Abstract
BackgroundWe have recently reported that short-term (21-day) dietary modification in accordance with a stringent vegan diet (i.e., a Daniel Fast) lowers blood lipids as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress. However, this work only involved measurements obtained in a fasted state. In the present study, we determined the postprandial response to a high-fat milkshake with regards to blood triglycerides (TAG), biomarkers of oxidative stress, and hemodynamic variables before and following a 21-day Daniel Fast.MethodsTwenty-two subjects (10 men and 12 women; aged 35 ± 3 years) completed a 21-day Daniel Fast. To induce oxidative stress, a milkshake (fat = 0.8 g·kg-1; carbohydrate = 1.0 g·kg-1; protein = 0.25 g·kg-1) was consumed by subjects on day one and day 22 in a rested and 12-hour fasted state. Before and at 2 and 4 h after consumption of the milkshake, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure were measured. Blood samples were also collected at these times and analyzed for TAG, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC).ResultsA time effect was noted for HR (p = 0.006), with values higher at 2 hr post intake of the milkshake as compared to pre intake (p < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure was lower post fast as compared to pre fast (p = 0.02), and a trend for lower systolic blood pressure was noted (p = 0.07). Time effects were noted for TAG (p = 0.001), MDA (p < 0.0001), H2O2 (p < 0.0001), AOPP (p < 0.0001), and TEAC (p < 0.0001); all concentrations were higher at 2 h and 4 h post intake compared to pre intake, except for TEAC, which was lower at these times (p < 0.05). A condition effect was noted for NOx (p = 0.02), which was higher post fast as compared to pre fast. No pre/post fast × time interactions were noted (p > 0.05), with the area under the curve from pre to post fast reduced only slightly for TAG (11%), MDA (11%), H2O2 (8%), and AOPP (12%), with a 37% increase noted for NOx.ConclusionPartaking in a 21-day Daniel Fast does not result in a statistically significant reduction in postprandial oxidative stress. It is possible that a longer time course of adherence to the Daniel Fast eating plan may be needed to observe significant findings.
Highlights
We have recently reported that short-term (21-day) dietary modification in accordance with a stringent vegan diet lowers blood lipids as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress
We have recently reported that individuals partaking in a 21-day Daniel Fast experience increases in antioxidant capacity and reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers [12] and certain blood lipid concentrations [18] when measured in a fasted state
The area under the curve (AUC) was slightly lower from pre to post fast for TAG (11%), MDA (11%), H2O2 (8%), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) (12%); and a 37% increase in the AUC for NOx was noted
Summary
We have recently reported that short-term (21-day) dietary modification in accordance with a stringent vegan diet (i.e., a Daniel Fast) lowers blood lipids as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Modifying dietary intake in a manner that reduces kilocalorie ingestion and emphasizes the consumption of nutrient dense, plant-derived foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds [1,2,3] yields favorable health effects. Such modifications typically increase the intake of antioxidant micronutrients [4,5], improving blood antioxidant status [6,7] and possibly. The concept of a Daniel Fast originates from two passages within Biblical text (Daniel 1:8-14 and Daniel 10:2-3) This diet allows for ad libitum intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and oil. In addition to prohibiting the consumption of animal products, the Daniel Fast prohibits the consumption of processed foods, white flour products, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, flavorings, caffeine, and alcohol
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