The Effect of Dietary MUFA's on Resting Energy Expenditure in Individuals with Pre‐Diabetes

Abstract

Research has revealed that there may be a positive association between increased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake and increased resting energy expenditure (REE). Increases in REE could aid in weight loss, which is the most effective intervention to prevent the progression to T2DM. Results from this study will indicate whether or not increased MUFA intake is a valid dietary approach for improving REE in individuals with pre‐diabetes.In clinical practice, predictive equations are the most practical means to estimate a patient's REE. The most common equations are the Mifflin St. Joer and Harris Benedict equations, however reliability of the predictive equations remains unknown. This study aims to determine the accuracy of the REE predictive equations for the pre‐diabetic population.Study participants include adults ages 18–70, with a BMI of 25–45 kg/m2, that have been diagnosed with pre‐diabetes. Pre‐diabetic fasting blood glucose level is defined as 100–125 mg/dL. The REE was measured using the Cosmed and compared to the Mifflin St. Jeor and Harris Benedict predictive equation. This comparison will allow us to determine if the equation method provides an accurate REE estimate.Participants were split into an intervention group, who consumed 1 ½ ounces of pecans between 8am and 2pm daily for 8 weeks and a control group. The REE was measured pre and post intervention.The MUFA intervention did not significantly change REE measured via Cosmed. The mean measured REE pre MUFA intervention 1535.8 ± 386.1 and 1764.4 ± 594.2 post intervention. We found no significant correlation between Measured REE and the Mifflin St. Joer and the Harris Benedict predictive equations (r = 0.19, p = 0.29).While we did not find a significant difference, MUFA intake slightly increased REE in individuals with pre‐diabetes. A higher number of participants may yield a significant change in REE with daily MUFA intake, therefore providing an effective dietary approach to aid in weight loss of individuals with pre‐diabetes.The lack of correlation between both predictive equations and measured REE is substantial in practice. Predictive equations are used to determine caloric needs as a measure to induce weight loss. Inaccurate measurements will impede weight loss goals. Therefore, measured REE, rather than predicted REE, should be used in this population to aid in weight loss.Support or Funding InformationSummer Undergraduate Research FellowshipTexas Pecan Growers Association