Effects of High-Fiber Diets and Macronutrient Substitution on Bloating: Findings From the OmniHeart Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of high-fiber, isocaloric, macronutrient substitutions on bloating. METHODS: The OmniHeart study is a randomized 3-period crossover feeding trial conducted from April 2003 to June 2005. Participants were provided 3 isocaloric versions of high-fiber (∼30 g per 2,100 kcal) diet, each different in carbohydrate, protein, and unsaturated fat composition. Each feeding period lasted for 6 weeks with a 2- to 4-week washout period between diets. Participants reported the presence and severity of bloating at baseline (participants were eating their own diet) and at the end of each feeding period. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four participants were included in the analysis (mean age: 53.1 years; 45% women; 55% black). The prevalence of bloating at baseline and at the end of the carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and unsaturated fat-rich diet period was 18%, 24%, 33%, and 30%, respectively. Compared with baseline, the relative risk of bloating for the carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and unsaturated fat-rich high-fiber diet was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93, 1.92), 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32, 2.40), and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.26), respectively. The protein-rich diet increased the risk of bloating more than the carbohydrate-rich diet (relative risk = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.88). Bloating did not significantly vary between protein-rich vs unsaturated fat-rich or unsaturated fat-rich vs carbohydrate-rich diets. Black participants compared with non-black participants had a higher risk of bloating after all 3 versions of the high-fiber OmniHeart diet (P-value for interaction = 0.012). DISCUSSION: Substitution of protein with carbohydrate may be an effective strategy to decrease bloating among individuals experiencing gastrointestinal bloating from a high-fiber diet.

Compliance to dietary guidelines on fruit and vegetable intake and prevalence of hypertension among Vietnamese adults, 2015.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Western dietary guidelines on fruit and vegetable intake are associated with blood pressure parameters and hypertension among Vietnamese adults. METHODS: Participants included 1384 women and 1049 men aged 18-69 years from the 2015 Vietnam national survey on risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Associations between dietary intake score based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines and World Health Organization recommendations on fruit and vegetable consumption and blood pressure parameters and hypertension were evaluated by multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Approximately 17.0% and 40.1% of participants met the respective definitions of hypertension according to Joint National Committee 7 (JNC7) and 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Hypertension Guideline. Highest tertiles of DASH scores for fruit intake were significantly associated with increased blood pressure parameters, particularly in women. Hypertension was associated with DASH score for fruit intake with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for tertiles 2-3 versus tertile 1: 1.31 (0.98, 1.76) and 1.43 (1.05, 1.93) for JNC7; 1.26 (1.01, 1.58) and 1.31 (1.04, 1.66) for 2017 ACC/AHA guideline (all p-trend <0.05). No association with blood pressure parameters and hypertension was observed for DASH score for vegetable intake and meeting World Health Organization recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake. CONCLUSION: We found an unexpected positive association between DASH score for fruit intake and blood pressure parameters and hypertension among Vietnamese adults. More research is needed in this population to understand the relationship between vegetable and fruit intake with hypertension before a firm conclusion and recommendation are made.

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been favorably linked to important risk factors associated with development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, the protective role of DASH dietary patterns in development of CKD, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), remains inconsistent in the literature. The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize the findings of previous observational studies and quantify the potential association between DASH dietary patterns and the risk of CKD using meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search was done with the use of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases to find relevant articles published prior to June 2019. Search terms included: ([Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension] OR [DASH]) AND ([Kidney Failure, Chronic] OR [Renal Insufficiency, Chronic] OR [Chronic Kidney Disease], OR [CKD] OR [End-Stage Renal Disease] OR [ESRD] OR [Kidney] OR [Renal]). To pool the risk estimates, fixed-effects and random-effects models were applied. Cochrane Q test was performed to detect sources of heterogeneity among the included studies. RESULTS: Out of the seven studies included in the systematic review, six were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The total sample size was 568,213 participants including 16,694 cases of CKD. Combined risk estimates for 2 cross-sectional and 4 prospective cohort studies showed an inverse association between DASH dietary patterns and risk of CKD (Pooled risk estimate: 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.94; p = 0.01). Stratified analysis showed a marginally significant relationship between DASH dietary patterns and risk of CKD in prospective cohort studies (Pooled risk estimate: 0.79, 95% CI 0.61-1.01; p = 0.05), and no significant association in cross-sectional studies (Pooled risk estimate: 0.71, 95% CI 0.38-1.34; p = 0.29), respectively. A significant association was observed between DASH dietary patterns and risk of CKD in the studies extracted DASH based on nutrients (Pooled risk estimate: 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.97; p = 0.02), compared to the studies extracted DASH based on food groups (Pooled risk estimate: 0.66, 95% CI 0.28-1.58; p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed a significant inverse association between DASH dietary patterns and the risk of developing CKD. Adherence to DASH dietary patterns might have protective effects against CKD development and progression. Further research is required to confirm the certainty of estimates.

Deriving the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Score in Women from Seven Pregnancy Cohorts from the European ALPHABET Consortium.

The ALPHABET consortium aims to examine the interplays between maternal diet quality, epigenetics and offspring health in seven pregnancy/birth cohorts from five European countries. We aimed to use the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score to assess diet quality, but different versions have been published. To derive a single DASH score allowing cross-country, cross-cohort and cross-period comparison and limiting data heterogeneity within the ALPHABET consortium, we harmonised food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data collected before and during pregnancy in ≥26,500 women. Although FFQs differed strongly in length and content, we derived a consortium DASH score composed of eight food components by combining the prescriptive original DASH and the DASH described by Fung et al. Statistical issues tied to the nature of the FFQs led us to re-classify two food groups (grains and dairy products). Most DASH food components exhibited pronounced between-cohort variability, including non-full-fat dairy products (median intake ranging from 0.1 to 2.2 servings/day), sugar-sweetened beverages/sweets/added sugars (0.3-1.7 servings/day), fruits (1.1-3.1 servings/day), and vegetables (1.5-3.6 servings/day). We successfully developed a harmonized DASH score adapted to all cohorts being part of the ALPHABET consortium. This methodological work may benefit other research teams in adapting the DASH to their study's specificities.

Effects of the DASH Diet and Sodium Intake on Bloating: Results From the DASH-Sodium Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. Evidence has linked fiber and sodium to bloating; however, randomized trials examining these diet components are lacking. Here, we used a randomized trial to examine the effects of the high-fiber DASH diet and dietary sodium intake on abdominal bloating. We hypothesized that both the high-fiber DASH diet and higher sodium intake would increase bloating. METHODS: The DASH-Sodium trial (1998-1999) randomized healthy adults to a high-fiber (32 g/d) DASH or low-fiber (11 g/d) Western diet (control). On their assigned diet, participants ate 3 sodium levels (50, 100, and 150 mmol/d at 2100 kcal) in 30-day periods in random order, with 5-day breaks between each period. The participants reported the presence of bloating at baseline and after each feeding period. Statistical analyses included log-binomial models to evaluate the risk of bloating. RESULTS: Of 412 participants (mean age 48 years; 57% women; 57% black), 36.7% reported bloating at baseline. Regardless of the diet, high sodium intake increased the risk of bloating (risk ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.52; P = 0.01). The high-fiber DASH diet also increased the risk of bloating over all sodium levels (risk ratio = 1.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-1.64; P < 0.001). The effect of high-fiber DASH on bloating was greater in men than in women (P for interaction = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Higher dietary sodium increased bloating, as did the high-fiber DASH diet. Although healthful high-fiber diets may increase bloating, these effects may be partially mitigated by decreasing dietary sodium intake. Future research is needed to explore mechanisms by which sodium intake and diet can influence bloating.

Home-Delivered Meals Postdischarge From Heart Failure Hospitalization.

Background In patients with heart failure (HF), malnutrition and dietary sodium excess are common and may worsen outcomes. No prior studies have provided low-sodium, nutritionally complete meals following HF hospitalization. Methods and Results The GOURMET-HF study (Geriatric Out-of-Hospital Randomized Meal Trial in Heart Failure) randomized patients discharged from HF hospitalization to 4 weeks of home-delivered sodium-restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension meals (DASH/SRD; 1500 mg sodium/d) versus usual care. The primary outcome was the between-group change in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score from discharge to 4 weeks postdischarge. Additional outcomes included changes in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score and cardiac biomarkers. All patients were followed 12 weeks for death/all-cause readmission and potential diet-related adverse events (symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury). Sixty-six patients were randomized 1:1 at discharge to DASH/SRD versus usual care (age, 71±8 years; 30% female; ejection fraction, 39±18%). The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score increased similarly between groups (DASH/SRD 46±23-59±20 versus usual care 43±19-53±24; P=0.38), but the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score increase tended to be greater in DASH/SRD participants (47±22-65±19 versus 45±20-55±26; P=0.053). Potentially diet-related adverse events were uncommon; 30-day HF readmissions (11% versus 27%; P=0.06) and days rehospitalized within that timeframe (17 versus 55; P=0.055) trended lower in DASH/SRD participants. Conclusions Home-delivered DASH/SRD after HF hospitalization appeared safe in selected patients and had directionally favorable effects on HF clinical status and 30-day readmissions. Larger studies are warranted to clarify the effects of postdischarge nutritional support in patients with HF. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02148679.

Conflicting Evidence on Health Effects Associated with Salt Reduction Calls for a Redesign of the Salt Dietary Guidelines.

Ninety-five percent of the World's populations have a mean salt intake between 6 and 12 g, which is much lower than the tolerated daily level of up to 55 g/d. In spite of this, the recommended upper level by many health institutions is as low as 5.8 g/day. When reviewing the evidence for an upper level of 5.8 g/day, it becomes apparent that neither the supporting studies selected by the health institutions, nor randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies disregarded by the health institutions, document that a salt intake below this 5.8 g, has beneficial health effects. Although there is an association between salt intake and blood pressure, both in randomized controlled trials and in observational studies, this association is weak, especially in non-obese individuals with normal blood pressure. Furthermore a salt intake below 5.8 g is associated with the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system, an increase in plasma lipids and increased mortality. A redesign of the salt dietary guidelines, therefore, seems to be needed.

Effects of Different Dietary Interventions on Calcitriol, Parathyroid Hormone, Calcium, and Phosphorus: Results from the DASH Trial.

The "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" (DASH) diet, rich in fiber and low-fat dairy, effectively lowers blood pressure. DASH's effect on calcitriol and other markers of bone-mineral metabolism is unknown. This secondary analysis of the DASH trial aimed to determine the effect of dietary patterns on blood concentrations of calcitriol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium, and urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus. Outcomes were available in 334 participants in the trial. After a 3-week run-in on the control diet, participants were randomized to control, fruits and vegetables (F&V), or DASH diets. Outcomes were assessed at the end of run-in, and during the last week of the intervention period. Mean age of participants was 45.7 ± 10.7 years, 46% female, and 57% African-American. Mean ± Standard Deviation(SD) baseline serum concentrations of calcitriol, PTH, and ionized calcium were 37.8 ± 9.2 pg/mL, 46.1 ± 18.5 pg/mL and 5.2 ± 0.23 mg/dL, respectively. Mean (±SD) urinary calcium and phosphorus excretions were 150.1 ± 77.8 and 708.0 ± 251.8 mg/24 h, respectively. Compared with control, DASH reduced calcitriol -3.32 pg/mL (p = 0.004). Otherwise, there was no significant effect on other biomarkers. DASH lowered serum calcitriol perhaps more among African-Americans. These results raise important questions about the interpretation and clinical significance of low calcitriol concentrations in the setting of recommended diets.

Dietary Patterns Associated with Lower 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Urban African-American and White Adults Consuming Western Diets.

The study's objective was to determine whether variations in the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 10-year risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were associated with differences in food consumption and diet quality. Findings from the baseline wave of Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study 2004-2009, revealed participants consumed a Western diet. Diet quality measures, specifically the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), based on two 24-h recalls collected during follow-up HANDLS studies from 2009-2013, were used. Reported foods were assigned to 27 groups. In this cross-sectional analysis, the participants (n = 2140) were categorized into tertiles based on their 10-year ASCVD risk. Lower and upper tertiles were used to determine significantly different consumption rates among the food groups. Ten groups were used in hierarchical case clustering to generate four dietary patterns (DPs) based on group energy contribution. The DP with the highest HEI-2010 score included sandwiches along with vegetables and cheese/yogurt. This DP, along with the pizza/sandwiches DP, had significantly higher DASH and MAR scores and a lower 10-year ASCVD risk, compared to the remaining two DPs-meats/sandwiches and sandwiches/bakery products; thus, Western dietary patterns were associated with different levels of ASCVD 10-year risk.