Dietary Carbohydrate Research Articles

Effects of exercise and dietary interventions on asprosin, leptin, and lipid metabolism in males with abdominal obesity, a randomized controlled trial.

Addressing abdominal obesity requires multifaceted strategies, with physical activity and diet playing a pivotal role. The objective of this study was to assess alterations in body composition, adipokine concentrations, insulin resistance parameters, and lipid metabolism in males with abdominal obesity following two distinct interventions: exercise alone and exercise combined with a specific diet. The study involved 44 males with abdominal obesity (average age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5), randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group with aerobic-resistance exercise (EG, n = 16), an experimental group with aerobic-resistance exercise combined with a high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (EDG, n = 16), both interventions lasting 6 weeks, and a control group without interventions (CG, n = 12). Body composition (body mass [BM], body fat percentage [BF%], fat-free mass [FFM], android body fat percentage [ANDR]), as well as biochemical blood analyses (asprosin [ASP], leptin [LEP], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], and total cholesterol [TC]), were conducted at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. The impact of interventions on the analyzed variables among groups was assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post-hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also evaluated using 𝜂p2. Significant reductions in ASP concentration after intervention were observed in both EG (p = 0.04) and EDG (p = 0.01). However, post-hoc tests revealed a decrease in LEP only in the EDG group (p < 0.01). In EDG substantial decreases after 6 weeks of intervention were noted in BM (p < 0.01), BF% (p < 0.01), ANDR (p < 0.01) and TC (p < 0.01). The most notable increase in FFM was observed in the EDG group (p < 0.01). More favourable metabolic outcomes were confirmed in the group combining diet with exercise, where there was a notable reduction in ASP levels by 16% and LEP by 48% after 6 weeks of intervention, compared to the group undergoing exercise alone.

Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying and bowel function in pediatric ketogenic diet therapy: a clinical trial.

Ketogenic diet (KD) is an excess fat, enough protein, and minimal carbohydrate diet. The high fat content in KD lowers the oesophageal sphincter tone, slows gastric emptying, and decreases intestinal transit time. The primary aim of the current clinical trial was to study the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying in children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) on KD. Assessment of the protective effect of L-carnitine on bowel function and habits in those patients was a secondary aim. The current study recruited 30 patients aged 12 months to 18 years newly diagnosed with DRE assigned to start KD who were following up at the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition and Neurology Outpatient Clinics or were admitted due to DRE at the Pediatric Neurology Inpatient Department, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University (Egypt). Participants were assigned randomly into 2 arms; arm I: received KD with L-carnitine supplementation, arm II: received KD only. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of starting KD, the assessments of children included: 24-hour dietary recall, Chalfont Seizures Severity Scale, gastrointestinal symptoms score and Bristol stool chart, frequency of defecation per week, anthropometric measurements assessment, fasting serum lipid profile and measurement of the antral length by ultrasound. There was significant increase in antral length in the patients who received KD with L-carnitine supplementation compared to the non-supplemented group. The antral length showed a significant negative correlation with GI symptoms score in all cases and the L-carnitine supplemented group. It also showed a significant positive correlation with Bristol stool score in all patients and a significant positive correlation with stool frequency in the L-carnitine supplemented group only. L-carnitine supplementation to children with DRE on KD has a significant role in improving gastric motility and it increases the frequency of defecation. Further studies are recommended to explore additional benefits, meanwhile it is prudent to advise L-carnitine supplementation for such patients.

The association between hypertension and different types of dietary carbohydrates

Background Hypertension is the most prominent and well acknowledged chronic disease in developed countries and is a significant contributor to global mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and different types of dietary carbohydrates. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4184 people aged 35–70, including 1239 patients with hypertension and 2945 subjects with normal blood pressure (BP) in Sabzevar, Iran. The dietary intake data were collected through the administration of a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Utilizing Nutritionist IV software, dietary glucose, fructose, simple sugar, carbohydrate, and galactose consumption were evaluated. Results A direct association was found between dietary glucose and BP (odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; P = 0.04). This association remained significant after adjusting for age. Further adjustments for education, marital status, job, physical activity, and BMI, and additional adjustments for energy intake did not change the results. Conclusion In summary, the present study identified a significant association between hypertension and dietary intake of glucose. Considering that carbohydrates are an essential part of the diet worldwide, these findings can be valuable in formulating dietary interventions for hypertensive patients.

Abstract 4136294: Carbohydrate intakes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in South Asians: Results from 56,024 participants in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

Background: Evidence on effects of carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease risk factors is inconsistent and has limited generalizability to diverse populations such as South Asians, whose carbohydrate intakes are typically high. Aims: We examined the association of the quantity and types of carbohydrate intake with two risk factors for major cardiovascular events– hypertension (HT) and hypercholesterolemia (HC). Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from participants aged ≥18 years in the South Asia Biobank in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Using dietary data assessed with interviewer-led 24h diet recalls, we calculated intakes of total and subtypes of carbohydrates and several indices of carbohydrate quality. Primary outcomes were HT and HC, defined by medication use, doctor diagnosis, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. With mixed effects Poisson regression, HT and HC was regressed on quantiles of carbohydrate intakes by country to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), followed by meta-analysis pooling country-specific estimates. We examined interactions by diabetes status and adiposity. Results: Of 56,024 adults, 36.6% had HT, 16.1% had HC. In pooled multivariable analyses comparing extreme quantiles, total carbohydrate intake was not associated with HT or HC prevalence. Fructose, free sugar and free sugar-to-fiber ratio were associated with higher prevalence of HT (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.15). Higher intakes of cereal fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98) and legume fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.98) were associated with lower prevalence of HT and higher cereal fiber intake with lower HC prevalence (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75-0.85). Diabetes and adiposity were observed as effect-modifiers (p&lt;0.001). There were null associations in adults with diabetes but in non-diabetic adults, free sugar intake was related positively with HT (PR Q5vsQ1 : 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.09) while fiber intake was inversely related (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.98, 0.95-0.97). Starch, sugar and free sugar intake were associated positively with HT prevalence in adults with high body fat (≥20% for men; ≥30% for women) and visceral fat (≥10%) levels (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.20); associations were null for low body and visceral fat levels. Associations varied by country (between-country heterogeneity I 2 &gt;60%). Conclusion: Associations of dietary carbohydrates with HT and HC depended on the quality and type of intake in South Asians.

Use of Carbohydrate (CHO), Gluten-Free, and FODMAP-Free Diets to Prevent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms (GISs) can affect the performance of endurance athletes (EAs). This study aims to analyze the efficacy of carbohydrate (CHO), gluten-free, and low-mono-saccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets in preventing GISs in adult EAs of both sexes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted prior to 30 June 2024 in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We searched for original studies from the last eight years, in English or Spanish, that looked at the effect of CHO, gluten-free, or FODMAP diets on the GISs of EAs. In PubMed, the MeSH (medical subject heading) categories were used. The search was repeated in EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were determined using the PICOS framework and the risk of bias in each paper was assessed using the PEDro scale quality criteria checklist (systematic review registration: INPLASY202490080). Results: Of 289 articles identified, only 3.5% met the eligibility criteria. All studies found that GISs are common in EAs. We found that 60% of the articles used an experimental method; moreover, based on 80% of the articles, following a bowel training diet, like CHO, reduced fiber and dairy products, or a low-FODMAP diet, has the potential to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and improve the athletic performance of EA. Conclusions: We found that low-FODMAP diets, gut training with CHO intake, and decreased fiber and dairy intake may have favorable effects in preventing GISs. No studies support a gluten-free diet in reducing GISs in EAs.

Advances in research on the role of high carbohydrate diet in the process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by episodic inflammation that requires life-long management. Although the etiology of IBD is not fully understood, it is hypothesized to involve a multifaceted interplay among genetic susceptibility, the host immune response, and environmental factors. Previous studies have largely concluded that IBD is associated with this complex interplay; however, more recent evidence underscores the significant role of dietary habits as risk factors for the development of IBD. In this review, we review the molecular mechanisms of high-sugar and high-fat diets in the progression of IBD and specifically address the impacts of these diets on the gut microbiome, immune system regulation, and integrity of the intestinal barrier, thereby highlighting their roles in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of IBD.

Dietary patterns as predictors of adverse antidiabetics reactions - A cross-sectional study of polish diabetes sufferers

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted problem. There is a need to coordinate the diet with pharmacological interventions, because of the possible interaction between the two. The present study aimed to identify the factors related to the dietary habits of people suffering with diabetes that may increase the risk of adverse reactions to anti-diabetic medication. Methods: Between 2019 and 2020, patients with DM (N=203), aged 18-65, were enrolled for analysis. A quantitative and cross-sectional survey was applied. The study employed a Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire devised in Poland for people aged 15–65 years (KomPAN) and a self-designed questionnaire as research tools. Results: The majority of the patients with DM studied confirmed the use of a low carbohydrate diet in relation to their disease (87.7%). The mean pHDI-10 score for the study group was 22.55±8.67 points and the mean nHDI-14 score was 15.00±9.88 points. The place of residence, education and general financial situation of the subjects had a statistically significant effect on the results (p&lt;0.05). The majority of subjects reported regular use of anti-diabetic medication (77.8%). Of those treated with oral medication, 61.1% had experienced adverse effects and 49.3% had been hospitalized as a result. Of those treated with insulin, 40.9% reported adverse effects. Conclusions: Health professionals should be proactive in giving people with DM, particularly those who are less educated, financially disadvantaged, aged 41-55 and are working, adequate counseling about dietary recommendations from the very onset of their illness.

Clinical analysis and follow-up results of 25 children with glycogen storage disease

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, genetic characteristics and follow-up of hepatic glycogen accumulation in order to further improve the prognosis of children with hepatic glycogen accumulation. Methods: Clinical data of hospitalized children diagnosed with hepatic glycogen accumulation disease in the Department of gastroenterology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2010 to April 2023 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The results of laboratory examination and gene sequencing were analyzed, and the patients with more than 3 cases (n) were grouped according to the genetic results: Group 1 was type Ⅰ (n=8), group 2 was type Ⅲ (n=5), and group 3 was type Ⅸ a (n=8). The growth, development and prognosis of the children were followed up, and the related clinical characteristics of pediatric hepatic glycogen accumulation were summarized. Results: A total of 25 children with hepatic accumulation of glycogen were included in the study, including 15 males and 10 females. The mean age of diagnosis was (29.1±13.5) months. There were 12 cases (48%) with varying degrees of hypoglycemia, and 2 cases (8%) with severe hypoglycemia. There were 19 cases with height retardation (76%), 4 cases with anemia (16%), 3 cases with proteinuria (12%), and 1 case with cholestasis (4%). The genetic results showed that there were 4 cases of type Ⅰ a (16%), 4 cases of type Ⅰ b (16%), 1 case of type Ⅱ (4%), 5 cases of type Ⅲ (20%), 2 cases of type Ⅳ (8%), 1 case of type Ⅵ (4%), and 8 cases of type Ⅸ (32%). By analyzing the three subgroups, there were statistically significant differences in uric acid and triglyceride (P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in aminotransferase levels, fasting blood glucose, lactic acid, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels (P>0.05). The height-specific age Z scores of the three groups were compared, which were -2.86±1.62, -1.46±1.06 and -1.83±0.98, respectively. After at least 1 year of follow-up, the growth and development of groups 2 and 3 were significantly improved compared with group 1 (P<0.05), and the Z scores were -2.28±1.07, 0.20±1.54 and 0.10±1.44. After more than 1 year of follow-up, all the children with type IX had stopped using raw corn starch and had normal transaminase. 4 patients with type Ia were taking raw corn starch orally regularly. Aminotransferase, uric acid and lactic acid were normal, and hypoglycemia was detected among them.Among the 4 cases of type Ⅰb, 1 case had recurrent respiratory and intestinal infections, and 2 cases had Crohn's disease.4 cases of type Ⅲ had stopped using raw corn starch and adopted high protein and low carbohydrate diet. The aminotransferase was normal except for high creatine kinase. One case of type Ⅵ died of liver failure.2 cases were type Ⅳ, 1 died and 1 had a slightly elevated transaminase level. Conclusion: When it is found that the children have liver enlargement, elevated aminotransferase, fasting hypoglycemia, and backward growth and development, it is necessary to be vigilant about liver glycogen accumulation.Clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators combined with genetic examination are helpful for the diagnosis of hepatic glycogen accumulation. Meanwhile, nutritional management is targeted according to the metabolic characteristics of different subtypes, and attention is paid to growth and development.

Biotics and bacterial function: impact on gut and host health.

The human gut microbiota, the vast community of microbes inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in maintaining health. Bacteria are the most abundant organism, and the composition of bacterial communities is strongly influenced by diet. Gut bacteria can degrade complex dietary carbohydrates to produce bioactive compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. Such products influence health, by acting on systemic metabolism, or by virtue of anti-inflammatory or anti-carcinogenic properties. The composition of gut bacteria can be altered through overgrowth of enteropathogens (e.g., Campylobacter, Salmonella spp.), leading to dysbiosis of the gut ecosystem, with some species thriving under the altered conditions whereas others decline. Various "biotics" strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, contribute to re-establishing balance within the gut microbial ecosystem conferring health benefits. Prebiotics enhance growth of beneficial members of the resident microbial community and can thus prevent pathogen growth by competitive exclusion. Specific probiotics can actively inhibit the growth of pathogens, either through the production of bacteriocins or simply by reducing the gastrointestinal pH making conditions less favorable for pathogen growth. This review discusses the importance of a balanced gut ecosystem, and strategies to maintain it that contribute to human health.

Associations of nutrition education with diet quality indexes and chronotype: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of nutrition education on chronotype, sleep quality, and dietary quality among university students. Participants included 317 students with nutrition education and 280 without. Data were collected through questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, chronotype (using the Morning-Evening Questionnaire), sleep quality (via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour food recalls were also recorded. Dietary quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020, while dietary fat and carbohydrate quality were assessed with the Fat Quality Index (FQI) and Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI), respectively. Results indicated that students who received nutrition education had significantly lower body weight, height, and waist circumference compared to those without. Of the students, 8.9% had a morning, 7% had an evening and the rest had an intermediate chronotype. HEI-2020, CQI, and FQI scores were significantly higher in the nutrition education group. Although no significant relationship was found between nutrition education and chronotype, improved dietary and sleep quality were observed in the group with education. This suggested that enhancing nutritional knowledge can positively impact health by improving dietary quality and sleep.

The Sex Dependent and Independent Effects of Dietary Whey Proteins Are Passed from the Mother to the Offspring.

The study assesses the metabolic impact of dietary whey proteins across generations. Virgin females are fed 20% energy whey proteins with 70% energy carbohydrates, which reduces body weight gain and visceral adipose compared to controls fed dietary casein. In contrast, the males are unresponsive. The effect is accentuated in reproductive females that also have reduced plasma levels of glucose. The responsive females have increased cecal levels of pyruvic and lactic acid, suggesting a greater catabolism of carbohydrates in the gut. While the male and female offspring born to mothers on whey proteins continue to reduce body weight gain, the female offspring further decreases the visceral and subcutaneous tissues and increases the gut capacity to breakdown dietary carbohydrates and proteins, whereas the male offspring are able to only decrease the visceral and increase protein catabolism in the gut. The ileum of male mice responded by reducing the gene expression for fibroblast growth factor 15 and increasing the expression of chymotrypsinogen B1. The effect of whey proteins on growth can be passed from the mother to the offspring without a sex preference, whereas the transmission of gut activity and adiposity are dependent on the sex of the offspring.

Micronutrient inadequacy differs by intake of fat amount and class among adults that consume a restricted carbohydrate diet: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018

BackgroundRestricted carbohydrate diets remain among the most popular for weight loss and general health improvement. Recent evidence demonstrates that carbohydrate restricted diets are low in overall diet quality, yet their association with micronutrient inadequacy has not been well characterized at a population-level in adults in the United States. Objective1) To evaluate the prevalence of not meeting daily micronutrient recommendations in US adults that met the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) and those who restricted carbohydrate to <45% energy, and 2) examine the effect of total fat and fat class on these results for the restricted carbohydrate group. DesignThis study utilized 24-hour recall data on food and nutrient intake from respondents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Participants/settingThis study included 15,029 respondents who were ≥20 y, had complete and reliable nutrient intake data, and were not pregnant or breastfeeding. Main outcome measuresThe main outcome was the prevalence of not meeting daily micronutrient recommendations based on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Statistical analyses performedThe National Cancer Institute’s usual intake methodology was used to estimate usual dietary intake and the prevalence of the US adult population not meeting the DRIs. ResultsCompared to participants that met the AMDRs, those that consumed restricted carbohydrate diets had greater prevalence of inadequacy (% <Estimated Average Requirement) for vitamin A (46.7% vs 33.6%), folate (12.9% vs 4.3%), vitamin C (42.5% vs 23.3%), vitamin D (64.6% vs 61.3%), magnesium (45.2% vs 41.3%), and iron (3.0% vs 1.3%), and lower prevalence of inadequacy for zinc (8.1% vs 12.2%) and vitamins B-12 (1.7% vs 2.8%; P<0.05 for all comparisons). Restricted carbohydrate diet consumers had a lower likelihood of exceeding the Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin K (57.8% vs 67.6%) and potassium (32.1% vs 39.2%; P<0.001 for both), higher likelihood of exceeding the AI for choline (16.9% vs 5.6%, P<0.001), and a greater proportion exceeded the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Intake (CDRR) for sodium (92.1 vs 88.5%, P<0.001). Fat amount and class in those consuming restricted carbohydrate diets modified many of these associations, but the effects were heterogenous across micronutrients. ConclusionThis study shows that there are different types of restricted carbohydrate diets that can be characterized by fat amount and class, each with their own association with micronutrient intake. This information can be used by clinicians to provide more targeted dietary counseling to their patients who restrict carbohydrates, depending on the amount and type of fat they consume.

Bacterial small RNA makes a big impact for gut colonization

The functions of non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) within the human microbiome remain largely unexplored. In this Cell Host & Microbe issue, El Mouali etal. identify Segatella RNA colonization factor (SrcF), a sRNA from a prevalent gut bacterium Segatella copri. SrcF promotes colonization of S.copri by regulating bacterial degradation of complex dietary carbohydrates.

The Relationship Between Dance Training Volume, Body Composition, and Habitual Diet in Female Collegiate Dancers: The Intercollegiate Artistic Athlete Research Assessment (TIAARA) Study.

This study's purpose was to evaluate the relationship between dance training volume, body composition, and habitual diet in female collegiate dancers. Thirty-three female collegiate dancers from three dance programs (20.4 ± 1.05 yrs.; 165.4 ± 11.3 cm, BMI 21.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2) participated in "The Intercollegiate Artistic Athlete Research Assessment (TIAARA)" study. We assessed dance training volume, body composition, and habitual diet. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means ± SD). Two-sample t-tests were conducted to compare reported intake values versus sports nutrition recommendations. Two-tailed Pearson correlations (r) were computed for body composition and dietary intake (p < 0.05). Collegiate dancers were enrolled in 16 ± 2.09 semester credits, with 7.7 ± 3.8 credits as dance movement courses and an additional 3.0 ± 1.5 h/week of rehearsal time. Body composition assessments included fat mass (24.4 ± 6.8%), lean mass (LM) (42.4 ± 10.1 kg), and total body water (32.6 ± 4.6 L). Habitual diets reflected a low-calorie diet (1399 ± 648 kcal/d), with ~20% of dancers consuming a very low-calorie diet (≤1000 kcal/d). Dancers reported under-consuming dietary protein (54.3 ± 26.2 g) and carbohydrate (171.8 ± 77.8 g). LM was positively correlated with daily total energy (r = 0.333), fat (r = 0.37), protein (r = 0.349), and leucine intake (r = 0.352). Our findings emphasize the positive effect of adequate nutritional quantity and quality on body composition in female collegiate dancers.

Relationship between Low Carbohydrate Diet and Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: Iranian Maternal and Child Health Cohort Study

Introduction: Postpartum depression, a form of depression, is a relatively common but serious medical condition that occurs following the birth of a baby. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the carbohydrate diet and the occurrence of anxiety and postpartum depression symptoms in women participating in the initial phase of the Maternal and Child Health Cohort Study, Yazd, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on the data of 1028 pregnant women from the Yazd Maternal and Child Health Cohort Study. The study tools were food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and postpartum depression questionnaire. Data related to dietary intake at the beginning of the study were collected in the first visit after pregnancy diagnosis and data related to depression in the second month after delivery. Carbohydrate intake score was calculated for each person according to summing up assigned scores to deciles of percentages of energy from macronutrients. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of postpartum depression and anxiety across quartiles of low carbohydrate diet scores. Results: Based on the multivariable-adjusted model, there was no significant association between low carbohydrate diet score and odds of postpartum depression (P=0.08). However, multivariable-adjusted model significantly indicated an association between low carbohydrate diet score in second tertile and the odds of postpartum anxiety (P=0.02) (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.86). Conclusion: After adjusting the confounders, women in the second tertile of low carbohydrate diet score might have 64% lower chance of depression versus those in the first quartile. While low or high carbohydrate intake does not affect postpartum anxiety and depression, moderate carbohydrate intake might be anxiety protective.

The association between low carbohydrate dietary score (LCDS) and cardiovascular risk factors: results from the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS)

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and recent studies have highlighted the potential role of dietary carbohydrate indices in cardiovascular health. Given the controversial results in this field, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between low carbohydrate dietary score (LCDS) and CVD risk factors in a population of Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS) including 1982 adults. The validated 168 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ dietary intakes. To investigate the association between LCDS and cardiometabolic risk factors, logistic regression, was conducted.ResultsDuring 5 years of follow-up, a total of 1982 adults, with a mean age of 53.07 ± 8.38 years, were included to the analysis. The adjusted model based on known confounding factors (age, sex, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and body mass index) revealed a significant decrease in a body shape index (ABSI) (OR = 0.70, 95% CI= (0.50 to 0.98), P = 0.038) comparing highest LCDS tertile vs. the reference. In contrast, risk of hypertension (HTN), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were not significantly associated with LCDS.ConclusionCurrent findings suggest that adherence to a low carbohydrate diet reduces ABSI, a main indicator of central obesity.

The Protein/Carbohydrate Ratio in the Diet Affects Zootechnical Performance and the Regulation of Intermediary Metabolism in Juveniles Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

The use of carbohydrates in animal feed is a way to save protein in the diet. This study evaluated the effect of protein/starch ratio on the performance, hepatic metabolism, and body composition of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Six isoenergetic experimental diets were formulated containing three levels of digestible protein (P: 230, 260 and 290 g kg- 1) and two levels of starch (S: 180 and 280 g kg- 1): P23S18, P23S28, P26S18, P26S28, P29S18 and P29S28. Juveniles tambaqui (N = 288; initial weight = 30.0 ± 3.8 g) were fed experimental diets for 90 days and the zootechnical performance was evaluated. Nine fish from each treatment group were sampled to determine somatic indices, blood metabolites, tissue energy reserves, body composition and activity of key hepatic enzymes. Blood triglycerides, hepatosomatic index, liver and muscle lipids, and hepatic glycogen increased significantly with starch while blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, muscle lipids were significantly impacted by protein levels. Fish-fed S28 had increased feed intake (1714-1829 g; p < 0.0001) and fish-fed diet P26S18 had a higher protein efficiency rate (23.62%; p = 0.0356). Fish fed P23 had lower crude protein retention in the carcass (p = 0.0018) and high lipogenesis and lipid deposition in the muscle (p = 0.0069). These results suggest that dietary carbohydrates have a protein-sparing effect. Tambaqui adapted well to diets containing starch, even at higher levels, resulting in an overall increase in lipogenesis from S18 to S28. Thus, we recommend P26S18 as a cost-effective feed that ensures both zootechnical performance and quality of the final product.

Heparin does not improve myocardial glucose metabolism suppression in patients with low betahydroxybutyrate level

Abstract Background/introduction Inadequate myocardial glucose metabolism suppression (GMS) can hamper diagnostic PET/CT imaging with [18F]FDG. β-hydroxybutyrate level (BHB) measurement prior to [18F]FDG injection is a newly proposed method of pre-evaluation of adequate GMS. However, more knowledge is needed, if BHB can be used to guide the preparation protocol (diet, fasting or premedication). Purpose The aim of our study was to evaluate if point-of-care measured BHB can be used to guide use of heparin premedication for cardiac [18F]FDG-PET/CT. Methods 139 patients [78 male, median age 58 (19-78) years] with clinical indication for cardiac [18F]FDG PET/CT were recruited. All patients had followed a high fat, low carbohydrate diet for one day and fasted for at least twelve hours. For the first 64 patients, BHB was measured, but it was not used to guide premedication. For the next 75 patients, iv. heparin 50 IU/kg was injected 15-20 minutes before FDG injection, if BHB was low (less than 0.35 mmol/l), whereas those with high BHB (more than 0.35 mmol/l) continued without heparin. [18F]FDG uptake pattern was evaluated visually using grades "no uptake", "focal uptake", "isolated lateral wall uptake", "basal ring", "diffuse uptake" and "focal on diffuse". "No uptake" and "focal uptake" were considered as adequate GMS. Statistical significance of the difference in uptake patterns was evaluated using the Pearson’s chi-square test. Results Median BHB was 0.4 (0.1-5.8) mmol/l. Half of the patients (76, 55 %) reached BHB higher than 0.35 mmol/l. Still, 102 patients (74 %) had adequate GMS. In high BHB group, 65 patients (86 %) had adequate GMS, whereas of those with low BHB, only 37 patients (59 %) had adequate GMS (p&amp;lt;0.001). In low BHB group prevalence of inadequate GMS was comparable in patients with and without heparin (42 % vs. 41 %, p=0.941) Results for the whole scale of visual distribution patterns can be seen in figure 1. Conclusion(s) Patients with high BHB have a high percentage of adequate GMS, whereas in patients with low BHB the probability of adequate GMS is significantly lower. Unfractionated heparin does not seem to improve myocardial GMS in patients with low BHB. Thus, high BHB should be pursued, and a longer diet might be needed for those with low initial BHB.

RNA-seq and whole-genome re-sequencing reveal Micropterus salmoides growth-linked gene and selection signatures under carbohydrate-rich diet and varying temperature

This study was performed on Micropterus salmoides to determine growth-linked gene and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers under carbohydrate diet and varying temperature through RNA-seq and whole-genome re-sequencing. The results showed that growth-related genes were primarily enriched in the fat digestion and absorption signaling pathway, playing a role in lipid transport and metabolism. Fatty acid binding protein 6, bile salt-activated lipase-like, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2, phospholipase A2, minor isoenzyme-like, and phospholipase A2, group IB (pancreas) were identified as the crucial genes. The differentially expressed genes between high and low temperatures were enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway, with carbohydrate transport and metabolism were most affected by temperature. Major facilitator superfamily domain containing 10, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1a, and spinster homolog 3 transcript variant X1(spns3) were the shared genes affected by temperature. From all the common genes, 10 growth-associated SNP markers were identified. The TT genotype at rs7781 was associated with lower body weight, while AA genotype at rs31434173 and CC genotype at rs31435313 showed positive correlation with body weight. Analogously, the GG genotype at rs31436887 and AA genotype at rs31438769 also found to characterize better growth performance. At low temperature, individuals with the AA genotype at rs11506587 and rs31435313 exhibited the slowest growth. For the genotypes labeled with rs11510589, the GG individual grew faster than the AA individual, whereas the opposite phenomenon occurred in these genotypes when labeled with rs11511314. The genotypes at rs32970704 and rs32967921 showed no growth correlation. The AA genotype at rs31435313 in spns3 had the slowest growth under a carbohydrate-rich diet regardless of the temperature. Our study presents candidate genes and SNP markers associated with growth influenced by carbohydrate and temperature, providing basis for the development of M. salmoides strain that better accepts carbohydrate diets at varying temperature.

Healthiness of Meat-Based Products in Comparison to Their Plant-Based Alternatives in the UK Market: A Packaging Evaluation.

This study evaluated the healthiness of meat products (n = 62) and their plant-based (PB) counterparts (n = 62) available in the UK market. Back-of-pack (BoP) and front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition label information, nutrition and health claims, and nutrient profiling model scores were compared. BoP labels revealed that meat products had higher protein, fat, and saturated fat content (p = 0.029), whilst PB alternatives were higher in dietary fibre and carbohydrates (p < 0.001). Red colour coding (FoP) for fat and saturated fat ('high') was more prominent in meat products (23 and 35%, respectively), and the red meat category had the most products with high fat and saturated fat content. Only 15% of meat products made nutrition claims compared to 40% of PB alternatives, and none included health claims. Most red meat PB alternatives made a nutrition claim, all related to the protein content (34%). The nutrient profiling model indicated that 74% of the PB alternatives were 'healthy' compared to 60% of the meat products. No association was found between the product type (meat/PB) and healthiness, except for the red meat products, which showed a significant negative association (p = 0.005), suggesting that these products corresponded to less healthy options. Therefore, PB alternatives can be considered as healthier substitutes for meat products.