estradiol (p = 0.015) and copper (p = 0.033) than lean controls. The ejaculate volume inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI; r = ?0.378, p = 0.016) and serum estradiol (r = ?0.328, p = 0.041). Total number of sperm correlated inversely with BMI (r = ?0.428, p = 0.006) and serum estradiol (r = ?0.507, p = 0.001) and positively with serum folic acid (r = 0.356, p = 0.026) and retinol (r = 0.421, p = 0.009). Total motility of sperm inversely correlated with BMI (r = ?0.433, p = 0.005), serum estradiol (r = ?0.475, p = 0.002), and copper (r = ?0.416, p = 0.012) and positively correlated with serum folic acid (r = 0.522, p = 0.001) and retinol (r = 0.350, p = 0.034).

Conclusions: Sperm abnormalities in men with obesity are associated with excess body weight and micronutrient concentrations.     

Dietary Red and Processed Meat Intake and Markers of Adiposity and Inflammation: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Objective: The potential influence of dietary factors on inflammation is important for cancer prevention. Utilizing data from control participants (312 men, 911 women) in 2 nested case–control studies of cancer within the Multiethnic Cohort, we examined the associations of red and processed meat intake with serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 and the mediator effect of body mass index (BMI) on the above associations (if present).

Methods: Multivariable linear models were applied to assess the association between red and processed meat intake at cohort entry and serum biomarker levels measured 9.1 years later after adjusting for covariates and to determine the mediator effect of BMI.

Results: Overall red and processed meat intake was positively associated with serum leptin levels in men (β = 0.180, p = 0.0004) and women (β = 0.167, p < 0.0001). In women, higher red and processed meat consumption was significantly associated with higher CRP (β = 0.069, p = 0.03) and lower adiponectin levels (β = ?0.082, p = 0.005). In mediation analyses with red and processed meat intake and BMI as predictors, the associations of red and processed meat with biomarkers decreased substantially (as indicated by percentage change in effect: leptin in men, 13.4%; leptin in women, 13.7%; adiponectin in women, ?4.7%; CRP in women, 7.4%) and were no longer significant (p > 0.05), whereas BMI remained significantly associated with serum leptin (men: β = 3.209, p < 0.0001; women: β = 2.891, p < 0.0001), adiponectin (women: β = ?1.085, p < 0.0001), and CRP (women: β = 1.581, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The current data suggest that the amount of excess body weight or the degree of adiposity may mediate the relations between dietary red and processed meat intake and serum biomarkers associated with obesity and inflammation.     

A Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Women of the Effects of Consuming Pork Meat or Iron Supplements on Nutritional Status and Feeling of Well-being

Objectives: Limited information is available on the role of pork meat in influencing iron status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of consuming pork meat as compared to iron supplementation on nutritional status and feeling of well-being.

Methods: Young women were randomly assigned to a control diet (CG), a pork-containing diet (PG), or a control diet with iron supplementation (SG) for 12 weeks. Sixty-five women aged 24.6 ± 4.4 years (mean ± SD) completed the trial.

Results: Serum ferritin concentrations were increased significantly (p = 0.001) in participants assigned to the SG as compared with the other groups, as assessed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. At week 12, hemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in PG and SG as compared with CG. Plasma zinc concentrations at the end of the intervention were similar to baseline concentrations for individuals in the CG and PG but were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in SG. Plasma-, erythrocyte-folate, and serum vitamin B6 and B12 concentrations were not significantly affected by the intervention, although the concentrations of vitamins B6 and B12 tended to increase in PG. Well-being, as measured using the Health Survey Short Form (SF-36) and its 8 multi-item scales, showed significant improvement in vitality in SG (p < 0.05) and bodily pain in PG (p < 0.05). No significant relationships were observed between these health concept scores and biomarkers of nutritional status.

Conclusions: Consumption of pork meat by young women maintains hemoglobin levels to the same extent as low-dose iron supplementation and enhances the components of well-being, mainly their perception of bodily pain.     

Association between Urinary Phytoestrogens and C-reactive Protein in the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective: A reduced risk of some cancers and cardiovascular disease associated with phytoestrogen intake may be mediated through its effect on serum C-reactive protein (CRP; an inflammation biomarker). Therefore, this study examined the associations between urinary phytoestrogens and serum CRP.

Methods: Urinary phytoestrogen and serum CRP data obtained from 6009 participants aged ≥ 40 years in the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 1999–2010 were analyzed.

Results: After adjustment for confounders, urinary concentrations of total and all individual phytoestrogens were inversely associated with serum concentrations of CRP (all p < 0.004). The largest reductions in serum CRP (mg/L) per interquartile range increase in urinary phytoestrogens (ng/mL) were observed for total phytoestrogens (β = ?0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], ?0.22, ?0.15), total lignan (β = ?0.15; 95% CI, ?0.18, ?0.12), and enterolactone (β = ?0.15; 95% CI, ?0.19, ?0.12). A decreased risk of having high CRP concentrations (≥3.0 mg/L) for quartile 4 vs quartile 1 was also found for total phytoestrogens (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.53, 0.73), total lignan (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54, 0.75), and enterolactone (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51, 0.69).

Conclusion: Urinary total and individual phytoestrogens were significantly inversely associated with serum CRP in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population.     

Milk enriched with “healthy fatty acids” improves cardiovascular risk markers and nutritional status in human volunteers

ObjectiveThe main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available milk containing small amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, and vitamins A, B6, D, E, and folic acid compared with semi-skimmed and skimmed milk in volunteers with moderate cardiovascular risk.MethodsTwo hundred ninety-seven subjects 25 to 65 y of age with moderate cardiovascular risk were randomly allocated into three groups. In addition to their diets, one group consumed 500 mL/d of the enriched milk, another group consumed 500 mL/d of skimmed milk, and a control group consumed 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk. All groups consumed the dairy drinks for 1 y and blood samples were taken at 0 and 12 mo.ResultsConsumption of enriched milk for 1 y produced significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum folate (58%) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4%). Plasma triacylglycerols (10%), total cholesterol (4%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (6%) were reduced significantly only in the supplemented group. Serum glucose, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein remained unchanged. In the skimmed milk and semi-skimmed milk groups, the only significant decreases were in serum folate (17% and 11%, respectively).ConclusionDaily intake of a milk enriched with fish oil, oleic acid, and vitamins improved the nutritional status and cardiovascular risk markers of volunteers, whereas skimmed milk and semi-skimmed milk did not.     

Nutrient and Antioxidant Properties of Oils from Bagasses,Agricultural Residues,Medicinal Plants,and Fodders

Objective: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, fatty acid (FA) and phytochemical compositions, and free radical–scavenging potentials of oils from the bagasses: Costus afer stem (CA) and Saccharum officinarum stem (SB); agricultural residues; corn cobs (CC); tigernut chaff (TB); peanut hulls (GH); medicinal plants: Sphenocentrum jollyanum leaves (SJ) and Senna alata leaves (CS); and fodders: Pennisetum purpureum (PP), Panicum maximum (PM), and Chloris gayana stalks (CG).

Method: Oils from the samples were extracted using a mixture of n-hexane and isopropyl alcohol (3:2). The oils were analyzed for physicochemical properties using standard procedures, phytochemicals and FAs contents using gas chromatography-fluorescent ionization detection, and free radical–scavenging potentials using spectrophotometric methods of determination.

Results: The bagasse and residue oils contained lower moisture contents (1.13%–2.38%) and acid values (1.89–9.20?mg/KOH/g), while the GH oil produced the least refractive indices, saponification value, and oil yield. CA oil contained 78% saturated FA, while SB oils contained 73.65% saturated FA and an abundance of lignoceric, palmitoleic, oleic, and arachidic acid. CC oil contained mostly behenic acid (19.65%), and GH oil produced 87.04% saturated FA, while TB oil produced 56% unsaturated FA. Oils from SJ, CS, PP, PM, and CG contained between 48.34% and 57.09% unsaturated FA. The phytochemical composition showed that ribalinidine and sapogenin were most abundant in PM oil, while lunamarine, kaempferol, and catechin were most abundant in SJ oil. GH oil produced the highest amounts of phytate (53.81?µg/ml) and oxalate (39.47?µg/ml). TB oil and oils from SJ and CS, especially at higher concentrations, matched the scavenging potentials of the standards used.

Conclusions: Due to the thermal stability and amount of short chain fatty acids (SFAs) of the SB, CA, CC, and GH oils, they are more suitable for non-food industrial purposes, while TB, SJ, and CS oil properties are recommendable for therapeutic purposes, especially for relief of oxidative stress.     

Association of Calcium Intake and Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between calcium intake and 1) body composition and 2) body fat distribution in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Archived data from a previous study including forty-nine Caucasian women, aged 51–73 and at least three years postmenopausal, were used for analysis. Data included medical and diet history from a questionnaire, average nutrient intake from computerized analysis of a 3-day diet record, anthropometric measures including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Calcium intake represented both food and supplement sources of calcium. Lean and fat mass were determined from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) total body scans, and abdominal fat mass was defined as fat mass between the top of the iliac crest and L1 on the DXA scan.

Results: Subjects were 60.5 ± 0.9 y/o with an average BMI of 26.9 ± 0.7 and percent body fat of 42.8 ± 1.2. Average calcium intake was 1151 ± 83 g/d. There was a significant inverse relationship between calcium intake and percent body fat (r = ?0.36, p < 0.01) and abdominal fat mass (r = ?0.25, p < 0.05), but there was no significant correlation between calcium intake and body mass index, fat mass, lean mass, waist circumference, or WHR. When kcalories were controlled, the inverse correlation between dietary calcium intake and percent body fat remained (r = ?0.24, p < 0.05). Total fat was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the low dairy intake (1–2 servings/d) vs. high dairy intake group (3–4 servings/d), but there were no significant differences between the groups in other body composition variables.

Conclusions: Increased calcium intake was associated with lower percent body fat and higher dairy intake was associated with lower fat mass in postmenopausal women, but there was no association between calcium intake and body fat distribution measures in this population.     

Cardiovascular effects of milk enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins E and B6 in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia

OBJECTIVE: Results from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have indicated that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, and folic acid have beneficial effects on health, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the combined effects of these nutrients through the consumption of milk enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, vitamins E and B6, and folic acid on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Thirty subjects ages 45 to 65 y (51.3 +/- 5.3 y) were given 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk for 4 wk and then 500 mL/d of the enriched milk for 8 wk. Plasma and low-density lipoproteins were obtained at the beginning of the study and at 4, 8, and 12 wk. RESULTS: Consumption of enriched milk for 8 wk increased plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol (24%), total cholesterol (9%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (13%). Plasma and low-density lipoprotein oxidation and vitamin E concentration remained unchanged throughout the study. Significant decreases in plasma concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (9%) and homocysteine (17%) were found, accompanied by a 98% increase in plasma concentration of folic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy supplementation strategies with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, and vitamins may be useful for decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.     

Adherence to the WCRF/AICR for Women in Breast Cancer Adjuvant Treatment submitted to Educational Nutritional Intervention

Patients undergoing breast cancer treatment are susceptible to changes in eating behavior and nutrition status, thus making nutrition education relevant. Based on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) guide, with recommendations for cancer prevention released in 2007, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational nutritional intervention for women with breast cancer undergoing treatment while adhering to the 2007 WCRF/AICR guidelines. A nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted with a population composed of female patients, divided in intervention (IG, n = 18) and comparison (CG, n = 68) groups. Data were evaluated at baseline and after treatment/nutritional intervention. The IG participated in the intervention program for 12 mo by biweekly phone calls, personal meetings, and monthly handouts, while targeting the intake of at least 400 g/day of fruits and vegetables, and no more than 500 g/week of red or processed meats. The recommended adherence to physical activity and food intake was evaluated in compliance with the guidelines. The IG improved their adherence to the guidelines and there was a significant decrease in consumption of animal food (?43.9%) and alcoholic drinks (?0.2 g ethanol/d) and increase in plant food intake (+65.4%). Most women in both groups were sedentary and therefore violated the guidelines. The CG presented an increase in body mass index (+1.0 kg/m²) and waist circumference (+1.9 cm), while no change was observed in the IG. These findings are promising as nutritional intervention for women undergoing breast cancer treatment contributed positively to improving their adherence to the WCRF/AICR guidelines.     

Carbohydrate Intake Interacts With SNP276G>T Polymorphism in the Adiponectin Gene to Affect Fasting Blood Glucose,HbA1C,and HDL Cholesterol in Korean Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background/Objective: The SNP276G>T polymorphism in the adiponectin gene has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. The objective of this study was to examine whether SNP276G>T polymorphism influences the blood glucose levels in relation to dietary carbohydrate intake.

Subjects/Methods: In an ongoing, prospective study, 673 patients with type 2 diabetes (339 men and 334 women, aged 40–85 years) were recruited from one of two diabetes clinics in Seoul, Korea. The levels of carbohydrate intake were categorized as <55%, 55%–65%, and >65% of total energy intake.

Results: Significant gene–nutrient interactions between SNP276G>T polymorphism and the level of carbohydrate intake were found, which modulated plasma fasting blood glucose ( p = 0.0277), HbA1C ( p = 0.0407), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ( p = 0.0134) concentrations. The G allele was associated with higher fasting blood glucose only in subjects consuming a low-carbohydrate diet (<55% of energy). However, when carbohydrate intake was intermediate (55%–65%), carriers of the T allele had greater fasting blood glucose and HbA1C concentrations. When carbohydrate intake was high (>65%), carriers of the T allele had greater HDL cholesterol concentrations. This interaction was significant even when carbohydrate intake was considered a continuous variable ( p = 0.0200 for fasting blood glucose, p = 0.0408 for HbA1C, and p = 0.0254 for HDL cholesterol), suggesting a strong dose–response relation.

Conclusions: Our data show that the effect of the SNP276G>T polymorphism on plasma fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, and HDL cholesterol concentrations depends on dietary carbohydrate intake.     

Triglyceride Recrystallized Phytosterols in Fat-Free Milk Improve Lipoprotein Profiles More Than Unmodified Free Phytosterols in Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women

Objective: Foods incorporating plant sterols (PS) consistently decrease serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), although results vary depending on the PS form and food matrix. The objective was to study the effect of a novel triglyceride-recrystallized phystosterol (TRP) incorporated into fat-free milk on markers of cardiovascular risk compared to unmodified free sterols alone in the same fat-free milk.

Methods: Hypercholesterolemic men and women (n = 13 males/7 females; 56 ±10 years; body mass index 27.3 ±5.9 kg/m²) participated in 3 sequential 4-week phases of 480 mL milk consumption. During phase 1 (control) all subjects consumed 2% milk containing no PS, followed by phase 2 with fat-free milk containing free PS (2 g/d fPS) and phase 3 with fat-free milk with TRP (2 g/d). After each phase, determinations of lipoprotein cholesterol distribution, particle concentration via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), apolipoproteins, inflammatory markers, and fat-soluble dietary antioxidants were made.

Results: Body mass, body composition, dietary energy and macronutrients, and physical activity were unaffected throughout the study. Compared to the control 2% milk, LDL-C was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by fPS (?9.1%) and was further decreased by TRP (?15.4%); reductions with TRP were significantly greater. Total LDL particle concentration was decreased to a greater extent after TRP (?8.8%) than fPS (?4.8%; p < 0.05). Only TRP significantly decreased serum levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB; ?6%), interleukin-8 (IL-8; ?11%) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1; ?19%). Plasma α- and γ-tocopherols and carotenoids, normalized to cholesterol, remained unchanged throughout the study with the exception that β-carotene was lowered by 18%.

Conclusion: In summary, TRP in fat-free milk may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond that of fPS by inducing more substantial decreases in LDL cholesterol and particle concentration, associated with declines in markers of vascular inflammation.     

Effects of a Multispecies Probiotic Supplement on Bone Health in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized,Double-blind,Controlled Trial

Objective: The development of alternative approaches to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis, as a chronic progressive bone disease, is being considered currently. Among dietary supplements, probiotics may have favorable effects on bone metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a multispecies probiotic supplementation on bone biomarkers and bone density in osteopenic postmenopausal women.

Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 50 patients with osteopenia aged 50–72 years. Participants were randomly assigned to take either a multispecies probiotic supplement (GeriLact; n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) for 6 months. GeriLact contains 7 probiotic bacteria species. Participants received 500 mg Ca plus 200 IU vitamin D daily. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and total hip and blood biomarkers including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-OH vitamin D, and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results: The multispecies probiotic significantly decreased BALP (p = 0.03) and CTX (p = 0.04) levels in comparison with the control group but had no effect on BMD of the spine and total hip. Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in serum PTH (p = 0.01) and TNF-α (p = 0.02) in the intervention group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions: These results may suggest the favorable effects of the multispecies probiotic supplementation for 6 months on bone health in postmenopausal women due to slowing down the rate of bone turnover.     

Association between Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: To determine if dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) of different skeletal sites in postmenopausal women.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis in 136 Caucasian, healthy, postmenopausal women, mean age 68.6 years. BMD and soft tissue were assessed by dual energy x-ray abosorptiometry (DXA). Energy, calcium, protein, fat, CLA and other relevant nutrients were estimated using 3 day dietary records. Supplement use was recorded as well. Current and past physical activity were determined using the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey for older adults.

Results: CLA (63.1 ± 46.8 mg, mean ± SD) was a significant predictor of Ward’s triangle BMD (p = 0.040) in a multiple regression model containing years since menopause (18.5 ± 8.4 y), lean tissue, energy intake (1691 ± 382 kcal/day) dietary calcium (873 ± 365 mg), protein (70.6 ± 18.6 g), fat (57.9 ± 23.9 g), zinc (19.2 ± 13.6 mg), and current and past physical activity, with R²_adj = 0.286. Subjects were also divided into groups below (Group 1) and above (Group 2) the median intake for CLA. Group 2 had higher BMD in the forearm, p = 0.042, and higher BMD in the hip, lumbar spine and whole body, however statistical significance was not reached.

Conclusion: These findings indicate dietary CLA may positively benefit BMD in postmenopausal women. More studies are warranted examining the relationship between dietary CLA and BMD.     

Lipid Responses to a Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplement in Men and Women with Below Average Levels of High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Objective: To assess fasting lipid responses to a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplement in men and women with below-average levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial included 57 subjects, 21–80 years of age, with fasting HDL cholesterol concentrations ≤44 mg/dL (men) and ≤54 mg/dL (women), but ≥35 mg/dL. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 1.52 g/day DHA from capsules containing DHA-rich algal triglycerides or olive oil (control) for six weeks.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups in baseline lipid values. The DHA supplemented group showed significant changes [?43 (DHA) vs. ?14 (controls) mg/dL, p = 0.015] and percent changes [?21% (DHA) vs. ?7% (controls), p = 0.009] in triglycerides, total (12 vs. 3 mg/dL; p = 0.021 and 6% vs. 2%; p = 0.018) and low-density lipoprotein (17 vs. 3 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and 12% vs. 3%; p = 0.001) cholesterol concentrations, and in the triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio (?1.33 vs. ?0.50, p = 0.010), compared with controls. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of LDL cholesterol carried by small, dense particles in the DHA supplemented group (changes = ?10% vs. ?3%, p = 0.025).

Conclusions: Supplementation with 1.52 g/d of DHA in men and women with below-average HDL cholesterol concentrations raised the LDL cholesterol level, but had favorable effects on triglycerides, the triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio and the fraction of LDL cholesterol carried by small, dense particles. Further research is warranted to evaluate the net impact of these alterations on cardiovascular risk.     

Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind,randomized, controlled clinical trial

This trial compared the effects of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This trial was conducted in 2015. Eligible postmenopausal women were allocated into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 52 per group) in a 1:1:1 ratio using a randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower powder, and the control group received 500 mg capsules containing starch. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory was used before and eight weeks after starting the intervention. Data analyses were based on intention to treat. A one-way ANOVA showed a slightly significant difference in mean sleep score among the three groups before the intervention (p = .045). The general linear model, adjusted for baseline sleep score and confounding factors, showed significant differences among the groups in the mean sleep score after eight weeks of treatment (p < .001). Bitter orange and lavender significantly improved the mean sleep score compared with the control group (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). The positive effect of bitter orange and lavender on sleep quality in postmenopausal women suggests that they can be used to improve sleep quality in such women.