Flaxseed energy and macronutrients balance.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Flaxseed has functional properties in the reduction of the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Regardless of its high energy density, the consumption of flaxseed tends to promote body weight maintenance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate energy and macronutrient balance after flaxseed consumption. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Twenty four healthy volunteers were allocated into 3 experimental groups, when they consumed flaxseed (FS), defatted flaxseed flour (FF), or flaxseed oil (FO). During the control period they were provided a diet without flaxseed products for 7-9 days. Following that diets containing 70 g of one of the flaxseed products were consumed for another 7-9 day- period. Test foods were consumed exclusively in the laboratory and fecal excretion was collected during the study. There was a higher energy excretion (P < 0.05) in the FF and FS groups, compared to their control and FO group. RESULTS: The excretions of total lipid and the PUFA α-linolenic acid were higher in FS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The intake of 70 g/day of FS and FF raised lipid and energy excretion, which may mitigated the effect of flaxseed consumption on body weight.

Influencia de la dieta sobre marcadores plasmáticos de estrés oxidativo en humanos / Influence of dietary intake on plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans

La instauración del estrés oxidativo se relaciona con la existencia de un desequilibrio entre los sistemas oxidativos y antioxidantes, a favor de los primeros. Tal proceso se ha involucrado en el desarrollo de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, entre ellas: obesidad, aterogénesis, diabetes, transtornos neurodegenerativos y cáncer. El estrés oxidativo se controla a través de sistemas de defensa antioxidantes, incluyendo mecanismos enzimáticos y no enzimáticos. Este último grupo se refiere, sobre todo, a los antioxidantes de origen dietético, especialmente, vitaminas, minerales y fitoquímicos (polifenoles y carotenoides). De ello, deriva la importancia de la dieta como factor involucrado en la modulación del estrés oxidativo. Las implicaciones y efectos de los antioxidantes dietéticos sobre el proceso oxidativo pueden ser evaluados por medio de diversos biomarcadores específicos. Estos indicadores incluyen sobre todo, a los productos derivados de la oxidacion de lípidos, proteínas y ácidos nucleicos por radicales libres y especies reactivas de oxígeno. Por otra parte, los marcadores basados en la valoración de la capacidad antioxidante son también indicadores del estrés oxidativo. Los estudios que abordan la dieta como factor que modula el estrés oxidativo, se basan, preferentemente, en el efecto de las vitaminas y minerales (estudios de suplementación), alimentos y bebidas (fuentes de compuestos antioxidantes) o patrones dietéticos. Algunos estudios han logrado describir efectos beneficiosos sobre los marcadores del estrés oxidativo. No obstante, todavía, los resultados no son del todo concluyentes, presentándose una importante heterogeinidad metodológica en cuanto a las condiciones de los sujetos y de las intervenciones dietéticas evaluadas, así como sobre la interpretación de los resultados y su incidencia sobrre la salud (AU)

Oxidative stress is related to an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the antioxidant defenses. In essence, oxidative stress has been defined as a disturbance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, leading to potential damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative processes. The antioxidant defenses include nonenzymatic (especially dietary antioxidants) and antioxidant enzymes. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids) are among the major dietary antioxidants. The assessment of oxidative stress status though specific biomarkers has acquired great importance. The major biomarkers include the products of the attack of free radicals and reactive species to various substrates: lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Measurement of antioxidant capacity may also involve the assessment of specific oxidative stress biomarkers. Most of the studies that have examined the association between diet and oxidative stress consider the effects of antioxidant supplements (vitamins and minerals), drinks and foods with bioactive compounds or dietary patterns on oxidative stress biomarkers. Some of these studies have demonstrated beneficial results on oxidative stress markers. However, the role of diet on oxidative stress biomarkers remains unclear and represents a potentially fruitful area for further research in the health area (AU)

[Influence of dietary intake on plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans]. / Influencia de la dieta sobre marcadores plasmáticos de estrés.

Oxidative stress is related to an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the antioxidant defenses. In essence, oxidative stress has been defined as a disturbance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, leading to potential damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative processes. The antioxidant defenses include nonenzymatic (especially dietary antioxidants) and antioxidant enzymes. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids) are among the major dietary antioxidants. The assessment of oxidative stress status though specific biomarkers has acquired great importance. The major biomarkers include the products of the attack of free radicals and reactive species to various substrates: lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Measurement of antioxidant capacity may also involve the assessment of specific oxidative stress biomarkers. Most of the studies that have examined the association between diet and oxidative stress consider the effects of antioxidant supplements (vitamins and minerals), drinks and foods with bioactive compounds or dietary patterns on oxidative stress biomarkers. Some of these studies have demonstrated beneficial results on oxidative stress markers. However, the role of diet on oxidative stress biomarkers remains unclear and represents a potentially fruitful area for further research in the health area.

Tratamiento integral de la obesidad y su prevención / Comprehensive treatment of obesity and its prevention

La obesidad abre la puerta a entidades metabólicas crónicas que ensombrecen la calidad y el pronóstico de vida. Si algo tiene en su favor es que su tratamiento precoz y sostenido, si eficaz, entrecierra esa puerta, que una vez traspuesta no puede ser vuelta a cruzar. La normalización de la composición corporal, de las reservas energéticas y su distribución, así como la minimización de los trastornos metabólicos peso dependientes y el establecimiento de prioridades terapéuticas, de acuerdo a las repercusiones de la obesidad, son factores importantes para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. La prevención es importante y su base es la enseñanza y puesta en práctica de un estilo de vida más saludable con modificación de la oferta alimentaria e incorporación de trabajo físico a las actividades cotidianas. La dietoterapia, la actividad física, la farmacoterapia, la cirugía y la psicología son las formas propuestas de tratamiento y prevención de la obesidad. (AU)