Effects of Regular Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption on Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

The Brazil nut (BN) is a promising food due to its numerous health benefits, but it is still necessary to systematically review the scientific evidence on these benefits. Thus, we examined the effects of regular BN consumption on health markers in humans according to the health state (with specific diseases or not) of the subjects. PubMed, Embase®, and Scielo databases were used to search for clinical trials. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the review, and the risk of bias for all studies was assessed. Twenty-four studies were included in the present review, of which fifteen were non-randomized. BNs were consumed in the context of a habitual free-living diet in all studies. Improvement in antioxidant status through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes was observed in all studies that evaluated antioxidant status, regardless of the health state of the sample. In addition, healthy subjects improved lipid markers and fasting glucose. Subjects with obesity had improvement in markers of lipid metabolism. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia improved oxidative stress or DNA damage. Subjects undergoing hemodialysis benefited greatly from BN consumption, as they improved lipid profile markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid function. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment improved verbal fluency and constructional praxis, and controversial results regarding the change in a marker of lipid peroxidation were observed in subjects with coronary artery disease. In conclusion, the benefits of BN consumption were found in different pathways of action and study populations.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on telomere length and telomerase activity: A systematic review of clinical trials.

Evidence suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). However, the effect of supplementation of this fatty acid profile on the telomere length and the telomerase enzyme activity was not revised yet. The PubMed and Embase® databases were used to search for clinical trials. A total of six clinical trials were revised. Omega-3 PUFA supplementation did not statistically affect telomere length in three out of three studies but affected telomerase activity in two out of four studies. The supplementation increased telomerase enzyme activity in subjects with first-episode schizophrenia. Besides, it decreased telomerase enzyme activity without modulating the effects of Pro12Ala polymorphism on the PPARγ gene in type 2 diabetes subjects. The methodological differences between the studies and the limited number of studies on the theme suggest that further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on telomere length and telomerase enzyme activity in humans.

Effect of chronic consumption of nuts on oxidative stress: a systematic review of clinical trials.

Nuts consumption has been associated with a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases and oxidative stress-related disorders. We aimed to perform a systematic review with clinical trials to assess the impact of chronic nuts consumption on oxidative stress and the possible mechanisms involved. Studies were identified by searching in three electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and LILACS, and selected following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors perform searching and data extraction. A total of 16 articles were included (12 randomized clinical trials and 4 one or two-arm clinical trials). Nut doses were generally high (> 30 g/d), except for Brazil nuts (5-13 g/d). The follow-up time ranges between four weeks and six months, and the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was the most assessed biomarker. Eight articles reported improvement in oxidative stress biomarkers after nuts supplementation. Pathways regulated by selenium (e.g. glutathione peroxidase activity and nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulation), monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g. reduction of LDL oxidation), and bioactive compounds (e.g. antioxidant activity) were described as mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects. No studies reported harmful effects of nut consumption, even in high doses. The chronic consumption of nuts seemed to be effective to change some oxidative stress biomarkers, however, this topic remains controversial because the benefits depends on nut type, nut dose, and population characteristics.

Effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise: a systematic review.

Curcumin is the main phenolic compound in turmeric. It has been investigated recently due to its numerous medicinal properties and health benefits. However, few studies assessed the effects of curcumin supplementation on physical activity practice. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to assess the available evidences with human beings about the potential effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise. This systematic review was conducted within the period from January to February, 2019, following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. The LILACS, Medline, SciELO and PubMed databases were used for the search, with no publication date limit. The following terms, with the respective Boolean operators, were searched: "curcumin" AND sports; "curcumin" AND exercise; curcumin AND "aerobic exercise"; "curcumin" AND "resistance exercise"; "curcumin" AND "endurance exercise"; "curcumin" AND "strength exercise". Eleven papers were selected for this review. Most of the studies displayed positive effects of the curcumin supplementation for athletes and physical exercise practitioners, and no side effects were reported. Participants supplemented with curcumin displayed reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased pain and muscle damage, superior recovery and muscle performance, better psychological and physiological responses (thermal and cardiovascular) during training and improved gastrointestinal function. Curcumin supplementation appears to be safe and beneficial for sport and physical exercise in human beings. PROSPERO (CRD42019126763).

Dietary Fat Intake and its Association with Adiposity and Inflammatory Markers in Individuals at Cardiometabolic Risk

Abstract Background Fatty acids are important components of diet that may influence the development of CVD. Objective To verify the relationship of dietary fatty acids with cardiometabolic markers in individuals at the cardiometabolic risk. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 282 subjects (116 M/166 F, 42 ± 16 years) attended the Cardiovascular Health Care Program, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Brazil). Anthropometric and body composition measurements as well as metabolic and inflammatory markers were assessed by standard procedures. Demographic and lifestyle variables were obtained by semi-structured questionnaire. Food consumption was evaluated by 24h recall. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney-U test and chi-square test were used, considering the statistical significance level of 5% probability. Results Individuals who eaten fat, fatty acids saturated and fatty acids polyunsaturated above recommendation (> 35, 7%, and 10% of caloric intake) were more likely to be overweight (p < 0.05). Those individuals with higher intake of medium-chain fatty saturated acids (≥ 1.05 g/d) had lower values (p < 0.05) of body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and waist-height ratio and higher values (p < 0.05) of total leukocytes, C-reactive protein and total cholesterol, and LDL. Subjects with higher of palmitoleic acid intake (≥ 0.94 g/d) presented higher values of BMI, fat percentage and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). Conclusion This cross-sectional study found different associations of dietary fat and cardiometabolic risk related to adiposity and inflammatory markers, according with chain-size and saturation, indicating the need the more detailed on the dietary assessment of obese patients to identify risk factors and established best strategies to control. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Branched-Chain amino acids intake is negatively related to body adiposity in individuals at cardiometabolic risk / Consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada está negativamente relacionado com adiposidade corporal em indivíduos com risco cardiometabólico

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the relationship between branched-chain amino acids intake in the current diet and the metabolic and body adiposity markers in a population at cardiovascular risk. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 282 adults and elderly people from the Cardiovascular Health Care Program of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and body composition data, as well as metabolic biomarkers were collected using standardized protocols. Dietary intake of branched amino acids was assessed using a 24-hour recall. Results Individuals with a higher branched-chain amino acids intake (≥2.6g/day, median value) had lower body fat (29.6 vs 32.2%; p=0.019), and higher serum ferritin (113.2 vs. 60.1mg/dL; p=0.006) and uric acid concentrations (4.4 vs. 4.0; p=0.023). In addition, a lower prevalence of overweight and excessive abdominal fat (p<0.05) was found in the individuals with higher branched-chain amino acids intake. They also had a higher daily intake of fiber, copper, zinc, magnesium, and iron, as well as a lower intake of total lipids. Conclusion In the present study, the intake of branched amino acids is negatively related to total and central adiposity, but more studies are needed to fully elucidate this possible relationship. (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, code RBR-5n4y2g).

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a relação entre o consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada na dieta atual e os marcadores de adiposidade metabólica e corporal em uma população com perfil de elevado risco cardiovascular. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 282 adultos e idosos do Programa de Atenção Cardiovascular da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e de composição corporal, além de biomarcadores metabólicos, foram coletados utilizando protocolos padronizados. O consumo alimentar de aminoácidos ramificados foi avaliado através de um recordatório de 24 horas. Resultados Indivíduos com maior consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada (≥2,6g/dia, valor da mediana) apresentaram menores valores de gordura corporal (29,6 vs 32,2%; p=0,019) e maiores valores de séricos de ferritina (113,2 vs. 60,1mg/dL; p=0,006) e ácido úrico (4,4 vs. 4,0; p=0,023). Além disso, foi encontrada uma menor prevalência de sobrepeso e excesso de gordura abdominal (p<0,05) nos indivíduos com maior consumo de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada. Eles também apresentaram um maior consumo diário de fibra, cobre, zinco, magnésio e ferro, além de um menor consumo de lipídios totais. Conclusão No presente estudo, o consumo de aminoácidos ramificados está negativamente relacionado à adiposidade total e central, porém mais estudos são necessários para elucidar completamente essa possível relação. (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, código RBR-5n4y2g)

"Traditional" and "Healthy" Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Low Cardiometabolic Risk in Brazilian Subjects.

This study aimed at determining the dietary patterns and investigating their association with cardiometabolic risk markers in a brazilian population at risk. This transversal study was carried out with data of 265 patients (n = 123 M/172 W, age 42 ± 16 years) of the Cardiovascular Health Care Program-PROCARDIO-UFV, Brazil-who had their first appointment between 2012 and 2017. A 24-hour recall was applied. The dietary patterns were determined by Principal Component Analysis. Anthropometric, clinical-metabolic, sociodemographic, and lifestyle data were collected through medical record analysis. Five patterns were identified: "Traditional", "Caloric", "Unhealthy", "Healthy," and "Healthy Snacks". In bivariate analysis, the "Healthy" pattern was negatively associated with WC (waist circunference), BMI (body mass index), WHR (waist-to-hip ratio), SBP (systolic blood pressure), fasting glucose, TG/HDL, LDL/HDL, and TG/HDL values and positively to HDL. The "Traditional" pattern was positively associated with adiposity indicators (WC, BMI, and WHR) and negatively associated with body fat, TyG (triglyceride-glucose index), HDL, and LDL (P < 0.05). However, in adjusted models of Poisson regression, individuals with positive factor score (higher adherence) in the "Traditional" and "Healthy" patterns had less occurrence of abdominal obesity (PR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.99/PR 0.88; 95% CI 0.02-0.76), as well as dyslipidemia (PR 0.06; 95% CI 0.02-0.51/PR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.27), diabetes (PR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01-0.45/PR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01-021), and hypertension (PR 0.06; 95% CI 0.02-0.50/PR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01-0.21). A greater adherence to the "Healthy" pattern was associated with lower values to cardiometabolic risk markers and less occurrence of chronic diseases, while the "Traditional" pattern presented contradictory results.

Dietary Pattern and Macronutrients Profile on the Variation of Inflammatory Biomarkers: Scientific Update.

It is known that the dietary pattern and macronutrients profile may influence the expression and secretion of inflammatory biomarkers, and the low-grade inflammation is associated with the manifestation of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Therefore, this review aimed to present and discuss the role of dietary patterns and macronutrients on the variation of inflammatory markers related to NCD risk. Scientific evidences within the last five years based on clinical trials, case-controls, cohorts, and cross-sectional studies indicate that normocaloric, carbohydrate-moderated, low-glycemic index, protein-moderated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich, omega-3, and low-saturated fat diets display positive effects on the inflammatory state, both in healthy individuals and in those with cardiovascular risk, although the second group seems to benefit more from changes in the dietary profile.

Inverse association of calcium intake with abdominal adiposity and C-reactive protein in Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Ca intake and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample. Food consumption was assessed through three 24 h dietary recalls. Anthropometry, body composition and biochemical measurements were also conducted. SETTING: Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Children between 8 and 9 years old (n 350) enrolled in public and private schools in the urban area of the municipality of Viçosa. RESULTS: Almost all children had inadequate intake of Ca (97·4 %), especially those with low income, non-white and who studied in public schools. Foods that contributed most to Ca intake were 'milk' and 'cheeses and yoghurts' (R 2=0·66 and 0·13, respectively), and intake of 'milk' was correlated with 'chocolate milk powder' intake (r=0·538, P<0·01). Children with lower Ca intake had a higher prevalence of increased C-reactive protein (prevalence ratio=2·93; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·07), increased waist circumference (prevalence ratio=2·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 8·13) and a lower prevalence of high LDL cholesterol (prevalence ratio=0·64; 95 % CI 0·41, 0·99). CONCLUSIONS: Lower Ca intake was associated with excess abdominal adiposity and subclinical inflammation in Brazilian children. Monitoring of adequate Ca intake is important, especially in poorer communities.

Corrigendum to "Dietary Pattern and Macronutrients Profile on the Variation of Inflammatory Biomarkers: Scientific Update".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/4762575.].