Caloric Load Research Articles

Popcorn is more satiating than potato chips in normal-weight adults

BackgroundStrategies that may increase compliance to reduced energy intakes are needed to reduce the health burden of obesity. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of snacking on satiety and energy intake.MethodsThis study compared short-term satiety from two common snack foods, low fat popcorn or potato chips. Using a counterbalanced within-subject design, 35 normal weight non-smoking participants (17 men, 18 women) ages 20–50 years (mean age 33 ± 11, BMI 23 ± 2 kg/m2) consumed four conditions each: 200 mL of water (control), one cup (4 g, 15 kcal) popcorn, 6 cups (27 g, 100 kcal) popcorn, and one cup (28 g, 150 kcal) potato chips, each with 200 mL water. Participants rated their hunger, satisfaction, prospective consumption, and thirst on 100 mm visual analogue scales 30 minutes after commencement of snack consumption. In addition, post-snack energy intake from an ad libitum meal (amount served less amount remaining) was measured, and the test food and meal combined energy intake and energy compensation were calculated.ResultsParticipants expressed less hunger, more satisfaction, and lower estimates of prospective food consumption after six cups of popcorn compared to all other treatments (P < 0.05). Energy compensation was 220% ± 967%, 76% ± 143% and 42% ± 75% after one cup popcorn, six cups popcorn and one cup potato chips, respectively. Combined energy intake was significantly greater (P < 0.01) during the potato chips condition (803 ± 277 kcal) compared to control (716 ± 279 kcal) or popcorn conditions (698 ± 286 kcal for one cup and 739 ± 294 kcal for six cups). Combined energy intakes from both popcorn conditions were not significantly different than control (p > 0.05).ConclusionPopcorn exerted a stronger effect on short-term satiety than did potato chips as measured by subjective ratings and energy intake at a subsequent meal. This, combined with its relatively low calorie load, suggests that whole grain popcorn is a prudent choice for those wanting to reduce feelings of hunger while managing energy intake and ultimately, body weight.

Fiber intake Inconsistently Alters Gut Hormone Levels in Humans Following Acute or Chronic Intake

Diet composition affects the release of gut hormones involved in the regulation of appetite and energy intake. While some research suggests high fiber foods cause greater satiety than low fiber foods, few studies have measured gut hormone levels as a mechanism by which fiber may influence appetite. A review of the literature was conducted to better understand the effect of fiber on gut hormone concentrations in humans, which specific focus on peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1, cholecystokinin, and ghrelin. Considerable variation was found in study design, population, fiber type and level. Few studies reported a significant effect of fiber on gut hormone levels, and data suggest caloric load may have a more significant influence on gut hormone release. While it is possible that circulating gut hormones are not the mechanism by which fibers influence satiety, it is also possible that variability in study design prevents definitive conclusions around this relationship.

The gut–brain dopamine axis: A regulatory system for caloric intake

Post-ingestive factors are known to strongly modulate feeding behavior by providing feedback signals to the central nervous system on the current physiological state of the organism. Of particular interest is the identification of the physiological pathways that permit the brain to sense post-ingestive signals. We will review recent evidence supporting the concept that direct stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract with nutrients induces release of the catecholamine neurotransmitter dopamine. In addition, changes in dopamine efflux produced by direct stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract were found to reflect the caloric load of the infusates, suggesting that dopamine signaling may function as a central caloric sensor that mediates adjustments in intake according to the caloric density of a meal. Consistent with the above, blockade of dopamine signaling disrupts flavor–nutrient associations and impairs the regulatory capacity to maintain constant caloric intake during intra-gastric feeding. Future research must determine the exact pathways linking gut nutrient administration to dopamine efflux. Current evidence points to parallel contributions by pre- and post-absorptive pathways, indicating that dopamine systems constitute a site of convergence through which distinct physiological signals can exert control over ingestive behaviors.

Caloric restriction, but not caloric loading, affects circulating fetal and maternal C-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in late ovine gestation

The factors regulating the greatly elevated concentrations of maternal plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) forms in ruminant pregnancy are largely unknown, but nutrient status is likely to be important. Previous work has shown that increases in maternal plasma CNP, sourced from the placenta, occur in response to caloric restriction in late gestation. Whether oversupply of nutrients also regulates CNP secretion in pregnancy has not been studied. Hypothesising that CNP in fetal and maternal tissues will be responsive to both deficiency and excess, we studied changes in CNP and a cosecreted fragment, namely N-terminal pro-CNP (NTproCNP), during short-term periods of caloric restriction (CR) and loading (CL). Twin-bearing ewes received CR (fasted Days 121-124), CL (Days 110-124) or control maintenance diets. During CR, fetal plasma CNP forms, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and liveweight all fell, and maternal plasma NTproCNP increased. During CL, fetal IGF-1 increased, whereas CNP forms and liveweight were unchanged, as were maternal concentrations of CNP forms. The high abundance of CNP peptides in placental tissues was unaffected by these short-term changes in nutrient supply. We conclude that CNP in the fetal-maternal unit is acutely responsive to undernutrition, but is unaffected by oversupply in late gestation.

Quantification of Systemic Delivery of Substrates for Intermediate Metabolism during Citrate Anticoagulation of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Background: There are limited data on systemic delivery of metabolic substrates during citrate anticoagulation. The direct citrate measurements are usually not available. Methods: Patients on 2.2% acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD, n = 41) were compared to a control group on unfractionated heparin (n = 17). All were treated on 1.9-m² polysulfone filters. Samples were taken from the central venous catheter, ports pre- and post-filter and from effluent. Results: The gain of citrate in CVVH (n = 18) was not different from CVVHDF (n = 23, p = 0.8). Mean gain of citrate was 25.4 ± 6.4 mmol/h. The systemic loads of lactate (p = 0.12) and glucose (p = 0.23) in CVVH were similar to CVVHDF. Mean inputs of lactate and glucose were 62.9 ± 21.1 and 26.6 ± 10.4 mmol/h, respectively. The mean difference between post- and prefilter unmeasured anions (d-UA) correlated with mean difference of citrate concentrations (p < 0.0001, r² = 0.66). The estimated caloric load of the citrate modalities was 5,536 ± 1,385 kJ/ 24 h. Conclusions: ACD might represent a significant load of metabolic substrates, particularly if used with lactate buffer. Systemic delivery of citrate can be predicted using d-UA in the extracorporeal circuit.

Role of the Gut in Visceral Fat Inflammation and Metabolic Disorders

Role of the Gut in Visceral Fat Inflammation and Metabolic Disorders

Energy-balance studies reveal associations between gut microbes, caloric load, and nutrient absorption in humans

Studies in mice indicate that the gut microbiome influences both sides of the energy-balance equation by contributing to nutrient absorption and regulating host genes that affect adiposity. However, it remains uncertain as to what extent gut microbiota are an important regulator of nutrient absorption in humans. With the use of a carefully monitored inpatient study cohort, we tested how gut bacterial community structure is affected by altering the nutrient load in lean and obese individuals and whether their microbiota are correlated with the efficiency of dietary energy harvest. We investigated dynamic changes of gut microbiota during diets that varied in caloric content (2400 compared with 3400 kcal/d) by pyrosequencing bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes present in the feces of 12 lean and 9 obese individuals and by measuring ingested and stool calories with the use of bomb calorimetry. The alteration of the nutrient load induced rapid changes in the gut microbiota. These changes were directly correlated with stool energy loss in lean individuals such that a 20% increase in Firmicutes and a corresponding decrease in Bacteroidetes were associated with an increased energy harvest of ≈150 kcal. A high degree of overfeeding in lean individuals was accompanied by a greater fractional decrease in stool energy loss. These results show that the nutrient load is a key variable that can influence the gut (fecal) bacterial community structure over short time scales. Furthermore, the observed associations between gut microbes and nutrient absorption indicate a possible role of the human gut microbiota in the regulation of the nutrient harvest. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00414063.

Balanced Caloric Macronutrient Composition Downregulates Immunological Gene Expression in Human Blood Cells—Adipose Tissue Diverges

Cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are conditions characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation, strongly influenced by lifestyle, but the mechanisms that link these characteristics are poorly understood. Our first objective was to investigate if a normocaloric diet with a calorically balanced macronutrient composition influenced immunological gene expression. Findings regarding the suitability of blood as biological material in nutrigenomics and gene expression profiling have been inconclusive. Our second objective was to compare blood and adipose tissue sample quality in terms of adequacy for DNA-microarray analyses, and to determine tissue-specific gene expression patterns. Blood and adipose tissue samples were collected for gene expression profiling from three obese men before, during, and after a 28-day normocaloric diet intervention where each meal contained an approximately equal caloric load of macronutrients. Time series analyses of blood gene expression revealed a cluster of downregulated genes involved in immunological processes. Blood RNA quality and yield were satisfactory, and DNA-microarray analysis reproducibility was similar in blood and adipose tissue. Gene expression correlation between blood and adipose tissue varied according to gene function, and was especially low for genes involved in immunological and metabolic processes. This suggests that diet composition is of importance in inflammatory processes in blood cells. The findings also suggest that a systems biology approach, in which tissues are studied in parallel, should be employed to fully understand the impact of dietary challenges on the human body.

Impact of a Resistant Dextrin with a Prolonged Oxidation Pattern on Day-Long Ghrelin Profile

Objectives: The effects of a new resistant dextrin ingested at breakfast on day-long metabolic parameters and ghrelin profile at subsequent lunch were investigated.Methods: In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover study, 12 healthy men ingested a standardized breakfast with 50 g of NUTRIOSE 10, a resistant dextrin (RD), or of maltodextrin (Malto) and a standardized lunch 5 hours later. Both products (RD and Malto) were derived from corn naturally rich in 13C to follow their metabolic fate (by using stable isotope analysis). Oxidation and fermentation patterns were assessed by simultaneous 13CO2/H2 breath testing. The appearance of exogenous 13C-glucose in plasma, glycemia, insulinemia, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and ghrelin concentrations were measured for 10 hours following breakfast ingestion.Results: With RD, H2 excretion (fermentation) was significantly enhanced compared with Malto, whereas the appearance of 13CO2 (oxidation) was significantly prolonged (p < 0.0001). Following breakfast, ghrelin secretion was significantly less inhibited and NEFA concentration was higher with RD (p < 0.05), but unexpectedly, both remained lower after lunch and up to T600 minutes. According to the reduced bioavailability of RD compared with Malto, the appearance of 13C-glucose in plasma (p < 0.0001) and glycemic and insulinemic responses to breakfast (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced.Conclusions: Ingestion of this new resistant dextrin at breakfast decreased ghrelin concentrations in response to the subsequent lunch, even if the caloric load ingested at breakfast was lower. This effect may be linked to the prolonged fermentation/oxidation pattern seen in the late postprandial phase (up to 10 hours after ingestion at breakfast), and thus prolonged energy release with the resistant dextrin.

Nutrient Selection in the Absence of Taste Receptor Signaling

When allowed to choose between different macronutrients, most animals display a strong attraction toward carbohydrates compared with proteins. It remains uncertain, however, whether this food selection pattern depends primarily on the sensory properties intrinsic to each nutrient or, alternatively, metabolic signals can act independently of the hedonic value of sweetness to stimulate elevated sugar intake. Here we show that Trpm5(-/-) mice, which lack the cellular mechanisms required for sweet and several forms of l-amino acid taste transduction, develop a robust preference for d-glucose compared with isocaloric l-serine independently of the perception of sweetness. Moreover, a close relationship was found between glucose oxidation and taste-independent nutrient intake levels, with animals increasing intake as a function of glucose oxidation rates. Furthermore, microdialysis measurements revealed nutrient-specific dopaminergic responses in accumbens and dorsal striatum during intragastric infusions of glucose or serine. Specifically, intragastric infusions of glucose induced significantly higher levels of dopamine release compared with isocaloric serine in both ventral and dorsal striatum. Intragastric stimulation of dopamine release seemed to depend on glucose utilization, because administration of an anti-metabolic glucose analog resulted in lower dopamine levels in striatum, an effect that was reversed by intravenous glucose infusions. Together, our findings suggest that carbohydrate-specific preferences can develop independently of taste quality or caloric load, an effect associated with the ability of a given nutrient to regulate glucose metabolism and stimulate brain dopamine centers.

Conditional stimulation by galanin of saccharin and ethanol consumption under free and response contingent access

Prior research has shown that the neuropeptide galanin strongly stimulates food intake in sated rats when food is made freely available. However, when access to food is made contingent upon lever pressing on a reinforcement schedule, no such stimulation occurs. This dissociation is consistent with the theorized "behavioral energizing" function of the ascending mesolimbic dopamine system, which purports that this ascending dopamine system is involved in only the goal directed effort maintaining (appetitive) and not the hedonic (consummatory) aspects of reward. Further, these results suggest that galanin may play an inhibitory role therein, or itself may be inhibited by mesolimbic dopamine activity underlying instrumental behavior. Prior research into this phenomenon has only utilized caloric foods or water, so the current work assessed the generality of this finding by determining if a similar dissociation also applies to commodities with other properties. For the present experiments, two commodities which varied in the dimensions of palatability and caloric load but which are both known to serve as reinforcers in other settings were chosen. In the first experiment, under the current single commodity free consumption test conditions shown to be sensitive to galanin effects of food and water consumption, galanin did not significantly alter the consumption of caloric laden but poorly palatable 7% alcohol solution. However, in the second experiment, galanin significantly increased free consumption of a highly palatable but non-caloric 0.2% saccharin solution but not when operant responding was required for access to saccharin, extending the basic appetitive-consummatory dissociation observed for food. Taken together, these results suggest that the gustatory properties may be a specific factor involved in galanin stimulation of free consumption, and that there may be a continuum of influence of galanin based on the relative "elasticity" of the commodities as reinforcers.

Nutrient Specific Feeding and Endocrine Effects of Jejunal Infusions

Intestinal nutrient infusions result in variable decreases in food intake and body weight based on the nutrient type and the specific intestinal infusion site. Only intrajejunal infusions of fatty acids decrease food intake beyond the calories infused. To test whether this extra-compensatory decrease in food intake is specific to fatty acids, small volume intrajejunal infusions of glucose (Glu) and casein hydrolysate (Cas), as well as linoleic acid (LA) were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Equal kilocalorie (kcal) loads of these nutrients (11.4) or vehicle were infused into the jejunum over 7 h/day for five consecutive days. Food intake was continuously monitored and body weight was measured daily. After the infusion on the final day, rats were killed and plasma collected. Intrajejunal infusions of LA and Glu, but not Cas, suppressed food intake beyond the caloric load of the infusate with no compensatory increase in food intake after the infusion period. Rats receiving LA and Glu infusions also lost significant body weight across the infusion days. Plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was increased in both the LA and Glu rats compared with control animals, with no significant change in the Cas-infused animals. Peptide YY (PYY) levels increased in response to LA and Cas infusions. These results suggest that intrajejunal infusions of LA and Glu may decrease food intake and body weight via alterations in GLP-1 signaling. Thus, particular nutrients are more effective at producing decreases in food intake, body weight, and inducing changes in peptide levels and could lead to a novel therapy for obesity.

Use of Dexmedetomidine for Primary Sedation in a General Intensive Care Unit

Use of Dexmedetomidine for Primary Sedation in a General Intensive Care Unit

Effect of meal volume and calorie load on postprandial gastric function and emptying: studies under physiological conditions by combined fiber-optic pressure measurement and MRI

This study assessed the effects of meal volume (MV) and calorie load (CL) on gastric function. MRI and a minimally invasive fiber-optic recording system (FORS) provided simultaneous measurement of gastric volume and pressure changes during gastric filling and emptying of a liquid nutrient meal in physiological conditions. The gastric response to 12 iso-osmolar MV-CL combinations of a multinutrient drink (MV: 200, 400, 600, 800 ml; CL: 200, 300, 400 kcal) was tested in 16 healthy subjects according to a factorial design. Total gastric volume (TGV) and gastric content volume (GCV = MV + secretion) were measured by MRI during nasogastric meal infusion and gastric emptying over 60 min. Intragastric pressure was assessed at 1 Hz by FORS. The dynamic change in postprandial gastric volumes was described by a validated three-component linear exponential model. The stomach expanded with MV, but the ratio of GCV:MV at t(0) diminished with increasing MV (P < 0.01). Postprandial changes in TGV followed those of GCV. Intragastric pressure increased with MV, and this effect was augmented further by CL (P = 0.02); however, the absolute pressure rise was <4 mmHg. A further postprandial increase of gastric volumes was observed early on before any subsequent volume decrease. This "early" increase in GCV was greater for smaller than larger MV (P < 0.01), indicating faster initial gastric emptying of larger MV. In contrast, volume change during filling and in the early postprandial period were unaffected by CL. In the later postprandial period, gastric emptying rate continued to be more rapid with high MVs (P < 0.001); however, at any given volume, gastric emptying was slowed by higher CL (P < 0.001). GCV half-emptying time decreased with CL at 18 +/- 6 min for each additional 100-kcal load (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that gastric wall stress (passive strain and active tone) provides the driving force for gastric emptying, but distal resistance to gastric outflow regulates further passage of nutrients. The distinct early phase of gastric emptying with relatively rapid, uncontrolled passage of nutrients into the small bowel, modulated by meal volume but not nutrient composition, ensures that the delivery of nutrients in the later postprandial period is related to the overall calorie load of the meal.

Nutrients and brain health: an overview

Nutrients and brain health: an overview

Effects of postgastric13C-acetate processing on measurement of gastric emptying: a systematic investigation in health

Uniform postgastric processing of the gastric emptying (GE) marker 13C-acetate (Ac) is an unverified assumption behind its widespread application to measure GE. This study assessed the postgastric processing of Ac administered by intraduodenal (i.d.) infusion simulating different physiological conditions. 13CO2 in breath was assessed in three groups of six volunteers after i.d. administration of A: Different caloric densities (0.75/1.5/3 kcal min(-1) in a 200 mL meal at constant 1 mg Ac min(-1) simulating a physiological range of nutrient delivery rates; B: different tracer delivery rates (0.5/1.0/2.5 mg Ac min(-1) simulating delayed, normal and increased GE; C1: a 500 mL meal resulting in same marker and caloric delivery compared to protocol A; C2: 50 mL water bolus injections of 12.5/25/50/100 mg Ac and C3 bolus injections of 50 mg Ac in 50/100/200 mL water in randomized order. A: 13CO2 excretion was independent of caloric load (P = 0.59). B: The dynamic of 13CO2 excretion was modulated by tracer elimination which was in turn dependent on the speed of tracer delivery, i.e. with faster deliveries resulting in lower 13CO2 recovery during infusion (P < 0.001). C: Increasing Ac doses resulted in decreased 13CO2 recovery (P < 0.001) over the first hour. 13CO2 recovery kinetics was independent of the volume delivered. This study shows 13C-acetate absorption and metabolism is independent of the volume and caloric delivery of test meals. The 'lag' in estimates of GE derived from 13CO2 breath tests is due to a postgastric, dose-dependent delay to 13CO2 elimination. This can be corrected for in analytical derivations of GE parameters based on 13C-acetate breath test measurements.

Cranberry and Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the presence of clinical signs and symptoms arising from the genitourinary tract plus the presence of one or more micro-organisms in the urine exceeding a threshold value for significance (ranges from 102 to 103 colony-forming units/mL). Infections are localized to the bladder (cystitis), renal parenchyma (pyelonephritis) or prostate (acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis). Single UTI episodes are very common, especially in adult women where there is a 50-fold predominance compared with adult men. In addition, recurrent UTIs are also common, occurring in up to one-third of women after first-episode UTIs. Recurrences requiring intervention are usually defined as two or more episodes over 6 months or three or more episodes over 1 year (this definition applies only to young women with acute uncomplicated UTIs). A cornerstone of prevention of UTI recurrence has been the use of low-dose once-daily or post-coital antimicrobials; however, much interest has surrounded non-antimicrobial-based approaches undergoing investigation such as use of probiotics, vaccines, oligosaccharide inhibitors of bacterial adherence and colonization, and bacterial interference with immunoreactive extracts of Escherichia coli. Local (intravaginal) estrogen therapy has had mixed results to date. Cranberry products in a variety of formulations have also undergone extensive evaluation over several decades in the management of UTIs. At present, there is no evidence that cranberry can be used to treat UTIs. Hence, the focus has been on its use as a preventative strategy. Cranberry has been effective in vitro and in vivo in animals for the prevention of UTI. Cranberry appears to work by inhibiting the adhesion of type I and P-fimbriated uropathogens (e.g. uropathogenic E. coli) to the uroepithelium, thus impairing colonization and subsequent infection. The isolation of the component(s) of cranberry with this activity has been a daunting task, considering the hundreds of compounds found in the fruit and its juice derivatives. Reasonable evidence suggests that the anthocyanidin/proanthocyanidin moieties are potent antiadhesion compounds. However, problems still exist with standardization of cranberry products, which makes it extremely difficult to compare products or extrapolate results. Unfortunately, most clinical trials have had design deficiencies and none have evaluated specific key cranberry-derived compounds considered likely to be active moieties (e.g. proanthocyanidins). In general, the preventive efficacy of cranberry has been variable and modest at best. Meta-analyses have established that recurrence rates over 1 year are reduced approximately 35% in young to middle-aged women. The efficacy of cranberry in other groups (i.e. elderly, paediatric patients, those with neurogenic bladder, those with chronic indwelling urinary catheters) is questionable. Withdrawal rates have been quite high (up to 55%), suggesting that these products may not be acceptable over long periods. Adverse events include gastrointestinal intolerance, weight gain (due to the excessive calorie load) and drug-cranberry interactions (due to the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism). The findings of the Cochrane Collaboration support the potential use of cranberry products in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women. However, in light of the heterogeneity of clinical study designs and the lack of consensus regarding the dosage regimen and formulation to use, cranberry products cannot be recommended for the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs at this time.

THE HAZARDS OF HYPERCALORIC NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN RESPIRATORY DISEASE

This case illustrates the dangers of hypercaloric feeding in a patient with limited respiratory reserve, in this instance secondary to heart-lung transplantation. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by repeated bouts of infection and/or rejection that resulted in intubation and ventilatory support. The excessive caloric and protein load given to the patient resulted in increased CO2 generation with subsequent inability to wean the patient off the ventilator. Recognition of the problem and appropriate decreases in substrate intake permitted extubation.

Assessement of resting energy expenditure of obese patients: Comparison of indirect calorimetry with formulae

Determining the caloric expenditure of overweight (Body mass index - BMI from 25-29.9 kg/m(2)) or obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2)) patients is a difficult task. The importance of the measurement using indirect calorimetry (IC) is to avoid the administration of an inadequate caloric load, which can increase clinical morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) obtained by IC with that estimated by the Harris-Benedict (HB) and the Ireton-Jones (IJ) equations and a fixed amount of 21 kcal/kg of body weight, using actual, average and adjusted weights. A total of 71 IC measurements were prospectively performed in 44 patients using the "DELTATRAC II" calorimeter. In 53 of the measurements the patients were on mechanical ventilation and 18 were performed using the canopy, in the fasting state and 24h after achieving calculated caloric requirements. The best REE prediction value in the fasting state was obtained with the HB equation using the actual body weight (HB/ABW), 1873+/-484 kcal/day (p=0.49) when compared to the REE of 1798+/-495 kcal/day measured by IC. After achieving caloric needs, the best REE prediction values were using the HB/ABW equation, 1873+/-484 kcal/day (p=0.56) and the IJ equation with the adjusted body weight, 2103+/-580 kcal/day (p=0.19) when compared to 1948+/-507 kcal/day measured by IC. Although, when the above results were plotted on the Bland and Altman limits of agreement test their average bias were low, but the ranges of their absolute values from the observed average agreement were large, > or =531 kcal. From these data we can conclude that even though the average values obtained with the equations utilized to predict the REE for this population, showed good correlation with those by IC, as they had the best comparative absolute results, however they demonstrated an unacceptable variability when matched to the measured REE values.

The effect of Russian Tarragon (artemisia dracunculus L.) on the plasma creatine concentration with creatine monohydrate administration

Background It has previously been shown that the plasma concentration of creatine following supplementation is influenced by extracellular concentrations of insulin and glucose, the form in which creatine is administered, and also the creatine concentration in the muscle cells. The common practice of raising insulin levels to increase initial uptake into muscle, by means of high amounts of glucose and/or protein, involves a high caloric load which is not always desired by athletes. A standardized extract of Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), which can be administered safely as an oral supplement, has been shown to have antihyperglycemic activity. This study examined whether the plasma concentration curve following administration of creatine monohydrate was affected by the co-administration of Russian Tarragon extract.