Impact of cooked functional meat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status; a randomised, double-blind, crossover study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: n-3 fatty acid intake has been associated with inflammatory benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Functionalising meat may be of great interest. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of functional meat containing n-3 and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status markers in subjects with risk for CVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare the effects on the above markers of consuming functional or control meat products. 43 volunteers with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD were randomly assigned to receive functional meat (FM) or control meat (CM) over 12-weeks with a 4-week wash-out interval before crossover. Functional effects were assessed by examining lipid profile, CRP, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinogen (inflammatory markers), and TBARS, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 (oxidative status markers). 33 subjects (24 women) aged 50.7±8.8 years completed the study. In FM treatment, PAI-1, fibrinogen and 8-iso-PGF2 decreased significantly after 12 weeks, while FRAP significantly increased. In contrast, in CM treatment, a significant increase was seen in PAI-1, while FRAP significantly declined. Significant differences were also seen between the FM and CM treatments after 12 weeks in terms of the change observed in PAI-1, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 values. No significant differences were seen in anthropometric variables nor were adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION: The consumption of FM containing n-3 and rosemary extract improved oxidative and inflammatory status of people with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD. The inclusion of such functional meat in a balanced diet might be a healthy lifestyle option.

Objetivos: La ingesta de omega-3 se ha asociado con efectos antinflamatorios relacionados con la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Desarrollar productos cárnicos funcionales podría ser de gran interés para la población. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de una carne funcional con omega-3 y extracto de romero sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación en personas con riesgo cardiovascular. Pacientes y métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico cruzado y doble-ciego para estudiar el efecto del consumo de un producto cárnico funcional sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación. Se incluyeron 43 voluntarios con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado, indicando riesgo de ECV. Fueron asignados aleatoriamente en 2 grupos que consumieron en cruzado carne funcional (CF) o carne control (CC) durante 12 semanas con un periodo de lavado de 4 semanas entre ellos. Al finalizar el estudio se evaluó: perfil lipídico, marcadores de inflamación (PCR, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinógeno) y marcadores de oxidación (TBARS, FRAP, 8-iso-PGF2). Resultados: Completaron el estudio 33 personas (24 mujeres) con edad media de 50.7±8.8 años. Tras consumir CF durante 12 semanas se observó una disminución significativa del PAI-1, fibrinógeno y 8-iso-PGF2, mientras que el FRAP incrementó significativamente. Sin embargo, con CC incrementó PAI-1 y disminuyó FRAP significativamente. Además se observaron diferencias significativas entre los cambios producidos tras consumir uno u otro producto de los marcadores PAI-1, FRAP y 8-iso-PGF2. Al final de cada intervención no se observaron cambios en variables antropométricas ni efectos adversos. Conclusiones: El consumo de CF con omega-3 y extracto de romero mejora el estado inflamatorio y oxidativo de personas con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado. La inclusión de estas CF en una dieta equilibrada podría ser una opción más para mantener un estilo de vida saludable. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0199088.

[Perception about the importance of feeding in a group of hematologic cancer patients]. / Percepción de la importancia de la alimentación en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer hematológico.

INTRODUCTION: Oncohematologic patients usually present nutritional deficits associated with the disease, the treatments and side effects, etc. However, there are hardly any descriptive data about the dietary recommendations used and the patient's self-perception of its usefulness in their disease. AIM: To assess the self-perception of the nutritional importance in a group of oncohematologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 111 oncohematologic patients self-reported a questionnaire containing items about socio-sanitary data and self-perception of the nutritional importance in their disease. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.0 ± 12.8 years (64.86% women). The most frequent diagnosis and treatment was lymphoma (83.78%) and chemotheraphy (92.80%). 75% considered "very important" relationship between oncohematologic disease and nutritional status. Only 54.1% received dietary advice. And 53.2% and 50.5% considered that the use of nutritional supplements improve quality of life and/or disease respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients had advanced stages of their disease. However, half the group had not received dietary advice despite high interest in receiving nutritional care. Therefore, the nutritional assessment and the personalized nutritional support implementation of the patient should be included in routine clinical practice.

[An inadequate intake of manganese may favour insulin resistance in girls]. / Una ingesta inadecuada de manganeso podría contribuir a la aparición de resistencia a la insulina en niñas.

AIM: to study the relationship between an adequate manganese (Mn) intake and glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance among healthy children from Madrid (Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 573 schoolchildren between 8 and 13 years old were studied. Energy and nutrients intake (especially Mn) was calculated with a "3-day diet record". Mn intake was compared to Adequate Intakes (AI) for this mineral. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Fasting glucose and insulin were determined and the HOMA index was calculated to establish the presence of insulin resistance in children. RESULTS: Girls with and inadequate intake (below the 100% of the AI value) had higher insulin and HOMA values than girls with adequate AI values (equal or higher to 100% of AI). Having in mind confounding factors (energy, carbohydrates and lipids intake, BMI and age), a significant positive correlation was found between the contribution of Mn intake to AI and HOMA levels in girls. CONCLUSION: It seems important to ensure an adequate Mn intake in girls in order to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes type 2 in the future.

Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or without bread. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 122 women (BMI≥25<40 kg/m²) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without bread). RESULTS: 104 women completed the study (48.4±9.0 years) with a baseline BMI of 29.8±3.5 kg/m². At the start of the study there were no significant differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16 weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p<0.05) and time 4 (8 versus 4; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight loss.

Evaluation of a lifestyle modification program for treatment of overweight and nonmorbid obesity in primary healthcare and its influence on health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The impact of overweight and nonmorbid obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQL) has not been widely researched. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle modification program (LMP) focused on diet, exercise, and psychological support on HRQL in overweight and nonmorbidly obese patients treated in a primary healthcare setting. METHODS: Sixty patients with grade II overweight and nonmorbid grade I-II obesity were included in this open pilot clinical trial; subjects' ages ranged from 18 to 50 years. They were provided with an LMP combining nutrition education, physical activity, and psychological support. Subjects attended group sessions every 2 weeks. The main outcome measures at baseline and 6 months were body composition parameters (body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference) and HRQL using the 1.4 Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire. The questionnaire yields an 8-scale profile of physical functioning (PF), role--physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role--emotional (RE), mental health (MH), and general health (GH) factors. RESULTS: The LMP achieved improvements in SF-36 subscales at the end of the intervention: PF (80.37 ± 18.90 vs 89.40 ± 13.95, P < .001), RP (20.37 ± 9.10 vs 23.14 ± 6.67, P < .05), VT (58.71 ± 21.98 vs 70.91 ± 26.56, P < .01), SF (79.62 ± 27.76 vs 86.57 ± 25.45, P < .03), and GH (61.03 ± 19.13 vs 69.42 ± 18.80, P < .001). CONCLUSION: An LMP focused on balanced and moderate energy-restricted diets, increased physical activity, and psychological support may improve the anthropometric parameters and the quality of life in moderately obese patients treated in a primary healthcare center.

[Efficacy evaluation of an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients]. / Evaluación de la eficacia de un suplemento oral en polvo enriquecido con ácido eicosapentaenoico en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The beneficial effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients is widely described especially in relation to its role in tumour cachexia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of administration of a new oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid compared to a standard liquid supplement in cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 61 cancer patients, aged more than 18 years, were randomized to receive during a month a bonus of 600 kcal/ day to their regular diet with an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (1.5 g) (RSI) or with a standard liquid supplement (RE). The following data were collected at baseline and after one month: the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (pg-SGA), anthropometric measurements (skin folds, circumferences and bioimpedance), dietary parameters (3-day food record), biochemical and inflammatory parameters (basic biochemistry, cytokines, prealbumin and Reactive C Protein). Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. At the end, scales were used to asses sensory perception, tolerance and satiety induced by the products and motivation to eat. RESULTS: 40 patients completed the study. After intervention, anthropometric parameters do not change and prealbumin values increased significantly in both groups (RSI 16.11 ± 5.66 mg/dl vs. 19.81 ± 6.75 mg/dl p < 0.05 and RE 6.13 ± 16.55 mg/dl vs. 19.03 ± 5.47 mg / dl p < 0.05). RSI group significantly decreased interferon gamma (INF-γ) values (0.99 ± 0.95 vs. 0.65 ± 0.92 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In contrast, RE group increased INF-γ after intervention (1.62 ± 1 27 vs. 2.2 ± 3.19 pg/ml, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in hunger, appetite, satiety and intake capacity in both groups. The SF-36 scores improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation based on an oral powder formula enriched with 1.5 g EPA during one month in cancer patients improved certain inflammatory parameters. This product may be a novel and valuable option to be added to the nutritional intervention strategies used for cancer patients.

Vitamin B6 status improves in overweight/obese women following a hypocaloric diet rich in breakfast cereals, and may help in maintaining fat-free mass.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes in vitamin B6 status in women following slightly hypocaloric diets based on the relative increase consumption of foods whose intakes are below those recommended, and to study how these changes influence the proportion of fat-free mass. DESIGN: Intervention study of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V (increased consumption of vegetables), or diet C (increased consumption of cereals, especially breakfast cereals). SUBJECTS: A total of 49 women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-35 kg/m2. MEASUREMENTS: Dietetic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and at 2 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: Both the C and V subjects showed a reduction in their energy intake, body weight, BMI and fat mass. Pyridoxine intake increased in both groups and plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) levels increased only with diet C. An association was found between the increase in plasma PLP at 6 weeks and the increase in pyridoxine intake (r=0.451; P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed a positive association between the increase in PLP at the end of the study and the increases in the pyridoxine intake, B6 density or B6/protein ratio. At the end of the study, and only in those women whose PLP levels were increased, the higher the increase in PLP level, the higher the increase in fat-free mass percentage (r=0.4426, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions aimed at weight control should also try to maintain or improve nutritional status. A diet rich in cereals (especially fortified breakfast cereals) appears to be useful in improving vitamin B6 status. Such an improvement could help maintain fat-free mass during periods of weight loss.

[Dietary habits and their relationship with the knowledge on the concept of a balanced diet in a group of young women with overweight/obesity]. / Hábitos alimentarios y su relación con los conocimientos, respecto al concepto de dieta equilibrada, de un colectivo de mujeres jóvenes con sobrepeso/obesidad.

OBJECTIVE: To know the dietary habits of a population of women with overweight/obesity and their knowledge on the concept of proper feeding in order to design nutrition educational campaigns focused on this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 67 women, aged 20 to 35 years with body mass index 24-35 kg/m2 were asked about their frequency of food intake and what they thought to be correct to achieve a balanced diet. RESULTS: Studied women more frequently consumed oils (4.3 +/- 4.5 times/week) and sweets (2.5 +/- 3.6 times/week) and less frequently water (-19.1 +/- 22.7 times/week), vegetables (-4.3 +/- 5.7 times/week), fruits (-3.7 +/- 6.2 times/week), legumes (-1.3 +/- 2.0 times/week) and fish (-2.2 +/- 3.7 times/week) than what they thought they should consume. When comparing what they declare to consume to what has been established as minimal recommended intake for the different groups of foods it is observed that the intake of grains and legumes, fruits and vegetables, and slightly less that of fish and eggs, should de increased. CONCLUSIONS: given the incorrect dietary habits observed in a population of women with overweight/obesity, it should be convenient to carry out nutrition educational campaigns. This education could help improve the diet of all the population and the occurrence of overweight and obesity could be prevented in many cases. Besides, in those cases in which the pathology is already present, this could prevent following regimens that are harmful for the health and for weight management.

The influence of fruit and vegetable intake on the nutritional status and plasma homocysteine levels of institutionalised elderly people.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in the nutritional status of elderly people depending on their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and to study the possible association between the consumption of these foods and different cardiovascular risk factors, especially total plasma homocysteine (t-Hcys) levels. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: A cross-sectional study in 152 institutionalised older people from Madrid aged > or = 65 years. Food and nutrient intakes were recorded over 7 days using the 'precise individual weighing' method. The weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences of all subjects were recorded, as were their alpha-erythrocyte glutathione reductase, serum B6, B12 and folate levels, erythrocyte folate levels, t-Hcys levels, serum lipids and blood pressure. The experimental population was then divided into tertiles depending on the serving intake of fruit and vegetables (T1, < 2.29 servings day(-1); T2, 2.29-2.79 servings day(-1); and T3, >2.79 servings day(-1)). RESULTS: Compared with T1 subjects, T3 subjects showed consumptions of cereals, pulses, meat, fish and eggs closer to those recommended (P < 0.05). In addition, the contribution of their diet towards covering the recommended daily intake of vitamin B1, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, B12, vitamin A, and P, Mg, Zn and Fe was higher. The intake of fibre increased with consumption of fruit and vegetables (r = 0.6839, P < 0.001). T3 subjects also had better serum and erythrocyte folate levels than T1 and T2 subjects (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the consumption of fruit and vegetables and serum folate (r = 0.2665, P < 0.01) and with erythrocyte folate levels (r = 0.2034, P < 0.05), and a negative correlation with t-Hcys (r = -0.2493, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Greater consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with better food habits, increased vitamin and mineral intakes and lower t-Hcys levels. Considering that the fruit and vegetable intake in Spanish elderly people is very low, it is recommended that the consumption of fruits and vegetables by elderly people be increased.

Changes in thiamin intake and blood levels in young, overweight/obese women following hypocaloric diets based on the increased relative consumption of cereals or vegetables.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the changes in thiamin intake and blood levels of young, overweight/obese women following slightly hypocaloric diets based on the increased relative consumption of foods whose intakes were most removed from the ideal: cereals and vegetables. DESIGN: The women were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V, in which the consumption of vegetables was increased, or diet C, in which the consumption of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) was increased. SUBJECTS: The study subjects were 67 young women with a body mass index of 24-35 kg/m2. INTERVENTIONS: Dietetic, anthropometrics and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and again at 2 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The reduction in energy intake was similar in both groups. However, diet C subjects lost significantly more weight. Blood thiamin concentration was higher in group C women than in group V women at 2 and 6 weeks. Compared to initial values, group C subjects showed a higher blood thiamin level at 2 weeks. The highest blood thiamin levels seen in group C women may have been due to their greater thiamin intake, their higher thiamin dietetic density, and a higher thiamin/carbohydrates ratio at both week 2 and 6 of the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the relative consumption of breakfast cereals within the context of a slightly hypocaloric diet can help in weight control and improve thiamine intake and blood levels.

Changes in folate status in overweight/obese women following two different weight control programmes based on an increased consumption of vegetables or fortified breakfast cereals.

The modification of folate status was analysed in a group of sixty-seven overweight/obese women of childbearing age (20-35 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V (increased consumption of vegetables) or diet C (increased consumption of breakfast cereals). Dietetic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and again at 2 and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks a weight loss of 2.0 (sd 1.3) kg was achieved in V subjects and of 2.8 (sd 1.4) kg in C subjects (P < 0.05). At the start of the study, 64.2 % of all subjects had a folate intake of < 67 % of the recommended intake; this fell to just 3 % (7.14 % of V subjects and 0 % of C subjects) by week 6. Significant increases were only seen in C subjects in serum folate concentrations (both at 2 and 6 weeks), accompanied by a significant reduction in serum homocysteine (at week 6). Some 62.1 % of all subjects had serum folate concentrations of > or = 13.6 nmol/l (associated with a very low risk of neural tube defects) at the start of the study, while 87.0 % (85.2 % of V subjects and 88.9 % of C subjects) had concentrations of > or = 13.6 nmol/l at 6 weeks (P < 0.01). Increasing the relative consumption of vegetables/cereals in the context of a slightly hypocaloric diet may therefore be a good way to lose body weight. Breakfast cereals may be of special help with respect to folate status and serum homocysteine levels in overweight/obese young women following energy restriction diets.

The relationship between antioxidant nutrient intake and cataracts in older people.

This study investigated the relationship between the intake of antioxidant nutrients and the suffering of cataracts in 177 institutionalized elderly people (61 men and 116 women) aged > or = 65 years. Dietary intake was monitored for 7 consecutive days using a "precise individual weighing" method. Subjects, who during their earlier years were exposed by their work to sunlight, had a greater risk of suffering cataracts (OR = 3.2; CI: 1.1-9.3, P < 0.05) than those who worked indoors. A relationship was found between increased vitamin C intake and a reduced prevalence of cataracts (i.e., when comparing those above P95 for vitamin C intake with those below P5; (OR = 0.08; CI: 0.01-0.75, P 0.05). Among subjects with cataracts, 12.1% had vitamin C intakes of < 61 mg/day (P10) and only 2.2% had intakes of > 183 mg/day (P95) (p < 0.01). Subjects who consumed > 3290 microg/day (P95) of lutein were less likely to have cataracts (OR = 0.086; CI: 0.007-1.084; p < 0.05) than those whose consumption was < 256 microg/day (P5). In men, high intakes of zeaxanthin seemed to provide a protective effect against the problem (OR = 0.96; CI: 0.91-0.99; p < 0.05). The results suggest an association exists between exposure to sunlight and the development of cataracts, and that vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin offer some protection against this disorder.

[Response to a weight control program based on approximating the diet to its theoretical ideal]. / Respuesta ante un programa de control de peso basado en la aproximación de la dieta al ideal teórico.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases common in industrial societies and the number of overweight/obese people continues to grow. The control of body weight is therefore a priority public health objective. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the response to a weight loss program based on approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the consumption of recommended foods under-represented in the diet: cereals and vegetables). SUBJECTS: The study involved 67 women aged between 20 and 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) of between 24 and 35 kg/m2. These women were randomly assigned to two groups with the aim of improving weight control and of approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal. INTERVENTIONS: Both groups were advised to follow a slightly hypocaloric diet, but with one group increasing the intake of greens and vegetables (H) and the other increasing the intake of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) (C). Dietary data were obtained via the keeping of a daily food record over three days, including a Sunday. Anthropometric data were obtained at the start of the study and again 2 and 6 weeks later. RESULTS: Both treatments approximated the energy profile of the diets to the theoretical ideal. The amount of energy gained from lipids fell and that gained from carbohydrates increased (both at 2 and 6 weeks), significantly more so for group C. Fifty seven women completed the study and showed a mean reduction in body weight of 2.4 +/-1.4 kg. The weight lost by group C was significantly greater than that lost by group H (2.8 +/- 1.4 kg compared to 2.0 +/- 1.3 kg; p < 0.05). The women who followed diet C showed a greater number of skin folds of significantly reduced size, both at 2 and 6 weeks. More group C women completed the study (93.5% compared to 77.8% of group H women). CONCLUSION: In overweight or slightly obese women, approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (by increasing the intake of vegetables of cereals) can help to control body weight and improve the quality of the diet (both in terms of the number and size of food rations, and the overall energy profile). The present results show that increasing the consumption of breakfast cereals may be of particular use owing to their high fiber, vitamin and iron contents.

Homocysteine levels in elderly Spanish people: influence of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes.

BACKGROUND: Serum homocysteine levels are a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Knowledge on how dietary factors might affect these levels is therefore of interest. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum homocysteine levels in a group of elderly people and analyse the effect of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes on these levels. DESIGN: The study subjects were 130 independently-living elderly people over the age of 65. A dietetic study was performed using a 7-day food record. Serum homocysteine levels were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Mean pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folate intakes were 67.2+/-16.8%, 392.8+/-549.2% and 84.5+/-28.3% of recommended values respectively. With regard to sex, differences were seen only for vitamin B12 intake (9.1+/-12.7 microg/day in men, and 6.5+/-8.8 microg/day in women). Some 93.6% of subjects showed pyridoxine intakes below those recommended, as did 17.6% with respect to vitamin B12 and 72.8% with respect to folic acid. Homocysteine levels were 12.4 micromol/l (12.6+/-3.7 micromol/l in men and 12.2+/-7.9 micromol/l in women) (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen in homocysteine levels between subjects with lower than recommended intakes of pyridoxine or vitamin B12 and those with better intakes. However, subjects with folic acid intakes below 200 microg/day showed higher homocysteine levels (13.0+/-6.7 micromol/l) than did subjects with more adequate intakes (10.9+/-4.1 micromol/l) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The diet of the study subjects might be improved, especially with respect to pyridoxine and folic acid. Raising the intake of the latter might be especially useful in controlling homocysteine levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.