Abstract
Almonds provide a satiating, healthy source of fat and fiber. The postprandial metabolic and satiety response to 2 ounces of nuts or dairy was assessed in 18 overweight/obese women during late pregnancy. Serum glucose, triglycerides, insulin, c-peptide, leptin, ghrelin, and lipoprotein particles were measured prior to and during a 5-h postprandial period following the consumption of an isocaloric breakfast meal with equivalent amounts of fat from either nuts or dairy on two separate mornings. Satiety was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires and ad libitum food intake at the end of the study. At 33 weeks gestation, the women had gained an average of 7.0 ± 4.4 kg during gestation. Body fat averaged 41.9 ± 5.5% and hemoglobin A1c levels were elevated, (7.2 ± 0.6%). Fasting glucose levels were normal, but hyperinsulinemia was evident. The two test meals did not affect the postprandial metabolic response, but glucose, triglyceride, and ghrelin concentrations changed with time during the postprandial period (p < 0.001, p = 0.0008, p = 0.006). Satiety measures did not differ between the two test meals. Consuming an isocaloric breakfast meal with equivalent amounts of fat from nuts or dairy did not alter postprandial levels of blood lipids, glucose, hormones, or measures of satiety in overweight/obese, pregnant women.
Highlights
Half of all American women of childbearing age are overweight, and one-third are obese [1].The prevalence of metabolic disorders during and after pregnancy has increased concurrently with the rise in maternal obesity [2,3,4]
Eighteen overweight/obese, pregnant women in the third trimester were recruited to participate in a cross-over, randomized controlled trial examining the metabolic response to consuming equivalent amounts of dairy or nuts in two standardized, isocaloric breakfast meals matched for carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels
The average hemoglobin A1c level, 7.2 ± 0.6%, was slightly elevated compared to what is expected in pregnancy (6–7% [31]), suggesting an underlying insulin resistance
Summary
The prevalence of metabolic disorders during and after pregnancy has increased concurrently with the rise in maternal obesity [2,3,4]. Metabolic abnormalities (i.e., hyperglycemia) during pregnancy may predispose the offspring to subsequent obesity and chronic diseases [5,6,7]. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy by overweight and obese women creates a higher risk of prenatal complications, retention of excess body fat postpartum, and the development of metabolic diseases in the offspring later in life [8,9,10]. Overweight/obese, pregnant women are at increased risk for developing gestational diabetes and dyslipidemia [10]. The maternal insulin resistance that normally develops during pregnancy increases the placental uptake of glucose and lipid and the transfer of these substrates to the fetus,
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