Potential Prebiotic Properties of Nuts and Edible Seeds and Their Relationship to Obesity

Are oilseeds a new alternative protein source for human nutrition?

This review focuses on the potential use, nutritional value and beneficial health effects of oilseeds as a source of food protein. The process of extracting oil from oilseeds produces a by-product that is rich in proteins and other valuable nutritional and bioactive components. This product is primarily used for animal feed. However, as the demand for proteins continues to rise, plant-based proteins have a real success in food applications. Among the different plant protein sources, oilseeds could be used as an alternative protein source for human diet. The data we have so far show that oilseeds present a protein content of up to 40% and a relatively well-balanced profile of amino acids with sulphur-containing amino acids. Nevertheless, they tend to be deficient in lysine and rich in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which therefore means they have lower anabolic potential than animal proteins. To enhance their nutritional value, oilseed proteins can be combined with other protein sources and subjected to processes such as dehulling, heating, soaking, germination or fermentation to reduce their ANFs and improve protein digestibility. Furthermore, due to their bioactive peptides, oilseeds can also bring health benefits, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However, additional nutritional data are needed before oilseeds can be endorsed as a protein source for humans.

Nuts and seeds - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Background

Nuts and seeds have been part of diets in most of the world for millenniums, and they have also been consumed in the Nordic and Baltic countries for centuries. Consumption of nuts and seeds is linked with various health outcomes. Therefore, when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), summarizing the best evidence on key health outcomes from the consumption of nuts and seeds is essential.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the updated evidence on the consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes regarded relevant for the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as their dose-response relationship presented in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Method

The scoping review is built on a de novo systematic review and an umbrella review published in 2022 on the consumption of nuts and seeds and its various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Results

Intake of nuts and seeds is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, with evidence assessed as probable. This conclusion is mirrored by evidence from trials on biomarkers for chronic diseases. An intake of a serving of nuts of 28-30 g/day compared to not eating nuts is estimated to translate into approximately 20% relative reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. For cancers, consumption of a serving of nuts is inversely associated with cancer mortality. However, for type 2 diabetes, there are mixed and inconclusive results. Additionally, there are inverse associations between nut consumption and respiratory and infectious disease mortality. Allergies for nuts are seen among 1-2% of the population.

Conclusion

Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to increase nut consumption to a serving of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.

MONITORING CHANGES IN THE VOLATILE FRACTION OF ROASTED NUTS AND SEEDS BY USING COMPREHENSIVE TWO-DIMENSIONAL GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND MATRIX TEMPLATES

Static headspace coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and a flame ionization detector (HS-GC × GC-FID), has been applied to monitor changes in the volatile fraction of commercial edible nuts and seeds (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds). Effects of the roasting conditions (time, 5-40 min; temperature, 150-170 °C), which were employed under different combinations by using a ventilated oven, on target volatile fraction were examined to identify potential differences in relation to the roasting treatment of raw samples. In addition, reference templates were created, from the HS-GC × GC-FID method, for each of the four food matrices analyzed, and they were applied to characterize the samples according to the presence or absence of volatile compounds. Finally, these templates were successfully employed to make a quick distinction between different roasting conditions.•HS-GC × GC-FID was applied to study the volatile profile of edible nuts and seeds.•Reference templates (GC × GC-FID) were created for each of the four food matrices.•Rapid discrimination between raw and roasted samples was achieved.

Similarities and differences in the nutritional composition of nuts and seeds in Serbia

Nuts and seeds are an indispensable part of the plant-based diet, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the evidence of their health benefits and contribution to sustainability and planetary health. Since the health effects of consuming nuts and seeds directly depend on their nutritional composition and consumed amount, it is essential to know the exact chemical composition of each nut and seed so that appropriate dietary interventions can be adequately planned. The present study aimed to examine the chemical composition of nuts and seeds obtained from the Serbian market and to highlight the similarities and differences in their nutritional composition. In twenty-four samples of nuts and seeds, the content of total lipids, including fatty acid profile, total proteins, including amino acid profile, total carbohydrates (sugars and fibers), phytosterols, and minerals were determined. Content of selected nutrients in grams (g) or milligrams (mg) of nuts and seeds was expressed in one portion (28 g) and as a percentage of contribution of Reference Intakes (% RI) and Dietary Reference Value (% DRV) for macronutrients and minerals, respectively. Some of the seed representatives appeared to be rich sources of essential omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA) (flax seed vs. walnut, 6.50 vs. 0.56 g per portion, respectively), dietary fibers (chia seed vs. raw almond, 10.6 vs. 3.4 g per portion, respectively), calcium (black sesame seed vs. almond roasted, 32.4% NRV vs. 8.1% NRV per portion, respectively), magnesium (hemp seed vs. Brazil nut, 38.3% NRV vs. 27.8% NRV per portion, respectively), and zinc (hemp seed vs. pine nut, 21.4% NRV vs. 17.6% NRV per portion, respectively). Our results highlighted the crucial role of seeds in the diet, especially as a better source of nutrients compared to nuts. Furthermore, it was seen that nuts and seeds are different and complementary in their composition. Thus, in order to meet the needs for certain nutrients for which nuts and seeds are used as dietary sources (essential fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers), it would be beneficial to combine both nuts and seeds as a part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Nuts and Metabolic Syndrome: Reducing the Burden of Metabolic Syndrome in Menopause

Menopause imposes a dramatic fall in estrogens, which is followed by an increase in the proportion of fat. The rising androgen/estrogen ratio along the menopause transition favors the accumulation of central fat, which contributes to insulin resistance and a series of concatenated effects, leading to a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome. The modulatory effect of diet on the metabolic syndrome phenotype has been shown for the Mediterranean diet, and nuts are key determinants of these health benefits. This review of the impact of nuts on the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome cluster examined studies—prioritizing meta-analyses and systemic reviews—to summarize the potential benefits of nut ingestion on the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with menopause. Nuts have a general composition profile that includes macronutrients, with a high proportion of unsaturated fat, bioactive compounds, and fiber. The mechanisms set in motion by nuts have shown different levels of efficacy against the disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome, but a beneficial impact on lipids and carbohydrate metabolism, and a potential, but minimal reduction in blood pressure and fat accumulation have been found.

The Spanish gut microbiome reveals links between microorganisms and Mediterranean diet

Despite the increasing evidence of links between human gut and health, the number of gut microbiomes that have been studied to date at a country level are surprisingly low. Mediterranean countries, including some of the most long-lived and healthy countries in the world, have not been considered so far in those studies at a large scale. The main objective of this work is to characterize the gut microbiome of a healthy adult population of a Mediterranean, paradigmatically healthy country: Spain. Stool samples from 530 healthy volunteers were collected, total metagenomic DNA extracted, and the microbial profiles determined through 16S rRNA metataxonomic sequencing. Our results confirm the associations between several microbial markers and different variables, including sex, age, BMI and diet choices, and bring new insights into the relationship between microbiome and diet in the Spanish population. Remarkably, some of the associations found, such as the decrease of Faecalibacterium with age or the link of Flavonifractor with less healthy dietary habits, have been barely noticed in other large-scale cohorts. On the other hand, a range of links between microorganisms, diet, and lifestyle coincide with those reported in other populations, thus increasing the robustness of such associations and confirming the importance of these microbial markers across different countries. Overall, this study describes the Spanish "normal" microbiome, providing a solid baseline for future studies investigating the effects of gut microbiome composition and deviations in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Fatty Acid Composition of Cannabis sativa, Linum usitatissimum and Camelina sativa Seeds Harvested in Lithuania for Food Use

The objective of this study was to determine species-associated differences in the seed proximate and fatty acid composition of three traditional oil crop species, hemp (Cannabis sativa), flax (Linum usitatissimum), and camelina (Camelina sativa), and the sowing season of camelina harvested under Lithuanian farming conditions for food use. Camelina seeds had the highest (p < 0.001) content of protein, oil, and sugar contents compared to both dehulled hemp and flax seeds. The amounts of protein and oil in camelina seeds were considerably increased by their summer cultivar, which showed higher (p < 0.001) contents of protein and oil than winter cultivars. However, the highest and lowest (p < 0.001) fiber content was found in flax seeds and camelina seeds, respectively. Camelina seeds showed considerably higher and lower (p < 0.001) proportions of total monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, respectively, compared with hemp and flax. The summer cultivar of camelina had higher (p < 0.001) proportions of saturated (SFA) and MUFA and lower proportions of PUFA compared with winter cultivars. Hemp seeds had the highest and lowest (p < 0.001) proportions of PUFA and MUFA, respectively. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in hemp seeds is optimal (3.79), whereas the use of flax and camelina seeds with their n-6/n-3 ratios of 0.28 and 0.48, respectively, can significantly improve this ratio in the overall diet. The properties of oil crop seeds showed that whole seeds of hemp, flax, and camelina are potentially highly beneficial to human health.

Nut consumption, body weight, and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

It seems that nut consumption does not lead to weight gain in the general population. However, fewer studies have explored this relationship in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

PURPOSE

To synthesize evidence on the effects of nut (specifically, tree nuts and peanuts) consumption on adiposity-related measures in individuals diagnosed with T2D.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

Four databases were searched up to December 31, 2020. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of nut consumption vs a control diet on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

The pooled effect sizes (p-ESs) and 95%CIs of nut consumption were estimated using random effects models.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 15 randomized controlled trials including 899 individuals were included. No significant effects of nut-enriched interventions were found for body weight (p-ES = -0.04; 95%CI: -0.16 to 0.08), body mass index (p-ES = -0.05; 95%CI: -0.17 to 0.08), waist circumference (p-ES = -0.02; 95%CI: -0.20 to 0.15), or percent body fat (p-ES = -0.03; 95%CI: -0.28 to 0.21).

CONCLUSION

Nut consumption has no effect, positive or negative, on weight or adiposity parameters in people with T2D.

The Relationship of Tree Nuts and Peanuts with Adiposity Parameters: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The network meta-analysis and systematic review conducted aim to comparatively assess the effects of tree nuts and peanuts on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage (BF%). A systematic search up to 31 December 2020 was performed. A random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA-NMA statement. A total of 105 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with measures of BW (n = 6768 participants), BMI (n = 2918), WC (n = 5045), and BF% (n = 1226) were included. The transitivity assumption was met based on baseline characteristics. In the comparisons of nut consumption versus a control diet, there was no significant increase observed in any of the adiposity-related measures examined except for hazelnut-enriched diets, which raised WC. Moreover, almond-enriched diets significantly reduced WC compared to the control diet and to the pistachio-, mixed nuts-, and hazelnut-enriched diets. In subgroup analyses with only RCTs, designed to assess whether nut consumption affected weight loss, almonds were associated with reduced BMI and walnuts with reduced %BF. The evidence supports that: (1) tree nut and peanut consumption do not influence adiposity, and (2) compared to a control diet, the consumption of almond-enriched diets was associated with a reduced waist circumference.

A Comprehensive Review of Almond Clinical Trials on Weight Measures, Metabolic Health Biomarkers and Outcomes, and the Gut Microbiota

This comprehensive narrative review of 64 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses provides an in-depth analysis of the effect of almonds on weight measures, metabolic health biomarkers and outcomes, and the colonic microbiota, with extensive use of figures and tables. Almonds are a higher energy-dense (ED) food that acts like a lower ED food when consumed. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of nut RCTs showed that almonds were the only nut that had a small but significant decrease in both mean body mass and fat mass, compared to control diets. The biological mechanisms for almond weight control include enhanced displacement of other foods, decreased macronutrient bioavailability for a lower net metabolizable energy (ME), upregulation of acute signals for reduced hunger, and elevated satiety and increased resting energy expenditure. The intake of 42.5 g/day of almonds significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 10-year Framingham estimated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) medical expenditures. Diastolic blood pressure (BP) was modestly but significantly lowered when almonds were consumed at >42.5 g/day or for >6 weeks. Recent RCTs suggest possible emerging health benefits for almonds such as enhanced cognitive performance, improved heart rate variability under mental stress, and reduced rate of facial skin aging from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation. Eight RCTs show that almonds can support colonic microbiota health by promoting microflora richness and diversity, increasing the ratio of symbiotic to pathogenic microflora, and concentrations of health-promoting colonic bioactives. Almonds are a premier healthy snack for precision nutrition diet plans.

Ameliorating effects of metabolic syndrome with the consumption of rich-bioactive compounds fruits from Brazilian Cerrado: a narrative review

Evidence suggests that bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables, including carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, may have beneficial effects against the development of obesity and other diseases. The fruits of the Brazilian Cerrado are rich in biologically active compounds but are underexplored by the population being used only locally dietary consumption. The objective of this review is to direct attention to the bioactive compounds already elucidated for the fruits of "Cerrado" cashew (Anacadium othanianum Rizz.), baru almond (Dipteryx alata Vogel), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), "Cerrado" pear (Eugenia klotzschiana Berg), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa), and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb), demonstrating possible metabolic effects of the consumption of these fruits on the metabolic syndrome and its risk factors. Studies have shown that Cerrado native fruits have a high content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, which also demonstrate high antioxidant capacity and may be related to the protective effect in metabolic syndrome-related diseases by act as inhibitors in various processes in lipid metabolism and glucose transport. Although more scientific evidence is still needed, the consumption of native fruits from the Cerrado seems to be a promising strategy which -along with other strategies such as nutritional therapy- can ameliorate the effects of the metabolic syndrome.

Dietary fibers as beneficial microbiota modulators: A proposed classification by prebiotic categories

Dietary fiber is a group of heterogeneous substances that are neither digested nor absorbed in the small intestine. Some fibers can be classified as prebiotics if they are metabolized by beneficial bacteria present in the hindgut microbiota. The aim of this review was to specify the prebiotic properties of different subgroups of dietary fibers (resistant oligosaccharides, non-starch polysaccharides, resistant starches, and associated substances) to classify them by prebiotic categories. Currently, only resistant oligosaccharides (fructans [fructooligosaccharides, oligofructose, and inulin] and galactans) are well documented as prebiotics in the literature. Other fibers are considered candidates to prebiotics or have prebiotic potential, and apparently some have no prebiotic effect on humans. This dietary fiber classification by the prebiotic categories contributes to a better understanding of these concepts in the literature, to the stimulation of the processing and consumption of foods rich in fiber and other products with prebiotic properties, and to the development of protocols and guidelines on food sources of prebiotics.

Bioaccessibility of cashew nut kernel flour compounds released after simulated in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion

Cashew nuts are mainly consumed as a roasted and salted snack. Lately, the industry has gained interest in broken kernels because of their added value. In this study, defatted cashew nut flour (DCF) underwent simulated gastrointestinal digestion to obtain a soluble (CDs) and an insoluble (CDi) digested fraction. These fractions, which resulted from the digestion of a complex matrix, were evaluated for antioxidant capacity of bioaccessible compounds (present on the soluble digested fraction, CDs) and their potential prebiotic effect, considering that the insoluble digested fraction (CDi) could be fermented by the microbiota in the gut. The DCF had a high protein content (40.74%), being nutritionally characterized as a balanced source of amino acids, with a predominance of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), threonine and histidine. The digested DCF presented 76.90% of the soluble components of low molecular weight (0.1-2 kDa), which is typical of antioxidant peptides. The soluble digested fraction (CDs) significantly increased the antioxidant capacity in relation to flour in the ORAC and ABTS assays and the aqueous extract presented the highest values (526.0 and 76.64 as µmol Trolox Eq./g sample, respectively). The CDs protected 29.03% of the supercoiled DNA band and ratified the potential antioxidant capacity after GID in a physiological assay. In addition, the insoluble digested fraction showed a potential prebiotic effect for Bifdobacterium lactis BB-12. Finally, simulated gastrointestinal digestion improves the bioaccessibility of CDF antioxidant compounds as a complex matrix, containing low molecular weight peptides and phenolic compounds, which become more available to react with reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the potential prebiotic effect of defatted cashew nut flour has yielded a promising solution for the total reuse of broken cashew nut kernel as a functional food ingredient.

Role of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota, their metabolites and health benefits

The beneficial health roles of dietary polyphenols in preventing oxidative stress related chronic diseases have been subjected to intense investigation over the last two decades. As our understanding of the role of gut microbiota advances our knowledge of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of polyphenols accumulates, there emerges a need to examine the prebiotic role of dietary polyphenols. This review focused onthe role of different types and sources of dietary polyphenols on the modulation of the gut microbiota, their metabolites and how they impact on host health benefits. Inter-dependence between the gut microbiota and polyphenol metabolites and the vital balance between the two in maintaining the host gut homeostasis were discussed with reference to different types and sources of dietary polyphenols. Similarly, the mechanisms behind the health benefits by various polyphenolic metabolites bio-transformed by gut microbiota were also explained. However, further research should focus on the importance of human trials and profound links of polyphenols-gut microbiota-nerve-brain as they provide the key to unlock the mechanisms behind the observed benefits of dietary polyphenols found in vitro and in vivo studies.

Advances in cultivar choice, hazelnut orchard management, and nut storage to enhance product quality and safety: an overview

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a major species of interest for nutritional use within the Betulaceae family and its nuts are widely used throughout the world in the chocolate, confectionery, and bakery industries. Recently its cultivation has been expanded in traditional producer countries and established in new places in the southern hemisphere, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Introducing hazelnut in new environments could reduce its productivity, lead the trees to experience eco-physiological disorders, and expose the crop to high pressure from common and new pests and diseases. Thus, new approaches in cultivar choice guidance, in the sustainable orchard management and even in nut storage and kernel quality evaluation are urgently required to improve the hazelnut production and processing chain. The main objective of this study was to systematize the published information regarding recent findings about the cultural operations that directly influence nut and kernel quality, support varietal choice for new plantations, and list the recent advances in nut storage and in quality and safety evaluation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxin Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels in Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan

A total of 779 samples of edible nuts (melon seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cantaloupe seeds) from Southern Punjab (Pakistan), were collected during the summer and the winter seasons. The natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and vitamin E (tocopherols) levels were investigated using HPLC. The results have shown that 180 (43.4%) of samples from the winter season and 122 (33.4%) samples from the summer season were found positive for AFs. Elevated average levels of total AFs (20.9 ± 3.10 μg/kg, dry weight) were observed in watermelon seeds without shell, and the lowest average amount (15.9 ± 3.60 μg/kg) were documented in melon seeds without shell samples from the winter season. An elevated average amount of total AFs 17.3 ± 1.50 μg/kg was found in pumpkin seeds available without a shell. The results have documented a significant difference in total AFs levels in edible seeds available with shells versus without shells (α = 0.05 & 0.01). The highest dietary intake of 6.30 μg/kg/day was found in female individuals from consuming pumpkin seeds (without shell) in the winter season. A value of 3.00 μg/kg/day was found in pumpkin seed without shell in the summer season in female individuals. The highest total tocopherol levels were 22.2 ± 7.70 ng/100 g in pumpkin seeds samples from the winter season and 14.5 ± 5.50 mg/100 g in melon seed samples from the summer season. The variation of total tocopherol levels in edible seeds among the winter and summer seasons showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.0054), except watermelon seeds samples with non-significant differences (p ≥ 0.183).

An Almond-Based Low Carbohydrate Diet Improves Depression and Glycometabolism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes through Modulating Gut Microbiota and GLP-1: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Alow carbohydrate diet (LCD) is more beneficial for the glycometabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and may be effective in reducing depression. Almond, which is a common nut, has been shown to effectively improve hyperglycemia and depression symptoms. This study aimed to determine the effect of an almond-based LCD (a-LCD) on depression and glycometabolism, as well as gut microbiota and fasting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in patients with T2DM. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial which compared an a-LCD with a low-fat diet (LFD). Forty-five participants with T2DM at a diabetes club and the Endocrine Division of the First and Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between December 2018 to December 2019 completed each dietary intervention for 3 months, including 22 in the a-LCD group and 23 in the LFD group. The indicators for depression and biochemical indicators including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), gut microbiota, and GLP-1 concentration were assessed at the baseline and third month and compared between the two groups. Results: A-LCD significantly improved depression and HbA1c (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, a-LCD significantly increased the short chain fatty acid (SCFAs)-producing bacteria Roseburia, Ruminococcus and Eubacterium. The GLP-1 concentration in the a-LCD group was higher than that in the LFD group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A-LCD could exert a beneficial effect on depression and glycometabolism in patients with T2DM. We speculate that the role of a-LCD in improving depression in patients with T2DM may be associated with it stimulating the growth of SCFAs-producing bacteria, increasing SCFAs production and GPR43 activation, and further maintaining GLP-1 secretion. In future studies, the SCFAs and GPR43 activation should be further examined.

Safety and Efficacy of Using Nuts to Improve Bowel Health in Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVE

Constipation is common in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Nondrug strategies to manage constipation are challenging because of dietary potassium, phosphate, and fluid restrictions. Nuts are a high-fiber food but are excluded from the diet because of the high potassium and phosphate content. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of using nuts to improve constipation in adults undertaking hemodialysis (HD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Adult patients undertaking HD were recruited to this nonrandomized, 10-week repeated measures, within-subject, pragmatic clinical trial, conducted in two HD units. The intervention consisted of consumption of 40g of raw almonds daily for four weeks, followed by a two-week washout and four-week control period. The primary safety outcome measures were change in predialysis serum potassium and phosphate levels. The primary efficacy outcome was reduction in constipation, measured using the Bristol Stool Form Scale and Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS-S) renal symptom score. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, selected uremic toxins, cognition, gut microbiota profile, and symptom burden.

RESULTS

Twenty patients completed the trial (median age: 67 [interquartile range: 57.5-77.8] years, 51% male). After controlling for dialysis adequacy, anuria, dietary intake, bicarbonate, and parathyroid hormone, there were no statistically significant changes in serum potassium (P = 0.21) or phosphate (P = 0.16) associated with daily consumption of almonds. However, statistically significant improvements in constipation were seen at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 10. There were statistically significant improvements in quality of life (P = 0.030), overall symptom burden (P = 0.002), vomiting (P = 0.020), itching (P = 0.006), and skin changes (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Daily consumption of almonds for four weeks was safe, effective, and well tolerated. Improvements in quality of life and symptom burden warrant further research to elucidate potential mechanisms. The findings support the potential reinclusion of foods such as nuts into the diet of patients who underwent HD.

Determination of sulfonylurea pesticide residues in edible seeds used as nutraceuticals by QuEChERS in combination with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This work proposes a novel Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method in combination with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of sulfonylurea residues in edible seeds. The chromatographic separation of nine sulfonylureas was accomplished in less than 5.5 min, using a Luna Omega C₁₈ column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.6 µm). Mobile phase was supplied at 0.55 mL min^-1 and consisted of 0.01% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid as eluent A and a mixture methanol/acetonitrile (80/20, v/v) as eluent B. Column temperature was established at 25 °C. A QuEChERS procedure was investigated as sample treatment for sulfonylureas extraction and sample clean-up. Different clean-up agents (i.e. PSA, Z-Sep⁺, EMR-Lipid and C¹⁸) were evaluated, selecting Z-Sep⁺ (25 mg) as the best option. The proposed method provided an extraction efficiency greater than 86.2%, while absolute matrix effect was lower than 50.1%. Matrix-matched calibration curves were required for analyte quantification. The analytical method was characterized according to SANTE/11813/2017 guideline, and including limits of detection and quantification, precision, and trueness. Linear dynamic ranges were established from 5 to 150 µg kg^-1 for all analytes. Linearity (R² ≥ 0.9974) and precision in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision (relative standard deviation ≤ 14.7%) are reported. The reporting limit was established at 5 µg kg^-1, which is above the limits of quantification of the proposed method (≤ 1.64 µg kg^-1) and below the maximum residue levels currently established by European legislation. In general, trueness is within the range of 70-120%. Despite greater recoveries were obtained at the reporting limit (i.e. 120-138%), relative standard deviations lower than 20% were obtained at this concentration level, so fulfilling the requirements of SANTE/11813/2017 guideline. This work represents the first analytical method intended for the analysis of sulfonylureas in sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds, which are complex matrices due to their high content of fat as well as of growing interest due to their current commercialization as nutraceuticals.

Almond Snacking for 8 wk Increases Alpha-Diversity of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Decreases Bacteroides fragilis Abundance Compared with an Isocaloric Snack in College Freshmen

BACKGROUND

Changes in gut microbiota are associated with cardiometabolic disorders and are influenced by diet. Almonds are a rich source of fiber, unsaturated fats, and polyphenols, all nutrients that can favorably alter the gut microbiome.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 wk of almond snacking on the gut (fecal) microbiome diversity and abundance compared with an isocaloric snack of graham crackers in college freshmen.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled, parallel-arm, 8-wk intervention in 73 college freshmen (age: 18-19 y; 41 women and 32 men; BMI: 18-41 kg/m2) with no cardiometabolic disorders was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to either an almond snack group (56.7 g/d; 364 kcal; n = 38) or graham cracker control group (77.5 g/d; 338 kcal/d; n = 35). Stool samples were collected at baseline and 8 wk after the intervention to assess primary microbiome outcomes, that is, gut microbiome diversity and abundance.

RESULTS

Almond snacking resulted in 3% greater quantitative alpha-diversity (Shannon index) and 8% greater qualitative alpha-diversity (Chao1 index) than the cracker group after the intervention (P < 0.05). Moreover, almond snacking for 8 wk decreased the abundance of the pathogenic bacterium Bacteroides fragilis by 48% (overall relative abundance, P < 0.05). Permutational multivariate ANOVA showed significant time effects for the unweighted UniFrac distance and Bray-Curtis beta-diversity methods (P < 0.05; R 2 ≤ 3.1%). The dietary and clinical variables that best correlated with the underlying bacterial community structure at week 8 of the intervention included dietary carbohydrate (percentage energy), dietary fiber (g), and fasting total and HDL cholesterol (model Spearman rho = 0.16; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Almond snacking for 8 wk improved alpha-diversity compared with cracker snacking. Incorporating a morning snack in the dietary regimen of predominantly breakfast-skipping college freshmen improved the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03084003.

Effects of Gelidium elegans on Weight and Fat Mass Reduction and Obesity Biomarkers in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Randomized Double-Blinded Study

The edible seaweed Gelidium elegans (GEE) is known to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. However, there has been no report on its effects in humans. In this study, we investigated whether GEE reduces body weight or fat mass in obese or overweight individuals. A total of 78 participants were randomly assigned to the test (GEE extract 1000 mg/day) and placebo groups at a 1:1 ratio, and treated for 12 weeks. At six or 12 weeks after randomization, they were evaluated for anthropometric parameters, biomarkers, and body composition. Changes in body weight and fat mass between the two groups was significantly different, as determined using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline, calorie intake, and physical activity. Body weight and fat mass were significantly decreased by GEE after 12 weeks but increased in the placebo group. Moreover, although not significant, triglyceride levels tended to decrease after GEE intake. There was no significant difference in other laboratory biomarkers between the two groups. Taken together, these results suggested that GEE significantly reduced body weight, especially fat mass, in overweight or obese individuals.

Nutrition and Chronic Conditions

This editorial discusses and analyses the role of dietary interventions in the management of chronic conditions in recognition of the global increase of these diseases, the rise in the ageing population, and the significant cost to health services around the world. Evidence has shown that low-glycaemic index (GI) and low-carbohydrate diets are effective in the management of type 2 diabetes, and the role of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and bioactive compounds in chronic disease management have been the subject of intense research. However, although multidimensional approaches are important in the management of these chronic conditions, nutritional interventions are critical and central to these strategies.