Abstract P292: Almond Consumption Increases Satiety Hormones Relative to a High-Carbohydrate Food but Has Minimal Impact on Body Composition: A Pilot Study in Black and Hispanic Adults

Abstract

Epidemiological studies show that nut consumers have lower body weight than non-consumers. Individuals who consume more tree nuts have lower odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome than those who are low tree nut consumers. In clinical intervention studies, nut consumption has been shown to lower abdominal adiposity and improving weight loss relative to a low-fat/high-carbohydrate (LF/HC) control food. Those studies, however, have been conducted predominantly in White, non-Hispanic populations. Interestingly, minority adults, who have the highest prevalence of obesity and experience cardio-metabolic health disparities, have low nut intakes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of almond consumption, relative to an energy-matched LF/HC control food, on weight status and adiposity in Blacks and Hispanics. We hypothesized that 24 wk of almond consumption would improve appetite regulation and body composition in Blacks and Hispanics. Twenty-nine adults (17 completers: 9 men and 8 women), BMI >25 kg/m 2 , age 30-65 y, were recruited and randomized to consume either almonds or LF/HC cereal bars providing 17.5% of their estimated energy requirements. Outcome variables were measured at baseline, week 12, and endpoint. Peptide YY concentrations were higher in the almond group compared to LF/HC (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P<0.001; 24 wk, P=0.13). Similarly, glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations were higher in the almond group compared to LF/HC (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P=0.10; 24 wk, P=0.015). However, ghrelin levels decreased in LF/HC compared to the almond group at 12 wk but not 24 wk (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P=0.017; 24 wk, P=0.23). There was a slight trend for a time x treatment interaction on body weight (P=0.14; change in almond=0.6±1.8 kg; LF/HC=1.9±2.7 kg). There was a time x treatment interaction on inter-muscular adipose tissue (P=0.013; change in almond=-0.10±0.14 cm 3 ; LF/HC=0.04±0.07 cm 3 ). There was no effect of almond or LF/HC consumption on inflammatory markers concentrations (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor; all p>0.18). Daily almond intake for 24 wk, in the context of a usual diet, does not induce profound body composition changes, but may ameliorate appetite and ectopic fat deposition. More studies should be performed in minority population to determine the potential effects of specific foods for weight management in the context of a weight loss diet.