The probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) in a fermented milk beverage survives the gastrointestinal tract of generally healthy U.S. Adults.

The probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (previously Lactobacillus casei) strain Shirota (LcS) has demonstrated its survivability in the gastrointestinal tract across populations in different countries. The objective of this study was to validate this survivability in the United States, where evidence is lacking. Faecal samples were collected from 26 healthy individuals (age: 32.0 ± 5.9 years) at baseline, after 7 and 14 days of daily consumption of 80 mL fermented milk containing 108 colony forming units (CFU) LcS/mL, and after a subsequent 14-days of no product consumption. Live LcS counts significantly (p < 0.001) increased after 7 and 14 days of product consumption (6.37 ± 1.18 and 5.24 ± 1.81 log10 CFU/g faeces, respectively) and returned to baseline in 87% of participants. These results indicate LcS survives passage through the gastrointestinal tract of generally healthy U.S. adults, providing support for its uniquely accumulated evidence of universal survival capacity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fibermalt is well tolerated in healthy men and women at intakes up to 60 g/d: a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.

In this randomized, double-blind crossover trial, the digestive tolerance of a novel dietary fibre (fibermalt, an indigestible maltose alternan oligosaccharide) was assessed in healthy men and women. Twenty-nine subjects consumed 0 (control), 45 or 60 g of fibre in two doses per day for 2-week treatment periods, each separated by a 2-week washout. Results indicated no differences between treatments in composite gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores (sum of six GI symptom ratings), individual GI symptoms (nausea, bloating, GI rumbling, gas/flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhoea), bowel characteristics (frequency, faecal consistency, faecal hardness, straining, discomfort and incomplete evacuation) or average daily faecal output. The symptom scores were consistently low for each treatment period with means averaging below 1 out of a possible range of 0-12 for the composite score. The results of this study suggest that fibermalt is well tolerated at intakes up to 60 g of fibre per day.

Physical activity and weight control: conflicting findings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is often hypothesized that increasing the volume of physical activity in the American lifestyle will slow and possibly even reverse the epidemic of obesity. Herein, we review the evidence pertaining to the role of physical activity in weight control from interventions performed in adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence exists both for and against the role of physical activity in weight control. High levels of physical activity and successful maintenance of body weight may be a result of better coupling between energy intake and energy expenditure, potentially mediated by physiological changes in appetite, albeit in the presence of large interindividual variability. Prospective studies, however, find little evidence of the more physically active members of a population gaining less excess weight than those who are the least physically active. SUMMARY: When considering the impact of physical activity on body weight regulation, it is important to keep in mind that there are multiple hormones that acutely suppress (or stimulate) food intake and that the integration of these signals influence overall energy balance in a manner that is not yet fully understood. Moreover, cognitive and social influences may override these signals. Even though the impact of physical activity for weight control is still controversial, little doubt exists that increasing regular physical activity, particularly energy expended during structured exercise, is important for improving physical fitness and cardiovascular health.

The natural 13C abundance of plasma glucose is a useful biomarker of recent dietary caloric sweetener intake.

There is a need for objective biomarkers of dietary intake, because self-reporting is often subject to bias. We tested the validity of a biomarker for the fraction of dietary carbohydrate (CHO) from cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup (C(4) sugars) using natural (13)C abundance of plasma glucose. In a randomized, single-blinded, crossover design, 5 participants consumed 3 weight-maintaining diets for 7 d, with a 2-wk washout between diet periods. Diets differed in the fraction of total CHO energy from C(4) sugars (5, 16, or 32%). During each diet period, blood samples were drawn at hours 0800 and 1600 on d 1, 3, and 5 and at 0800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 on d 7. The delta(13)C abundance of plasma glucose was analyzed via GC- isotope ratio MS. Within each diet period, delta(13)C abundance of the 0800 fasting glucose did not change from baseline with increasing time during a diet period; however, there was a strong positive correlation (R(2) = 0.89) between delta(13)C abundance of the glucose concentration at 1000 on d 7 and the percent of breakfast CHO from C(4) sugars. Also, delta(13)C abundance of the combined plasma glucose samples on d 7 demonstrated a strong positive correlation (R(2) = 0.90) with the percent of total daily CHO from C(4) sugars. The natural delta(13)C abundance of postprandial plasma glucose relative to dietary C(4) CHO content was a valid biomarker for contributions of C(4) caloric sweeteners from the previous meal.

Comparison of energy expenditure on a treadmill vs. an elliptical device at a self-selected exercise intensity.

Treadmills (TM) and elliptical devices (EL) are popular forms of exercise equipment. The differences in the training stimulus presented by TM or EL are unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and heart rate on a TM or EL when persons exercise at the same perceived level of exertion. After measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in 9 male and 9 female untrained college-aged participants, the subjects performed 2 separate 15-minute submaximal exercise tests on the TM and EL at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 12-13. VO2peak was higher (p<0.05) in the males (48.6+/-1.5 vs. 45.2+/-1.6 ml/kg/min) than the females (41.7+/-1.8 vs. 38.8+/-2.2 ml/kg/min) for both TM and EL (means+/-standard error of the mean; for TM vs. EL respectively), but there were no differences in the measured VO2peak between TM or EL. During submaximal exercise there were no differences in RPE between TM and EL. Total oxygen consumption was higher (p<0.05) in males (30.8+/-2.2 vs. 34.9+/-2.2 L) than females (24.1+/-1.8 vs. 26.9+/-1.7 L) but did not differ between TM and EL. Energy expenditure was not different between TM (569+/-110 J) or EL (636+/-120 kJ). Heart rate was higher (p<0.05) on the EL (164+/-16 beats/min) compared to the TM (145+/-15 beats/min). When subjects exercise at the same RPE on TM or EL, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure are similar in spite of a higher heart rate on the EL. These data indicate that during cross training or noncompetition-specific exercise, an elliptical device is an acceptable alternative to a treadmill.

Low-carbohydrate diets and performance.

Athletes are continually searching for means to optimize their performance. Within the past 20 years, athletes and scientists have reported or observed that consuming a carbohydrate-restricted diet may improve performance. The original theories explaining the purported benefits centered on the fact that fat oxidation increases, thereby "sparing" muscle glycogen. More recent concepts that explain the plausibility of the ergogenicity of low-carbohydrate, or high-fat, diets on exercise performance pertain to an effect similar to altitude training. We and others have observed that although fat oxidation may be increased, the ability to maintain high-intensity exercise (above the lactate threshold) seems to be compromised or at least indifferent when compared with consumption of more carbohydrate. That said, clinical studies clearly demonstrate that ad libitum low-carbohydrate diets elicit greater decreases in body weight and fat than energy-equivalent low-fat diets, especially over a short duration. Thus, although low-carbohydrate and high-fat diets appear detrimental or indifferent relative to performance, they may be a faster means to achieve a more competitive body composition.

A Commercially Available Portion-Controlled Diet Program Is More Effective for Weight Loss than a Self-Directed Diet: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in weight and related outcomes in response to a commercial weight loss program compared to a self-directed diet in adults with overweight or obesity. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned [stratified by body mass index (BMI) and age] to a commercial weight loss program (n = 38) or to a self-directed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (n = 40) for a 16-week period. Daily energy intake goals were 1,500 kcal/d for men and 1,200 kcal/d for women, except for the first week of the commercial program (1,000 kcal/d). This study was registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03017443). PARTICIPANTS: Primarily Caucasian (71%) women (n = 61) and men (n = 17) from the greater metropolitan area of the city of Chicago, IL, USA. with a mean baseline BMI of 34.4 kg/m2, body weight of 95.7 kg, and age of 50.4 years. RESULTS: Data = mean (95% CI). At week 16, the commercial program group lost significantly more body weight [-5.9 (-7.5, -4.3) kg vs. -1.8 (-2.9, -0.8) kg; or -6.4 vs. -1.8% of initial body weight, respectively], fat mass [-4.4 (-5.7, -3.1) kg vs. -1.2 (-2.1, -0.4) kg] and total body circumference (chest + waist + hip + upper arm + thigh) [-16.9 (-21.5, -12.3) cm vs. -5.8 (-9.0, -2.6) cm] (p < 0.01 for all). Additionally, more participants in the commercial program group lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight, defined as ≥5% of initial body weight, at week 16 (58% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The commercial program resulted in greater weight loss and improvements in body composition/anthropometric parameters compared to a self-directed DASH diet over a 16-week period. Some important limitations were that no objective measurements of dietary intake or physical activity were collected to potentially ascertain the independent or combined effects of these components on weight loss (or lack thereof). Additionally, future research is warranted in order to understand the effects of this program, and similar programs, on longer term changes in body weight, in particular weight loss maintenance, as weight regain is common following the cessation of a structured weight loss intervention.

Maillard reaction products and potatoes: have the benefits been clearly assessed?

Cooking foods affords numerous food safety benefits. During heating, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) are formed. MRPs contribute sensory aspects to food, including color, taste, and texture. One MRP, acrylamide, has been implicated in negative health outcomes; however, emerging data suggests MRPs may also deliver certain health benefits. The food industry has taken steps to decrease acrylamide formation, but the perception that high levels of acrylamide compromise the nutritional benefit of certain foods has continued. Potatoes are susceptible to MRP formation during cooking but also are considered an affordable, high nutrient content food. In particular, potatoes contribute significantly to fiber and potassium intakes in the U.S. population, two nutrients of need. How, then, should potatoes be judged for effects on health? A structured evidence assessment was conducted to identify literature, specifically clinical trials, on MRPs from potatoes and health, as well as nutritional contribution of potatoes. The results indicate limited human clinical data are available on negative health outcomes of potato-based MRPs, whereas potatoes are important contributors of key nutrients, such as fiber and potassium. Therefore, a balanced benefit-risk approach is warranted in order to assure that decreasing consumption of certain foods, like potatoes, does not lead to unintended consequences of nutrition inadequacies.

Trans fatty acids and cholesterol levels: An evidence map of the available science.

High intakes of industrial trans fatty acids (iTFA) increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which has implicated iTFA in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Published data on iTFA and LDL-C, however, represent higher intake levels than the U.S. population currently consume. This study used state-of-the-art evidence mapping approaches to characterize the full body of literature on LDL-C and iTFA at low intake levels. A total of 32 independent clinical trials that included at least one intervention or control group with iTFA at ≤3%en were found. Findings indicated that a wide range of oils and interventions were used, limiting the ability to determine an isolated effect of iTFA intake. Few data points were found for iTFA at <3%en, with the majority of low-level exposures actually representing control group interventions containing non-partially hydrogenated (PHO) oils. Further, it appears that few dose-response data points are available to assess the relationship of low levels of iTFA, particularly from PHO exposure, and LDL-C. Therefore, limited evidence is available to determine the effect of iTFA at current consumption levels on CHD risk.

Wax Ester Rich Oil From The Marine Crustacean, Calanus finmarchicus, is a Bioavailable Source of EPA and DHA for Human Consumption.

Oil from the marine copepod, Calanus finmarchicus, which contains >86 % of fatty acids present as wax esters, is a novel source of n-3 fatty acids for human consumption. In a randomized, two-period crossover study, 18 healthy adults consumed 8 capsules providing 4 g of Calanus(®) Oil supplying a total of 260 mg EPA and 156 mg DHA primarily as wax esters, or 1 capsule of Lovaza(®) providing 465 mg EPA and 375 mg DHA as ethyl esters, each with an EPA- and DHA-free breakfast. Plasma EPA and DHA were measured over a 72 h period (t = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). The positive incremental area under the curve over the 72 h test period (iAUC0-72 h) for both EPA and DHA was significantly different from zero (p < 0.0001) in both test conditions, with similar findings for the iAUC0-24 h and iAUC0-48 h, indicating the fatty acids were absorbed. There was no difference in the plasma iAUC0-72 h for EPA + DHA, or DHA individually, in response to Calanus Oil vs the ethyl ester condition; however, the iAUC0-48 h and iAUC0-72 h for plasma EPA in response to Calanus Oil were both significantly increased relative to the ethyl ester condition (iAUC0-48 h: 381 ± 31 vs 259 ± 39 µg*h/mL, p = 0.026; iAUC0-72 h: 514 ± 47 vs 313 ± 49 µg*h/mL, p = 0.009). These data demonstrate a novel wax ester rich marine oil is a suitable alternative source of EPA and DHA for human consumption.

Bioavailability of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from phospholipid-rich herring roe oil in men and women with mildly elevated triacylglycerols.

This randomized, single-blind, crossover trial assessed the bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) from two different sources, each examined over a 12h period following consumption of a single serving and after 2-weeks of daily supplementation. Thirty-two adults with fasting triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations between 100 and 399mg/dL were randomly assigned, with stratification by sex and age, to receive 12 capsules/day containing either phospholipid (PL)-rich herring roe oil (Romega® 30, 628mg/day EPA; 1810mg/day DHA; 137mg/day DPA) or TAG-rich fish oil (575mg/day EPA; 1843mg/day DHA; 259mg/day DPA) each for a 2-week period separated by a 4 week washout. The net incremental area under the curve from 0 to 12h for EPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) were significantly higher (p<0.01 for all) after Romega 30 supplementation compared to fish oil. Similar results were observed when the data for the Romega 30 condition were normalized to fish oil EPA and DHA intakes (p<0.001 for all). After the 2-week supplementation period, fasting plasma PC EPA+ DHA was elevated by ~2.8 to 3.0-fold relative to baseline in both conditions (p<0.0001 for each), but there was no significant difference in the change from baseline (p=0.422) between Romega 30 (baseline=62.2±3.8µg/mL vs. end of study=172.9±11.7µg/mL) and fish oil (baseline=62.0±3.4µg/mL vs. end of study=185.4±11.2µg/mL) conditions. Similar results were observed for each individual LC n-3 PUFA in plasma PC after 2 weeks of supplementation. These data demonstrate that PL-rich herring roe is a well-tolerated and bioavailable source of LC n-3 PUFA.

Calcium-fortified beverage supplementation on body composition in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of a calcium-fortified beverage supplemented over 12 months on body composition in postmenopausal women (n = 37, age = 48-75 y). METHODS: Body composition (total-body percent fat, %FatTB; abdominal percent fat, %FatAB) was measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. After baseline assessments, subjects were randomly assigned to a free-living control group (CTL) or the supplement group (1,125 mg Ca++/d, CAL). Dietary intake was assessed with 3-day diet records taken at baseline and 12 months (POST). Physical activity was measured using the Yale Physical Activity Survey. RESULTS: At 12 months, the dietary calcium to protein ratio in the CAL group (32.3 +/- 15.6 mg/g) was greater than the CTL group (15.2 +/- 7.5 mg/g). There were no differences from baseline to POST between groups for changes in body weight (CAL = 0.1 +/- 3.0 kg; CTL = 0.0 +/- 2.9 kg), %FatTB (CAL = 0.0 +/- 2.4%; CTL = 0.5 +/- 5.4%), %FatAB (CAL = -0.4 +/- 8.7%; CTL = 0.6 +/- 8.7%), or fat mass (CAL = 1.3 +/- 2.6 kg; CTL = 1.3 +/- 2.7 kg). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that increasing the calcium to protein ratio over two-fold by consuming a calcium-fortified beverage for 12 months did not decrease body weight, body fat, or abdominal fat composition in postmenopausal women.

A softgel dietary supplement containing esterified plant sterols and stanols improves the blood lipid profile of adults with primary hypercholesterolemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled replication study.

A well-controlled clinical trial previously demonstrated the efficacy of a novel softgel dietary supplement providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols and stanols, as part of the National Cholesterol Education Program Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet, to improve the fasting lipid profile of men and women with primary hypercholesterolemia (fasting low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol ≥ 130 and <220 mg/dL [≥ 3.37 and <5.70 mmol/L]). The purpose of this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (conducted July 2011 to January 2012) was to support these previous findings in a similar, but independent, sample with a different lead investigator and research site. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to compare outcomes for sterol/stanol and placebo treatment conditions using the baseline value as a covariate. Forty-nine subjects were screened and 30 (8 men and 22 women) were randomized to treatment (all completed the trial). Baseline (mean ± standard error of the mean) plasma lipid concentrations were: total cholesterol 236.6 ± 4.2 mg/dL (6.11 ± 0.11 mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 56.8 ± 3.0 mg/dL (1.47 ± 0.08 mmol/L), LDL cholesterol 151.6 ± 3.3 mg/dL (3.92 ± 0.09 mmol/L), non-HDL cholesterol 179.7 ± 4.6 mg/dL (4.64 ± 0.12 mmol/L), and triglycerides 144.5 ± 14.3 mg/dL (1.63 ± 0.16 mmol/L). Mean placebo-adjusted reductions in plasma lipid levels were significant (P<0.01) for LDL cholesterol (-4.3%), non-HDL cholesterol (-4.1%), and total cholesterol (-3.5%), but not for triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. These results support the efficacy of 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols in softgel capsules, administered as an adjunct to the National Cholesterol Education Program Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet, to augment reductions in atherogenic lipid levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia.

Relation between holiday weight gain and total energy expenditure among 40- to 69-y-old men and women (OPEN study).

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of the average annual body weight (BW) gain in US adults (~0.5-1 kg/y) may result from modest episodes of positive energy balance during the winter holiday season. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether holiday BW gain was reduced in participants with high baseline total energy expenditure (TEE) or whether it varied by BMI (in kg/m(2)). DESIGN: In a secondary analysis of previously published data, ΔBW normalized over 90 d from mid-September/mid-October 1999 to mid-January/early March 2000 was analyzed by sex, age, and BMI in 443 men and women (40-69 y of age). TEE was measured by doubly labeled water. High or low energy expenditure was assessed as residual TEE after linear adjustment for age, height, and BW. RESULTS: No correlations between ΔBW and TEE or TEE residuals were found. Sixty-five percent of men and 58% of women gained ≥0.5 kg BW, with ~50% of both groups gaining ≥1% of preholiday BW. Obese men (BMI ≥30) gained more BW than did obese women. CONCLUSIONS: A high preholiday absolute TEE or residual TEE did not protect against BW gain during the winter holiday quarter. It is not known whether higher than these typical TEE levels would protect against weight gain or if the observed gain may be attributed to increased food consumption and/or reduced physical activity during the holiday quarter.

Endurance training on low-carbohydrate and grain-based diets: a case study.

PURPOSE: To illustrate the effects of low-carbohydrate (LC) and grain-based (GB) diets on body composition, biomarkers, athletic training, and performance in an elite triathlete. METHODS: The athlete followed 2 dietary interventions for 14 d while maintaining a prescheduled training program. Pre- and postintervention measurements for each diet included plasma and serum samples, resting energy expenditure, body composition, and a performance bike ride. RESULTS: Compared with the GB diet, the LC diet elicited more disruptions to training and unfavorable subjective experiences. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ratings of perceived exertion, and heart rate were elevated on the LC diet. Blood insulin, resting lactate, postexercise lactate, and C-reactive protein were lowest on the LC diet. CONCLUSION: The LC diet resulted in both favorable and unfavorable outcomes. The primary observation was a disruption to scheduled training on the LC diet. Researchers should consider how the potential mediating effect of disruptions to training could influence pretest-posttest designs.