Dietary Fat Quality Research Articles

Greater Scores for Dietary Fat and Grain Quality Components Underlie Higher Total Healthy Eating Index-2015 Scores, While Whole Fruits, Seafood, and Plant Proteins Are Most Favorably Associated with Cardiometabolic Health in US Adults.

ABSTRACTBackgroundHigh-quality diets reduce the risk of cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases. The dietary components that distinguish higher from lower quality diets, and their associations with health, have not been fully investigated.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the component scores that underlie differences in total Healthy Eating Index (HEI)–2015 scores, quantify fatty acid (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) intakes that comprise Fatty Acids component scores, and assess associations between component scores and cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of data from the NHANES (2001–2016) was conducted. Total and component HEI-2015 scores were assessed in adult (≥19 y) participants who provided one 24-h dietary recall (n = 39,799). Survey-weighted mean component scores by quartile of total HEI-2015 score were determined. Regression analyses were conducted to assess fatty acid intakes across quartiles of Fatty Acids component scores. Separate regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between component scores and cardiometabolic risk factors, after adjusting for demographic characteristics and health behaviors.ResultsScores for components related to dietary fat (Fatty Acids, Saturated Fats) and grain quality (Whole Grains, Refined Grains) accounted for the greatest differences in HEI-2015 scores. Higher Fatty Acids scores were primarily composed of lower saturated and greater polyunsaturated fat intakes. Whole Fruits, and Seafood and Plant Proteins, were most favorably associated with cardiometabolic risk factors including anthropometric measures (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), glycemic markers (Whole Fruits only, P < 0.01), and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Seafood and Plant Proteins only, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAverage diet quality in US adults is suboptimal. Higher quality diets are primarily distinguished by the types of fats and grain-based foods that are consumed. Interventions targeting dietary components that are most favorably associated with cardiometabolic risk factors—whole fruits, seafood, and plant proteins—may have the greatest impact on disease risk.

Achievement of the Targets of the 20-Year Infancy-Onset Dietary Intervention-Association with Metabolic Profile from Childhood to Adulthood.

The Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) is a prospective infancy-onset randomized dietary intervention trial targeting dietary fat quality and cholesterol intake, and favoring consumption of vegetables, fruit, and whole-grains. Diet (food records) and circulating metabolites were studied at six time points between the ages of 9–19 years (n = 549–338). Dietary targets for this study were defined as (1) the ratio of saturated fat (SAFA) to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA + PUFA) < 1:2, (2) intake of SAFA < 10% of total energy intake, (3) fiber intake ≥ 80th age-specific percentile, and (4) sucrose intake ≤ 20th age-specific percentile. Metabolic biomarkers were quantified by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics. Better adherence to the dietary targets, regardless of study group allocation, was assoiated with higher serum proportion of PUFAs, lower serum proportion of SAFAs, and a higher degree of unsaturation of fatty acids. Achieving ≥ 1 dietary target resulted in higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, lower circulating LDL subclass lipid concentrations, and lower circulating lipid concentrations in medium and small high-density lipoprotein subclasses compared to meeting 0 targets. Attaining more dietary targets (≥2) was associated with a tendency to lower lipid concentrations of intermediate-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein subclasses. Thus, adherence to dietary targets is favorably associated with multiple circulating fatty acids and lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations, indicative of better cardio-metabolic health.

Eucaloric diets enriched in palm olein, cocoa butter, and soybean oil did not differentially affect liver fat concentration in healthy participants: a 16-week randomized controlled trial

Effects of dietary fat quality on liver fat remain to be elucidated. Inconsistent evidence may be influenced by fatty acid saturation, chain-length, and regio-specificity within triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules. We aimed to compare eucaloric diets enriched in palm olein (POo), cocoa butter (COB), and soybean oil (SBO) on liver fat concentration in healthy participants. Secondary outcomes included visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (aSCAT) adipose tissue, plus other obesity and cardiometabolic health outcomes. Eighty-three healthy participants (20-45 y, BMI 18.5-27.5 kg/m2) commenced and 64 completed a 16-wk randomized parallel intervention, preceded by a 2-wk run-in. Participants consumed identical eucaloric background diets differing in test fats [contributing 20% total energy intake (%E)], providing 33%E total fat with the following ratios for PUFAs/SFAs/MUFAs: POo, 4.2/13.5/15%E; SBO, 14.4/8.8/9.4%E; COB, 2.3/19.5/11%E. Liver fat and abdominal adiposity were measured at weeks 0 and 16 using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging; all other outcomes were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk. Fat quality did not affect liver fat concentration, VAT, aSCAT, obesity indexes, blood pressure, liver enzymes, leptin, or fasting glucose. Body fat mass decreased with SBO and COB compared with POo. SBO decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and TC:HDL cholesterol relative to POo [estimated marginal mean (95% CI) differences: -0.57 (-0.94, -0.20) mmol/L; -0.37 (-0.68, -0.07) mmol/L; and -0.42 (-0.73, -0.11) mmol/L, respectively]. No diet differences were observed on HDL cholesterol, TAG, apoA1, apoB, apoB:apoA1, or fecal free fatty acids (FFAs), except for lower FFA pentadecanoic acid (15:0) with COB than with SBO and POo. In healthy adults, when consumed as part of eucaloric typical Australian diets, 3 different dietary fat sources did not differentially affect liver fat concentration and amounts of adipose tissue. Effects on serum lipids were inconsistent across lipid profiles. The findings must be confirmed in metabolically impaired individuals before recommendations can be made.

Effects of Randomized Controlled Infancy-Onset Dietary Intervention on Leukocyte Telomere Length-The Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP).

Reduced telomere length (TL) is a biological marker of aging. A high inter-individual variation in TL exists already in childhood, which is partly explained by genetics, but also by lifestyle factors. We examined the influence of a 20-year dietary/lifestyle intervention on TL attrition from childhood to early adulthood. The study comprised participants of the longitudinal randomized Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) conducted between 1990 and 2011. Healthy 7-month-old children were randomized to the intervention group (n = 540) receiving dietary counseling mainly focused on dietary fat quality and to the control group (n = 522). Leukocyte TL was measured using the Southern blot method from whole blood samples collected twice: at a mean age of 7.5 and 19.8 years (n = 232; intervention n = 108, control n = 124). Yearly TL attrition rate was calculated. The participants of the intervention group had slower yearly TL attrition rate compared to the controls (intervention: mean = −7.5 bp/year, SD = 24.4 vs. control: mean = −15.0 bp/year, SD = 30.3; age, sex and baseline TL adjusted β = 0.007, SE = 0.004, p = 0.040). The result became stronger after additional adjustments for dietary fat quality and fiber intake, serum lipid and insulin concentrations, systolic blood pressure, physical activity and smoking (β = 0.013, SE = 0.005, p = 0.009). A long-term intervention focused mainly on dietary fat quality may affect the yearly TL attrition rate in healthy children/adolescents.

Promoting and Updating Food Frequency Questionnaire Tool to Measure Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake Analysis.

Background:One of the problems that nutritionists have always faced in research projects is the analysis of food intake of the subjects. Various approaches have been proposed in which the use of food frequency is one of the most used in this field. Many tools have been proposed in this area that aim of present research is to update and optimize one of the most common forms mentioned above.Method:In this study, we attempted to update and optimize the 147-item common food frequency questionnaire using USDA database. Moreover, the values of dietary antioxidant profiles, lipid ratios, dietary fat quality, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, amino acids, flavonoids, and other requirements are included in the above tool to meet nutrition research needs.Results:The re-analysis of the obtained data with USDA Bank showed no difference due to the similarity of the source of information and the accuracy of the above instrument was confirmed.Conclusion:Due to the applicability of this tool, it can be recommended to researchers to use the above tool. We hope to see the Iranian database in the coming years to optimize the above tools based on the Iranian bank.

APOE Genotype Disclosure and Lifestyle Advice in a Randomized Intervention Study with Finnish Participants

BackgroundThe APOE ε4 allele is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer disease than ε3 and ε2. ObjectivesWe studied the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle guidance and personal genetic risk information [ε4 carrier (ε4+); ε4 noncarrier (ε4−)] as motivators for a healthier lifestyle. MethodsA total of 188 healthy Finnish volunteers (82.4% women; mean ± SD age: 51.0 ± 5.6 y; BMI: 26.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2; total cholesterol: 5.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L) participated in our randomized intervention study. The participants were genotyped for APOE and divided into intervention (INT; INTε4+, n = 33; INTε4−, n = 57) and control groups (CTRL; CTRLε4+, n = 36; CTRLε4−, n = 62). Blood samples, measured observations, and questionnaire data were obtained at baseline and at 1 and 1.5 y. INT participants received their ε4 carrier status at baseline. Monthly Internet-based guidance based on the Finnish Dietary guidelines was provided for all. ResultsThe proportion of SFAs in plasma over time fluctuated less in INTε4+ than in the other groups (P-interaction < 0.05; primary outcome). The lifestyle guidance increased vegetable consumption from 3.5 to 3.6 portions/d, improved the dietary fat quality score by 5.3%, increased the plasma n–3 (ω-3) FA proportion by 7.3%, and decreased the consumption of high-fat/high-sugar foods from 7.3 to 6.5 portions/wk and total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations by 4.3% and 6.1%, respectively, in the entire participant population (P < 0.05; secondary outcome). Compared with the ε4− participants, ε4+ participants had 2.4% higher plasma n–6 (ω-6) FA, lower C-peptide (3.9 compared with 4.2 nmol/L × h) and sensitive C-reactive protein values, and decreased plasma malondialdehyde concentrations over time (P < 0.05; secondary outcome). ConclusionsLifestyle guidance given to healthy Finnish participants yielded small but beneficial changes. The INTε4+ group did not seem markedly more responsive to the guidance than the other groups.This trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03794141.

The quality of dietary carbohydrate and fat is associated with better metabolic control in persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

BackgroundDiet quality is generally poor in persons with diabetes and it is unknown whether this is associated with worse glycaemic control and atherogenic lipid profile. The aim was to examine diet quality in relation to important markers of metabolic control in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsThe study was cross-sectional and included 423 (49% females) persons with T1D and 339 (29% females) persons with T2D recruited from an outpatient diabetes clinic in Denmark. Data were collected from July 2014 to January 2015. Diet quality was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire to examine eight key dietary components (carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, added sugar, dietary fibre, fruit and vegetables). Clinical data assessing metabolic control (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (total C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were extracted from the electronic medical records.ResultsIn T1D, higher intake of carbohydrates and added sugar was associated with higher HbA1c; higher fruit intake was associated with lower total C and LDL-C; and higher intake of carbohydrates and dietary fibre was associated with lower HDL-C. In T2D, higher intake of saturated fat was associated with higher total C; higher intake of added sugar was associated with higher LDL-C; and higher intake of polyunsaturated fat was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure.ConclusionsIn Danish adults with T1D and T2D, both the total intake and the quality of carbohydrates and fat were associated with an unfavourable glucose regulation and lipid profile. Thus, our findings support a constant focus on diet and emphasise the need for dietary support in people with diabetes to improve diet quality, metabolic control and possibly reduce cardiovascular risk.

The Role of Vegan Diets in Lipotoxicity-Induced Beta-Cell Dysfunction in Type-2-Diabetes

Type-2-diabetes is considered the new plague of the current century and both, its incidence and prevalence are rapidly increasing. Chronic insulin resistance and a progressive decline in beta-cell function are discussed as the root causes of type-2-diabetes. Both were associated with obesity and pathologically elevated concentrations of circulating free fatty acids in the blood.&#x0D; The harmful effects of chronically elevated free fatty acid levels on glucose homeostasis and non-adipose tissues are referred to as lipotoxicity. Pancreatic beta-cells appear to be particularly vulnerable and both, dietary fat quantity and quality may impact beta-cell function.&#x0D; Diets high in saturated fats are especially harmful to beta-cells while (poly-)unsaturated fatty acids were associated with beta-cell protective effects. This review examined how a dietary modification towards a low-fat vegan diet, which is particularly low in saturated and trans-fats, could help to prevent or reduce lipotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction.&#x0D; Several potential mechanisms of action were identified including: (1) reduced total fat intake (fat quantity), (2) a more favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid ratio (fat quality), (3) improved body weight and a reduction in adipose tissue mass, and finally (4) improved glycemic control. The latter appears of paramount importance in light of the accumulating evidence that lipotoxic events are tightly coupled to excess glucose levels.&#x0D; All four mechanisms are likely to contribute complementarily to improved beta-cell function in individuals with type-2-diabetes and may reduce the likelihood of lipotoxic events to occur. Physicians must consider these findings when counseling patients on lifestyle and nutrition.

The correlation between dietary fat quality indices and lipid profile with Atherogenic index of plasma in obese and non-obese volunteers: a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study

Background and aimAbnormalities in lipid metabolism are commonly observed in patients who were obese. Alongside dyslipidemia, one of the markers in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease is the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), which is related to dietary intake. Healthy fat quality indices might affect on AIP. The purpose of this study is to find the possible relationship between dietary fat quality, and AIP and comparison of these indices among obese and non-obese volunteers.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study with 157 normal and overweight and obese volunteers (n = 71 normal, Age: 38.90 ± 10.976 vs n = 86 overweight/obese, Age: 38.60 ± 9.394) in the age range of 18–65 years. Food intake was measured using FFQ, anthropometric indices (weight, height, body mass index and waist to hip ratio), body composition (visceral fat level, total body water, body fat mass), and lipid profile were measured.ResultsBased on the present results, comparable biochemical parameters including TC (P = 0.580), TG (P = 0.362), LDL (P = 0.687) and HDL (P = 0.151) among overweight/obese volunteers as compared to normal ones were noticed. Effects of dietary fat quality, including Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) hypo/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), the Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI) showed significantly higher AI (P = 0.012) in the overweight/obese group as compared to the normal group. Whereas, h/H (P = 0.034) and ω-6/ω-3 ratio (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in normal-weight volunteers. There was a positive correlation between AI, TI, CSI, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratio with AIP and negative correlation between h/H with AIP in both groups. Despite the significances of these correlations no strong relation was observed by doing multiple regression among normal and overweight/obese groups (R2 = 0.210, R2 = 0.387).ConclusionsIn summary, the present work proposes a direct relationship between dietary fat quality, increased BMI, and lipid abnormalities with AIP. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are required to sustain a clear conclusion in this wish.

Flight training in a migratory bird drives metabolic gene expression in the flight muscle but not liver, and dietary fat quality influences select genes.

Training and diet are hypothesized to directly stimulate key molecular pathways that mediate animal performance, and flight training, dietary fats, and dietary antioxidants are likely important in modulating molecular metabolism in migratory birds. This study experimentally investigated how long-distance flight training, as well as diet composition, affected the expression of key metabolic genes in the pectoralis muscle and the liver of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris, n = 95). Starlings were fed diets composed of either a high or low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA; 18:2n-6) and supplemented with or without a water-soluble antioxidant, and one-half of these birds were flight trained in a wind-tunnel while the rest were untrained. We measured the expression of 7 (liver) or 10 (pectoralis) key metabolic genes in flight-trained and untrained birds. Fifty percent of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism and fat utilization were upregulated by flight training in the pectoralis (P < 0.05), whereas flight training increased the expression of only one gene responsible for fatty acid hydrolysis [lipoprotein lipase (LPL)] in the liver (P = 0.04). Dietary PUFA influenced the gene expression of LPL and fat transporter fatty acid translocase (CD36) in the pectoralis and one metabolic transcription factor [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α (PPARα)] in the liver, whereas dietary antioxidants had no effect on the metabolic genes measured in this study. Flight training initiated a simpler causal network between PPARγ coactivators, PPARs, and metabolic genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism and fat storage in the pectoralis. Molecular metabolism is modulated by flight training and dietary fat quality in a migratory songbird, indicating that these environmental factors will affect the migratory performance of birds in the wild.

Attainment of Targets of the 20-Year Infancy-Onset Dietary Intervention and Blood Pressure Across Childhood and Young Adulthood: The Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP).

We examined whether success in achieving the key targets of an infancy-onset 20-year dietary intervention was associated with blood pressure (BP) from infancy to young adulthood. In the prospective randomized STRIP (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project; n=877 children), dietary counseling was provided biannually based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations primarily to improve the quality of dietary fat in children's diets and secondarily to promote intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Dietary data and BP were accrued annually from the age of 13 months to 20 years. The dietary targets for fat quality were defined as the ratio of saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids <1:2 and intake of saturated fatty acids <10 E%, dietary fiber intake in the top age-specific quintile, and dietary sucrose intake as being in the lowest age-specific quintile. Attaining a higher number of the dietary targets was associated with lower systolic BP (mean [SE] systolic BP, 107.3 [0.3], 107.6 [0.3], 106.8 [0.3], and 106.7 [0.5] mm Hg in participants meeting 0, 1, 2, and 3 to 4 targets, respectively; P=0.03) and diastolic BP (mean [SE] diastolic BP, 60.4 [0.2], 60.5 [0.2], 59.9 [0.2], and 59.9 [0.3] mm Hg; P=0.02). When the lowest age-specific quintile of dietary cholesterol was added as an additional target, the association with systolic BP remained significant (P=0.047), but the association with diastolic BP attenuated (P=0.13). Achieving the key targets of an infancy-onset 20-year dietary intervention, reflecting dietary guidelines, was favorably albeit modestly associated with systolic and diastolic BP from infancy to young adulthood. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00223600.

Dietary Impact on Postprandial Lipemia.

Abnormalities in postprandial lipemia (PPL), particularly those related to triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, are considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor. As diet is known to be one of the main modulators of PPL, the aim of this review was to summarize and discuss current knowledge on the impact of diet and its components on PPL in humans; specifically, the impact of weight loss, different nutrients (quantity and quality of dietary fats, carbohydrates, and proteins), alcohol and other bioactive dietary components (i.e., polyphenols), as well as the effect of different dietary patterns. The possible mechanisms behind the metabolic effects of each dietary component were also discussed.

Associations Between Dietary Fat Quality and Cognitive Function Among Adults: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Abstract Objectives Individual fatty acids (FA) within dietary fat classes [saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA), and trans FA (TFA)] may differentially affect risk of cognitive impairment. This has received little attention by most previous studies of diet and cognitive function, and few studies are available among Hispanic/Latinos. Our objective was to quantify associations of dietary FA (DFA) patterns with cognitive function among Hispanic/Latinos residing in the US. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a diverse cohort recruited from 2008–11 (n = 7842, mean age 55 y, 62% female). Dietary data are from two 24-hr recalls; the National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual nutrient intake. Total animal and plant MUFA variables and 26 FA were used to derive DFA patterns by principal components analysis. Global cognitive function was calculated as the average z-score from 3 cognitive tests [Word Fluency (WF), Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (B-SEVLT) sum, and Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS)]. Survey linear regression models, were adjusted for a number of confounders including, but not limited to education, depressive symptoms, ethnicity, study site, physical activity, and total energy. Results DFA patterns were characterized by greater consumption of long-chain SFA, animal MUFA, and TFA (Factor 1); short to medium-chain SFA (Factor 2); very-long-chain PUFA (Factor 3); very-long-chain SFA, plant MUFA and essential PUFA (Factor 4). Each 1-SD increase in only Factor 2 or 4 was associated with a 0.03 ± 0.01 SD or 0.02 ± 0.01 SD higher global cognitive function score, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Factor 2 was positiviely associated with DSS and B-SEVLT scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Factors 1 and 4 were positively associated with DSS scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Factor 3 was not significantly associated with any cognitive function measure. Conclusions Our findings suggest that intake of short to medium-chain SFA, and of plant based MUFA, SFA, and PUFA, may be associated with a small benefit on global cognitive function among Hispanic/Latino adults. Null associations were observed with a very-long-chain PUFA pattern, which may be partly due to low fish consumption. Prospective studies conducted in similar and other populations are needed to confirm our results. Funding Sources None.

Incorporation of Fatty Acids as a Biomarker of Dietary Intake and Source is Fatty Acid and Blood Fraction Specific in CD-1 Mice

Abstract Objectives Accurate biomarkers of fatty acid (FA) intake and source (e.g., diet-derived FA) are an important assessment tool to study the role of dietary fat quality on metabolic health. The purpose of this study was to assess the incorporation of unique, dietary FA from fish oil, echium oil, and dairy fat into the red blood cell membranes (RBCM), plasma phospholipids (PPL), and plasma cholesterol esters (PCE) of genetically-outbred CD-1 mice. Methods At one month of age, mice were assigned to one of four isocaloric diets consisting either of a control fat blend or the control fat blend supplemented (30%) with fish oil, echium oil, or dairy fat (n = 10/diet/sex). After 52 weeks of feeding, cardiac blood was collected for FA analysis of RBCM, PPL, and PCE using gas-liquid chromatography. Results Expectedly, a higher proportion of fish-derived FA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) was observed in the RBCM and PCE of fish oil-fed mice (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Accordingly, a greater proportion of echium oil-derived γ-linolenic acid was incorporated into all blood fractions of echium oil-fed mice (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Yet, stearidonic acid, specific to echium oil, was not detected in the RBCM of mice, and no differences in the proportion of stearidonic acid were found in the PPL and PCE. Odd-chain FA (pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid) were not exclusively enriched in the blood fractions of dairy-fed mice. Conversely, trans-palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid, rumenic acid, and branched-chain FA were differentially incorporated into the PPL and PCE, while not detected in the RBCM. Conclusions In summary, unique, diet-derived FA are differentially incorporated into the blood fractions of mice, indicating that the incorporation of dietary FA into blood fractions is highly dependent upon the FA species. Therefore, diet-derived FA cannot be used universally as a reliable biomarker to validate dietary FA source in mice, rather, the specific FA and blood fraction must be carefully considered. Funding Sources Armin Grams Memorial Research Award, UVM Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine; USDA-NIFA Hatch Fund (accession number: 1,006,628).

Effects of dietary fat quality on metabolic endotoxaemia: a systematic review.

In this systematic review, we critically evaluated human clinical trials that assessed the effects of dietary fat quality on metabolic endotoxaemia. The studies were selected from three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library), and the keywords were defined according to the Medical Subject Headings indexing terminology. Two authors searched independently, according to the pre-defined selection criteria. Quality and risk assessment of bias for each selected study were also evaluated. The results of the included studies demonstrated associations between higher SFA intake and increased postprandial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations. On the other hand, after the consumption of PUFA, bloodstream LPS concentrations were lower. However, in none of the long-term studies, the consumption of dietary fats did not seem to exert effects on LPS concentration. Hence, SFA seem to act as a risk factor for transient increase in endotoxaemia, while PUFA demonstrated exerting a protective effect. Taken together, the evidence suggests that the dietary fatty acid profile may influence bloodstream endotoxin concentrations through modulation of factors such LPS clearance, alkaline phosphatase activity, bile acid metabolism, intestinal permeability and intestinal microbiota composition.

The effects of a 2-year physical activity and dietary intervention on plasma lipid concentrations in children: the PANIC Study

PurposeWe studied the effects of a physical activity and dietary intervention on plasma lipids in a general population of children. We also investigated how lifestyle changes contributed to the intervention effects.MethodsWe carried out a 2-year controlled, non-randomized lifestyle intervention study among 504 mainly prepubertal children aged 6–9 years at baseline. We assigned 306 children to the intervention group and 198 children to the control group. We assessed plasma concentrations of total, LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL triglycerides, and VLDL triglycerides. We evaluated the consumption of foods using 4-day food records and physical activity using a movement and heart rate sensor. We analyzed data using linear mixed-effect models adjusted for age at baseline, sex, and pubertal stage at both time points. Furthermore, specific lifestyle variables were entered in these models.ResultsPlasma LDL cholesterol decreased in the intervention group but did not change in the control group ( − 0.05 vs. 0.00 mmol/L, regression coefficient (β) = − 0.0385, p = 0.040 for group*time interaction). This effect was mainly explained by the changes in the consumption of high-fat vegetable oil-based spreads (β = − 0.0203, + 47% change in β) and butter-based spreads (β = − 0.0294, + 30% change in β), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = − 0.0268, + 30% change in β), light physical activity (β = − 0.0274, + 29% change in β) and sedentary time (β = − 0.0270, + 30% change in β). The intervention had no effect on other plasma lipids.ConclusionLifestyle intervention resulted a small decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol concentration in children. The effect was explained by changes in quality and quantity of dietary fat and physical activity.Clinical Trial Registry NumberNCT01803776, ClinicalTrials.gov

Dietary fat quantity and quality in relation to general and abdominal obesity in women: a cross-sectional study from Ghana

BackgroundAlthough relationships between obesity and total fat and fat types have been widely examined, the associations between the relative proportions of fatty acids calculated in the form of indices and obesity/overweight are lacking. The objective of this study was to assess associations between dietary fat quality indices and odds of obesity/overweight in women from Ghana.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, dietary information was obtained using 24-h dietary recall. The odds of obesity were evaluated across quintiles of specific DFQ indices [atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), hypo- and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids ratio (h/H), omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (∑ω-3/∑ω-6), polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio (PSR), dietary lipophilic index (LI) and percentage of energy from total fat (TF)].ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates, general obesity and overweight were inversely associated with ∑ω-3/∑ω-6 ratio (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.24–1.63; P for trend (P) = 0.005) and positively with TI (4.14; 95% CI: 1.78–9.66; P = 0.01) and LI (2.49; 95% CI: 1.14–5.43; P = 0.01). The odds of abdominal obesity based on waist circumference (WC) were significantly higher among participants in the fifth quintile (Q) compared with those in the first Q of AI (1.24; 95% CI: 0.56–2.74; P = 0.01), TI (4.14; 95% CI: 1.78–9.66; P = 0.009), LI (2.11; 95% CI: 0.98–4.55; P = 0.02) and TF (1.59; 95% CI: (0.73–3.46; P = 0.003). Similarly, waist to height ratio (WHtR) was positively associated with AI (2.89; 95% CI: 1.32–6.31; P = 0.04), TI (2.65; 95% CI: 1.22–5.76; P = 0.03), LI (3.32; 95% CI: 1.52–7.28; P = 0.007) and TF (1.83; 95% CI: 0.85–3.93; P = 0.009).ConclusionThere was an inverse association between ∑ω-3/∑ω-6 ratio and general obesity and WC. We also found positive associations between abdominal obesity and AI and TF. Furthermore, TI and LI showed positive relationships with both general and abdominal obesity. Therefore, intake of dietary fatty acids in favor of higher ratios of ∑ω-3/∑ω-6 may be important in obesity prevention.

Replacing Animal-Based Proteins with Plant-Based Proteins Changes the Composition of a Whole Nordic Diet-A Randomised Clinical Trial in Healthy Finnish Adults.

Increased consumption of plant-based foods and decreased consumption of animal-based foods is recommended for healthy diets and sustainable food production. We investigated the effects of partial replacement of dietary animal proteins with plant-based ones on intake of energy-yielding nutrients, fibre, and plasma lipoproteins. This 12-week randomised clinical intervention comprised 107 women and 29 men (20–69 years) in three diet groups with different dietary protein compositions (“ANIMAL”: Animal 70%/plant 30%; “50/50”: Animal 50%/plant 50%; “PLANT”: Animal 30%/plant 70%; all: Protein intake 17 E%). Nutrient intakes were assessed by 4-day food records. Saturated fat intake (E%) was lower and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (E%) higher in the PLANT and 50/50 groups compared to the ANIMAL group (p < 0.001 for all). Fibre intake was higher in the PLANT (p ˂ 0.001) and 50/50 (p = 0.012) groups. Total and LDL cholesterol were lower in the PLANT than in the ANIMAL group (p = 0.003 for both) but no differences in HDL cholesterol or triglycerides were observed (p > 0.05). Replacing animal protein with plant protein sources in the diet led to an increased fibre intake and improved dietary fat quality as well as blood lipoprotein profile. Flexitarian diets could provide healthy and more sustainable alternatives for the current, predominantly animal-based diets.

Higher dietary fat quality is associated with lower anxiety score in women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe relationship between anxiety and dietary fat quality (DFQ) has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety disorder and fatty acids’ intake in women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 300 women aged 18–49 attending healthcare centers. Dietary exposure was measured by a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To determine the status of anxiety, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire was used. Based on the total score of anxiety, the participants were divided into two groups of without anxiety (< 8) and with anxiety (≥ 8). The relationship between fatty acids intake and odd ratio (OR) for anxiety was analyzed by simple logistic regression.ResultsAbout 37.7% of individuals reported anxiety. After adjustment for covariates, an increase in the OR for anxiety was observed across the quintuples of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.43–7.00; p-trend = 0.005). In addition, higher intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.05–0.44; p-trend = 0.001), oleic acid (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.09–0.67; p-trend = 0.002), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.02–0.23; p-trend < 0.001), and n-3:n-6 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.24–1.03; p-trend = 0.02) were found to be related with lower OR of anxiety.ConclusionIntake of SFAs was positively related to anxiety disorder, whereas MUFAs, oleic acid, ALA, and n-3: n-6 PUFAs intake were inversely related to anxiety score. For investigating the association of fat intake and anxiety disorder, DFQ may be a useful measure.

The effect of quantity and quality of dietary fat intake on subcutaneous white adipose tissue inflammatory responses.

The global prevalence of obesity and obesity-associated cardiometabolic diseases is a significant public health burden. Chronic low-grade inflammation in metabolic tissues such as white adipose tissue (WAT) is linked to obesity and may play a role in disease progression. The overconsumption of dietary fat has been suggested to modulate the WAT inflammatory environment. It is also recognised that fats varying in degree of fatty acid saturation may elicit differential WAT inflammatory responses. This information has originated predominantly from animal or cell models and translation into human participants in vivo remains limited. This review will summarise human intervention studies investigating the effect of dietary fat quantity and quality on subcutaneous WAT inflammation, with a specific focus on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB and nucleotide-binding and oligomerisation domain-like receptor, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome molecular signalling pathways. Overall, firm conclusions are hard to draw regarding the effect of dietary fat quantity and quality on WAT inflammatory responses due to the heterogeneity of study designs, diet composition and participant cohorts recruited. Previous studies have predominantly focused on measures of WAT gene expression. It is suggested that future work includes measures of WAT total content and phosphorylation of proteins involved in TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 signalling as this is more representative of alterations in WAT physiological function. Understanding pathways linking the intake of total fat and specific fatty acids with WAT metabolic-inflammatory responses may have important implications for public health by informing dietary guidelines aimed at cardiometabolic risk reduction.