Almond supplementation reduces serum uric acid in coronary artery disease patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Humaira Jamshed,Jamshed Arslan,Sumaira Ghani,Anwar-Ul-Hassan Gilani,Faridah Amin,Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan,Madiha Masroor

doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0195-4

Humaira Jamshed, Jamshed Arslan + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0195-4

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Journal: Nutrition journal	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2015
Citations: 24	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Aga Khan University, Government of Pakistan

Abstract

ObjectiveElevated serum uric acid (UA), a biomarker of renal insufficiency, is also an independent prognostic marker for morbidity in coronary artery disease (CAD) and poses serious health risks. This study reports the effect of almond consumption on UA in CAD patients.Study designA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with three groups: no-intervention (NI), Pakistani almonds (PA) or American almonds (AA). Patients were recruited from the Cardiology Clinics, Aga Khan University Hospital. Two follow-ups were scheduled at week-6 and week-12. 150 patients were randomly divided in three groups (50 per group). NI was not given almonds, whereas the PA and AA were given Pakistani and American almond varieties (10 g/day), respectively; with instruction to soak overnight and eat before breakfast.ResultsAlmonds supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum UA among groups, and over time. At week-6, UA concentrations were -13 to -16 % less in PA and AA; at week-12 the concentrations were -14 to -18 % less, compared to NI. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body weights of the participants remained fairly constant among all the groups.ConclusionAlmonds (10 g/day), eaten before breakfast, reduces serum UA in CAD patients. Prevention of hyperuricemia can confer protection from kidney and vascular damage and if extrapolated for general population, dietary almonds can offer grander health benefit. Trial is registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical trial registry as ACTRN12614000036617.

Highlights

There has been considerable increase in global prevalence of hyperuricemia, in the past few years, backed by western dietary patterns
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body weights of the participants remained fairly constant among all the groups
Trial is registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical trial registry as ACTRN12614000036617

Summary

Introduction

There has been considerable increase in global prevalence of hyperuricemia, in the past few years, backed by western dietary patterns. Where higher serum uric acid (UA) frequently indicates renal insufficiency [1], it may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) [2], and deliberated as a prognostic marker for morbidity and mortality, independent of other risk factors [3]. UA is shown to possess anti-oxidant potential [7], which undermines its causative role in chronic diseases. Its establishment as a comorbid risk marker is backed by recent meta-analysis [8] and systemic review [5] showing significant correlation between hyperuricemia and CAD. Further signifying its role for cardiovascular health, are the studies where anti-hypertensive and/or lipidneutralizing therapies limited UA production, thereby reducing CAD mortality [9, 10].

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