Alleviation of Dyslipidemia via a Traditional Balanced Korean Diet Represented by a Low Glycemic and Low Cholesterol Diet in Obese Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

A traditional balanced Korean diet (K-diet) may improve energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. To evaluate this, we conducted a randomized crossover clinical trial, involving participants aged 30-40 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups-a K-diet or westernized Korean control diet daily, with an estimated energy requirement (EER) of 1900 kcal. After a 4-week washout period, they switched the diet and followed it for 4 weeks. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratios based on energy intake were close to the target values for the K-diet (65:15:20) and control diet (60:15:25). The glycemic index of the control diet and the K-diet was 50.3 ± 3.6 and 68.1 ± 2.9, respectively, and daily cholesterol contents in the control diet and K-diet were 280 and 150 mg, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters involved in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism were measured while plasma metabolites were determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS before and after the 4-week intervention. After the four-week intervention, both diets improved anthropometric and biochemical variables, but the K-diet significantly reduced them compared to the control diet. Serum total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. The waist circumference (p = 0.108) and insulin resistance index (QUICKI, p = 0.089) tended to be lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. Plasma metabolites indicated that participants in the K-diet group tended to reduce insulin resistance compared to those in the control diet group. Amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids, tyrosine, tryptophan, and glutamate, and L-homocysteine concentrations were considerably lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group (p < 0.05). Plasma glutathione concentrations, an index of antioxidant status, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations, were higher in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. In conclusion, a K-diet with adequate calories to meet EER alleviated dyslipidemia by decreasing insulin resistance-related amino acids and increasing ketones in the circulation of obese women.

Australian patients with coronary heart disease achieve high adherence to 6-month Mediterranean diet intervention: preliminary results of the AUSMED Heart Trial.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether the cardioprotective Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) can be adhered to in non-Mediterranean populations. The aim of this study was to report preliminary results on adherence to a 6-mo ad libitum MedDiet intervention in multiethnic Australian patients with coronary heart disease, including maintenance at 12 mo. METHODS: Participants (62 ± 9 y of age, 83% men) were randomized to the MedDiet (n = 34) or a low-fat diet (n = 31). Dietitian-led appointments occurred at 0, 3, and 6 mo with a follow-up phone review at 12 mo. Dietary intake was assessed via 7-d food diaries analyzed in FoodWorks8, and MedDiet adherence was measured by a validated 14-item questionnaire. RESULTS: In the pooled cohort, the MedDiet adherence score was low at baseline (5.2 ± 2.1 of 14), with only 6.2% achieving a high score (≥9). MedDiet participants significantly improved the MedDiet adherence score compared with low-fat diet participants after 6 mo (+4.8 ± 2.7 versus +1.2 ± 2 points, respectively; P < 0.001). MedDiet participants significantly increased intake of olive oil, nuts, tomato, yogurt, legumes, and seafood and decreased intake of processed meats and added sugars compared with low-fat diet participants (P < 0.05). Maintenance of the MedDiet at 12 mo was high with 78% of MedDiet participants maintaining an adherence score ≥9; however, mean adherence score decreased by 1 ± 1.9 point (P = 0.01) between 6 and 12 mo. CONCLUSIONS: The MedDiet intervention in this pilot trial of Australian patients with coronary heart disease was well adhered to, improved diet quality, and could therefore provide a feasible alternative to a low-fat diet. Notably, improvement in adherence to the MedDiet was achieved through dietitian-led intervention and cross-cultural translation of dietary principles.

Erythrocyte fatty acid composition of Nepal breast-fed infants.

PURPOSE: Essential fatty acids play a critical role in the growth and development of infants, but little is known about the fatty acid status of populations in low-income countries. The objective was to describe the fatty acid composition of red blood cells (RBC) in breastfeed Nepali infants and a subsample of their mothers and to identify the main sources of fatty acids in the mother's diet, as well as the fatty acid composition of breast milk. METHODS: RBC fatty acid composition was analyzed in a random sample of 303 infants and 72 mother, along with 68 breastmilk samples. Fatty acid profiles of the most important dietary fat sources were analyzed. Information on mother's diet and intake of fat was collected by three 24-h dietary recalls. RESULTS: In infant RBC's, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was the main n-3 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (AA) was the major n-6 fatty acid. Total n-6 PUFA was three times higher than total n-3 PUFA. Height-for-age (HAZ) was positively associated with DHA status and AA status in multivariable models. The concentration of all fatty acids was higher in children, compared to mothers, except Total n-6 PUFA and Linoleic acid (LA) where no differences were found. The mother's energy intake from fat was 13% and cooking oil (sesame, mustard, soybean or sunflower oil) contributed 52% of the fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: RBC-DHA levels in both infants and mother was unexpected high taking into account few dietary DHA sources and the low DHA concentrations in breastmilk.

Egg consumption and cardiovascular disease according to diabetic status: The PREDIMED study.

BACKGROUND: Eggs are a major source of dietary cholesterol and their consumption has been sometimes discouraged. A relationship between egg consumption and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested to be present exclusively among patients with type2 diabetes. AIMS: To assess the association between egg consumption and CVD in a large Mediterranean cohort where approximately 50% of participants had type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We prospectively followed 7216 participants (55-80 years old) at high cardiovascular risk from the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study for a mean of 5.8 years. All participants were initially free of CVD. Yearly repeated measurements of dietary information with a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire were used to assess egg consumption and other dietary exposures. The endpoint was the rate of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes). RESULTS: A major cardiovascular event occurred in 342 participants. Baseline egg consumption was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events in the total population. Non-diabetic participants who ate on average >4 eggs/week had a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-2.76) in the fully adjusted multivariable model when compared with non-diabetic participants who reported the lowest egg consumption (<2 eggs/week). Among diabetic participants, the HR was 1.33 (0.72-2.46). There was no evidence of interaction by diabetic status. HRs per 500 eggs of cumulative consumption during follow-up were 0.94 (0.66-1.33) in non-diabetics and 1.18 (0.90-1.55) in diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Low to moderated egg consumption was not associated with an increased CVD risk in diabetic or non-diabetic individuals at high cardiovascular risk. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639.

Substitution of meat and fish with vegetables or potatoes and risk of myocardial infarction.

Red meat has been suggested to be adversely associated with risk of myocardial infarction (MI), whereas vegetable consumption has been found to be protective. The aim of this study was to investigate substitutions of red meat, poultry and fish with vegetables or potatoes for MI prevention. We followed up 29 142 women and 26 029 men in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study aged 50-64 years with no known history of MI at baseline. Diet was assessed by a validated 192-item FFQ at baseline. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for MI associated with specified food substitutions of 150 g/week. During a median follow-up of 13·6 years, we identified 656 female and 1694 male cases. Among women, the HR for MI when replacing red meat with vegetables was 0·94 (95 % CI 0·90, 0·98). Replacing fatty fish with vegetables was associated with a higher risk of MI (HR 1·23; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·45), whereas an inverse, statistically non-significant association was found for lean fish (HR 0·93; 95 % CI 0·83, 1·05). Substituting poultry with vegetables was not associated with risk of MI (HR 1·00; 95 % CI 0·90, 1·11). Findings for substitution with potatoes were similar to findings for vegetables. Among men, a similar pattern was observed, but the associations were weak and mostly statistically non-significant. This study suggests that replacing red meat with vegetables or potatoes is associated with a lower risk of MI, whereas replacing fatty fish with vegetables or potatoes is associated with a higher risk of MI.

Goat sausages containing chitosan towards a healthier product: microbiological, physico-chemical textural evaluation.

Goat meat is extensively known for its interesting nutritional value and for being an important source of protein with high quality. Its food derivatives are, therefore, a good alternative to develop new products addressed to health conscious consumers. In this work, a healthier goat product, namely, a low fat fresh sausage, was produced with the objective of evaluating the effect of inclusion of chitosan on quality, stability and shelf life. Sausages containing 2% chitosan were formulated with different fat levels (5%, 12.5% and 20%, w/w) and stored at 4 °C for 15 days. Results indicated the incorporation of 2% (w/w) chitosan was technologically feasible, due to the reduction of microbial growth and lipid oxidation, as well as the enhancement of red color. Additionally, the treated samples improved all the characteristics associated with cooking, showing the ability to bind water and fat and acquiring a firmer texture compared with control samples. Additionally, the reduction of fat content is technologically feasible without negative influences on the final product.

Effects of low-fat milk consumption on metabolic and atherogenic biomarkers in Korean adults with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of the health effects of low-fat milk or dairy consumption on the metabolic syndrome have yielded inconsistent results. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low-fat milk consumption on traits associated with the metabolic syndrome, as well as inflammatory and atherogenic biomarkers, in Korean adults with the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Overweight Koreans with the metabolic syndrome (n = 58) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the low-fat milk or control group. The low-fat milk group was instructed to consume two packs of low-fat milk per day (200 mL twice daily) for 6 weeks, and the control group was instructed to maintain their habitual diet. Clinical investigations were conducted during the screening visit, on study day 0, and after 6 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences in changes in body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile and adiponectin levels, as well as levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and atherogenic markers, were found between the low-fat milk and control groups. However, compared to the controls, significant favourable decreases in serum soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 levels were found in the 12 subjects with high blood pressure and in the 18 subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia in the low-fat milk group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not demonstrate an overall beneficial effect of low-fat milk consumption in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. However, low-fat milk consumption may have a favourable effect on atherogenic markers in subjects with high blood pressure or hypertriglyceridaemia.

Patients with dyslipidemia on a self-reported diet have a healthier dietary intake than the general population. The CoLaus study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary measures complement hypolipidemic drug treatment, but little is known regarding the nutritional content of reported hypolipidemic diets in the general population. Thus, we characterized the dietary intake of subjects aged 40-80 years according to awareness of dyslipidemia and presence of a hypolipidemic diet. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2009 and 2012 on 4289 participants (2274 women) living in Lausanne, Switzerland; 1370 (32%) reported a diagnosis of dyslipidemia, of whom 242 (18%) reported a hypolipidemic diet. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to participants aware of dyslipidemia not on a diet, those on a diet consumed significantly more fruits (mean ± standard deviation: 2.5 ± 1.9 vs. 1.9 ± 1.7 portions/day), vegetables (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9 portions/day) and fish (1.9 ± 1.4 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1 portions/week) and less meat (4.5 ± 2.7 vs. 5.2 ± 2.9 portions/week). They also had a significantly higher intake of total carbohydrates (50.1 ± 8.6 vs. 47.1 ± 8.3% of total energy intake - TEI), monounsaturated (39.9 ± 5.4 vs. 39.4 ± 4.3% total fat) and polyunsaturated (15.6 ± 4.3 vs. 14.2 ± 4.1% of total fat) fatty acids and a lower intake of total fat (34.2 ± 7.4 vs. 36.6 ± 7.0% of TEI) and saturated fatty acids (35.1 ± 6.2 vs. 37.8 ± 5.7% of total fat). Participants aware and on a diet met more nutritional recommendations of the Swiss Society of Nutrition (2.1 ± 1.0 vs. 1.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001) than participants not on a diet. CONCLUSION: When implemented, hypolipidemic diets lead to a healthier dietary intake than in the general population.

Consumption of Yogurt, Low-Fat Milk, and Other Low-Fat Dairy Products Is Associated with Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Incidence in an Elderly Mediterranean Population.

BACKGROUND: The association between consumption of dairy products and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between consumption of dairy products (total and different subtypes) and incident MetS in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 1868 men and women (55-80 y old) without MetS at baseline, recruited from different PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) centers between October 2003 and June 2009 and followed up until December 2010. MetS was defined according to updated, harmonized criteria. At baseline and yearly thereafter, we determined anthropometric variables, dietary habits by a 137-item validated food-frequency questionnaire, and blood biochemistry. Multivariable-adjusted HRs of MetS or its components were estimated for each of the 2 upper tertiles (vs. the lowest one) of mean consumption of dairy products during the follow-up. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 3.2 y, we documented 930 incident MetS cases. In the multivariable-adjusted model, HRs (95% CIs) of MetS for the comparison of extreme tertiles of dairy product consumption were 0.72 (0.61, 0.86) for low-fat dairy, 0.73 (0.62, 0.86) for low-fat yogurt, 0.78 (0.66, 0.92) for whole-fat yogurt, and 0.80 (0.67, 0.95) for low-fat milk. The respective HR for cheese was 1.31 (1.10, 1.56). CONCLUSIONS: Higher consumption of low-fat dairy products, yogurt (total, low-fat, and whole-fat yogurt) and low-fat milk was associated with a reduced risk of MetS in individuals at high cardiovascular disease risk from a Mediterranean population. Conversely, higher consumption of cheese was related to a higher risk of MetS. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639.

¡Cocinar Para Su Salud!: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Culturally Based Dietary Intervention among Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for culturally relevant nutrition programs targeted to underserved cancer survivors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the effect of a culturally based approach to dietary change on increasing fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake and decreasing fat intake among Hispanic breast cancer survivors. DESIGN: Participants were randomized to Intervention and Control groups. Diet recalls, detailed interviews, fasting blood, and anthropometric measures were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Hispanic women (n=70) with stage 0 to III breast cancer who completed adjuvant treatment and lived in New York City were randomized between April 2011 and March 2012. INTERVENTION: The Intervention group (n=34) participated in ¡Cocinar Para Su Salud!, a culturally based nine-session (24 hours over 12 weeks) intervention including nutrition education, cooking classes, and food-shopping field trips. The Control group (n=36) received written dietary recommendations for breast cancer survivors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change at 6 months in daily F/V servings and percent calories from total fat were the main outcome measures. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Linear regression models adjusted for stratification factors and estimated marginal means were used to compare changes in diet from baseline to 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were the following: mean age 56.6 years (standard deviation 9.7 years), mean time since diagnosis 3.4 years (standard deviation 2.7 years), mean body mass index (calculated as kg/m²) 30.9 (standard deviation 6.0), 62.9% with annual household income ≤$15,000, mean daily servings of all F/V was 5.3 (targeted F/V 3.7 servings excluding legumes/juices/starchy vegetables/fried foods), and 27.7% of daily calories from fat. More than 60% in the Intervention group attended seven or more of nine classes, with overall study retention of 87% retention at 6 months. At month 6, the Intervention group compared with Control group reported an increase in mean servings of F/V from baseline (all F/V: +2.0 vs -0.1; P=0.005; targeted F/V: +2.7 vs +0.5; P=0.002) and a nonsignificant decrease in percent calories from fat (-7.5% vs -4.4%; P=0.23) and weight (-2.5 kg vs +3.8 kg; P=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: ¡Cocinar Para Su Salud! was effective at increasing short-term F/V intake in a diverse population of Hispanic breast cancer survivors.

Combined effect of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids on the metabolic syndrome: Tehran lipid and glucose study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the background intakes of total dietary fat, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) modulate the effects of dietary saturated fatty acids (SFA) on metabolic syndrome (MetS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of 4,677 adults, aged 19 to 84 years. MetS was defined according to the ATP III criteria. RESULTS: Median intakes of SFA, MUFA and PUFA were 9.5, 9.6 and 5.6% of total energy. High SFA intakes were associated with higher prevalence of MetS, in both individuals with higher and lower median intakes of total fat, MUFA and PUFA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that SFA intakes were positively associated with the prevalence of MetS, independent of total dietary fat, MUFA and PUFA intake.

Daily milk intake improves vitamin B-12 status in young vegetarian Indians: an intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic Indian lacto vegetarians, who make up more than half of the Indian population in different geographic regions, have distinctly low vitamin B-12 concentrations than non- vegetarians. Vegetarians consume milk but it seems that the amount is not enough to improve vitamin B-12 status or vitamin B-12 concentration in milk itself may be low. The aim of this study was to determine if daily milk consumption can improve vitamin B-12 status. METHODS: Fifteen male and 36 female, young healthy post-graduate volunteers participated. Blood from ten participants (4 males and 6 females) was collected (day-1). They continued their regular diet for next fourteen days and on day-15, blood of all 51 participants was collected, plasma vitamin B-12 concentration was measured and were divided into two groups; Normal (vitamin B-12 >148 pmol/L, n = 22) and Vitamin B-12 deficient (<148 pmol/L, n = 29), the remaining plasma was stored. All participants consumed 600 ml. of non-enriched buffalo milk (200 × 3) during the day along with their usual diet. Next day blood was collected for plasma holotranscobalamin II measurement. Subjects from deficient group continued to drink 400 ml of milk daily for next 14 days and blood was collected on day-30. Plasma holotranscoabalamin II (day-1, 15, 16, 30), vitamin B-12, folate, total homocysteine, creatinine and hematoloical parameters (day-1, 15, 30), and milk vitamin B-12 concentrations (day-15, 16, 30) were measured. RESULTS: Fifty seven per cent of the participants were vitamin B-12 deficient and 65% were hyperhomocysteinemic. No significant difference in biomarkers was observed when there was no intervention. Plasma holotranscobalamin II concentration increased from 19.6 to 22.27 pmol/L (p < 0.0001) 24 hrs after milk load in the whole group. Plasma vitamin B-12 increased from 92.5 to 122 pmol/L and tHcy concentrations decreased from 31.9 to 24.9 µ mol/L (p < 0.0001 for both) 14 days after regular milk intake in vitamin B-12 deficient subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Regular intake of milk improved vitamin B-12 status of vitamin B-12 deficient vegetarians indicating a potential dietary strategy to improve the vitamin status.

Defatted milk is preferred by Mexican school-age children over whole milk in a sensorial study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the liking, flavor and texture of whole, partially defatted and defatted cow's milk using sensory tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children aged 6-16 years, living in indigenous boarding schools in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, tested samples of whole, partially defatted and defatted cow's milk and answered a questionnaire that explored liking, flavor and texture through ad hoc designed scales. The differences in response proportions were analyzed by χ² tests and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Tests were completed by 165 children (79 girls and 86 boys). Rated by habitual consumers of whole, partially defatted and defatted milk, liking (70.6-77.8%, liked it very much), flavor (72.5-77.8%, very tasteful) and texture (41.3-54.9%, not creamy or watery) were better rated for defatted than for whole milk [liking (19.6-29.4%, p < 0.001, liked it very much), flavor (19.6-39.7%, p < 0.001, very tasty) and texture (27.5-39.2%, p < 0.05, not creamy or watery)]. The global preference was higher for defatted (74.5-81.0%) than for whole milk (6.3-15.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Defatted milk (0.5%) can be introduced into public programs to reduce the saturated fat intake or control obesity in children older than 6 years in elementary schools.

Effects of a low glycemic load or a low-fat dietary intervention on body weight in obese Hispanic American children and adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In Hispanic children and adolescents, the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance is considerably greater than in non-Hispanic white children. A low-glycemic load diet (LGD) has been proposed as an effective dietary intervention for pediatric obesity, but to our knowledge, no published study has examined the effects of an LGD in obese Hispanic children. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of an LGD and a low-fat diet (LFD) on body composition and components of metabolic syndrome in obese Hispanic youth. DESIGN: Obese Hispanic children (7-15 y of age) were randomly assigned to consume an LGD or an LFD in a 2-y intervention program. Body composition and laboratory assessments were obtained at baseline and 3, 12, and 24 mo after intervention. RESULTS: In 113 children who were randomly assigned, 79% of both groups completed 3 mo of treatment; 58% of LGD and 55% of LFD subjects attended 24-mo follow-up. Compared with the LFD, the LGD decreased the glycemic load per kilocalories of reported food intakes in participants at 3 mo (P = 0.02). Both groups had a decreased BMI z score (P < 0.003), which was expressed as a standard z score relative to CDC age- and sex-specific norms, and improved waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) at 3, 12, and 24 mo after intervention. However, there were no significant differences between groups for changes in BMI, insulin resistance, or components of metabolic syndrome (all P > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: We showed no evidence that an LGD and an LFD differ in efficacy for the reduction of BMI or aspects of metabolic syndrome in obese Hispanic youth. Both diets decreased the BMI z score when prescribed in the context of a culturally adapted, comprehensive weight-reduction program.

Tianjin Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Program: study design, methods, and 1-year interim report on the feasibility of lifestyle intervention program.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether lifestyle intervention can reduce type 2 diabetes risk in women with prior GDM in the Tianjin Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Prevention Program. METHODS: 1180 women who were diagnosed with GDM from 2005 to 2009 were randomly assigned to either a lifestyle intervention (n=586) or a control group (n=594). Major elements of the intervention include six face-to-face meetings with study dietitians in the first year, and two additional sessions and two telephone calls in second year. RESULTS: During the first year, average body weight loss in the first 404 subjects was 1.40 kg (2.1%) in the intervention group vs 0.21 kg (0.3%) in the control group (P=0.001), and the decrease was more significant among baseline overweight women (body bass index [BMI]≥24 kg/m²) in the intervention (2.91 kg/4.2%) compared with that in the control group (0.51 kg/0.7%) (P<0.001). In addition, women in the intervention group, compared with those in the control group, have decreased BMI, body fat, waist circumference, and plasma insulin levels, and have improved behaviors including increased leisure time activity and dietary fiber intake and decreased sedentary time and fat consumptions. CONCLUSION: The interim results support the efficacy and feasibility of the lifestyle intervention program.

Alogliptin as an initial therapy in patients with newly diagnosed, drug naïve type 2 diabetes: a randomized, control trial.

The objectives of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin versus very low fat/calorie traditional Japanese diet (non-inferiority trial) as an initial therapy for newly diagnosed, drug naïve subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Study design was prospective, randomized, non-double-blind, controlled trial. The study was conducted at outpatient units of municipal hospital. Patients were newly diagnosed, drug naïve patients who visited the outpatient units. The patients randomly received 12.5-25 mg/day alogliptin (n = 25) or severe low calorie traditional Japanese diet (n = 26). The procedure of this trial was assessed by the consolidated standards of reporting trials statement. The primary end point was the change of HbA1c at 3 months. Secondary end points included the changes of fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-R (HOMA-R), HOMA-B, body mass index (BMI), and lipid parameters. Similar, significant reductions of HbA1c levels were observed in both groups (from 10.51 to 8.74% for alogliptin and from 10.01 to 8.39% for traditional Japanese diet) without any clinically significant adverse events. In the alogliptin group, some subjects (16%) had mild hypoglycemic evens which could be managed by taking glucose drinks by themselves. HOMA-B significantly increased in both groups with varying degrees, whereas HOMA-R significantly decreased only in the Japanese diet group. Atherogenic lipids, such as, total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly decreased in both groups. BMI had no change in the alogliptin group, whereas it significantly decreased in the Japanese diet group. (1) Concerning its glycemic efficacy, alogliptin is effective and non-inferior to traditional Japanese diet as an initial therapeutic option for newly diagnosed T2DM. However, regarding the reductions of body weight and insulin resistance, traditional Japanese diet is superior. (2) Both alogliptin and traditional Japanese diet have favorable effects on atherogenic lipid profiles.

Associations of the SREBP-1c gene polymorphism with gender-specific changes in serum lipids induced by a high-carbohydrate diet in healthy Chinese youth.

We investigated the possible association between the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c gene (SREBP-1c) rs2297508 polymorphism and the changes in lipid profiles in a high-carbohydrate and low-fat (high-CHO/LF) diet in a Chinese population well characterized by a lower incidence of coronary heart disease and a diet featuring higher carbohydrate and lower fat. Fifty-six healthy youth (aged 22.89 ± 1.80 years) were given wash-out diets of 31% fat and 54% carbohydrate for 7 days, followed by the high-CHO/LF diet of 15% fat and 70% carbohydrate for 6 days, without total energy restriction. Fasting blood samples were collected. Serum variables of lipid and glucose metabolism after the wash-out and high-CHO/LF diets, as well as the rs2297508 polymorphism, were analyzed. Compared with the male subjects on the wash-out diet, significantly elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and decreased levels of apolipoprotein B-100 were observed in the male carriers of the C allele after the high-CHO/LF diet. In the female subjects, significantly increased triacylglycerol levels, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were found in the GG genotype after the high-CHO/LF diet. These results suggest that the C allele of the rs2297508 polymorphism is associated with a retardation of the increases in serum triacylglycerol, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR in females and with the elevated serum HDL-C in males after the high-CHO/LF diet.

Behavioral predictors of low fat intake among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine whether five behaviors shown to predict low fat intake in adults predicted low fat intake among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND MEASURES: Recruited through youth services agencies serving low-income communities in New York and New Jersey, participants were 265 African-American adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. Participants completed the Block Fat Screener and scales for measuring the following behaviors: avoiding fat as a seasoning modifying meat to make it lower in fat, substituting high-fat foods with manufactured low-fat equivalents, replacing high-fat foods with fruits and vegetables, and replacing high-fat foods with low fat foods other than fruits and vegetables. ANALYSIS: The reliability and construct validity of the scales were assessed using internal consistency reliability and correlation analyses. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine behavioral predictors of low fat intake. RESULTS: Scale coefficient alphas ranged from .60 to. 80. Fat avoidance, substitution, and replacement with fruits and vegetables were significantly associated with fat intake. The regression equation containing these behaviors accounted for 12% of the variance in intake. All three behaviors were significant predictors of low fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer behaviors have salience for predicting low fat intake among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents than among adults. Interventions to lower youths' intake should emphasize fat avoidance, substitution, and replacement with fruits and vegetables.

Fat avoidance and replacement behaviors predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents.

Using measures of behaviors shown to predict low-fat intake in previous research, this study examined whether the behaviors would predict low-fat intake among urban African American adolescents. Recruited through youth services agencies in Philadelphia, Pa, participants were 399 African American adolescents (67% female subjects) with a mean age of 13.09 years (range, 10-15 years). Fat-related dietary behaviors were measured using items that were adapted from the Food Habits Questionnaire. Fat intake was measured using the Block Fat Screener. Spearman correlations examined the relationships between fat-related dietary behaviors and fat intake. Seven behaviors were significantly associated with low-fat intake: had chicken that was baked or broiled instead of fried; ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings; had a vegetarian dinner; used low-calorie instead of regular salad dressing; ate at least 2 vegetables (not green salad) at dinner; ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine; and avoided foods that were fried in oil, shortening, or lard. Using multiple regression, fat intake was regressed on the linear combination of demographic variables and these fat-related dietary behaviors. The regression equation accounted for 17% of the variance in fat intake (adjusted R(2) = 0.13). Fat avoidance (ate bread, rolls, or muffins without butter or margarine) and replacement (ordered pasta or pizza served without meat sauce or meat toppings) behaviors were significant predictors of low-fat intake. Dietary interventions to lower fat intake among urban African American adolescents should promote the adoption of these behaviors.

Statewide implementation of the 1% or Less Campaign.

The 1% or Less Campaign is an effective research-tested program for reducing saturated fat intake by encouraging individuals to switch to low-fat milk. All published studies have been conducted in small communities with mostly White populations. The 6-week intervention included a media campaign, public relations, and taste tests. Campaign effectiveness was measured using sales data and cross-sectional telephone surveys. Survey results showed a significant increase in low-fat milk consumption from 30.2% to 40.8% of milk drinkers (p < .001) with a reduced yet sustained increase at 3 months. This translates to approximately 65,000 people switching to low-fat milk during the campaign with a sustained effect of approximately 32,000 people three months postcampaign. Sales data show an increase of low-fat milk sales from 32.7% to 39.9%. Results are similar to smaller community initiatives, indicating the program is effective in promoting population behavior change but may need booster sessions for sustained effects.