Caloric Distribution Research Articles

High-protein energy-restricted diets induce greater improvement in glucose homeostasis but not in adipokines comparing to standard-protein diets in early-onset diabetic adults with overweight or obesity

It has not been elucidated if an energy-restricted diet with high protein content could induce a benefit in insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM); and if an adipose tissue functionality improvement could mediate this effect. We aimed to assess the effect of energy-restricted diets with standard (18% from total calories; SP) vshigh (35%) protein (HP), mainly coming from lean animal source, composition on glucose metabolism and adipokine concentration in overweight and obese subjects with T2DM. HOMA-IR change was the primary outcome. Six-month weight-loss intervention including 73 subjects (43.8% men, 55.6±8.37 aged and 32.8±3.67 of BMI) with T2DM that were randomized to follow one of two calorie-restricted diets with the following distribution of calories: 18% (0.75 [95%CI: 0.71-0.78] g/kg/day) protein, 52% carbohydrates and 30% fat, or 35% (1.34 [95%CI: 1.27-1.41] g/kg/day) protein, 35% carbohydrates, and 30% fat. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical (involving leptin, RBP4 and adiponectin) and lifestyle assessments were performed. Sixty-seven participants completed the study. Weight loss homogenously decreased among diets. HOMA-IR in HP diminished 2-fold than in SP diet (P=0.023 and P=0.004at 3 and 6-months between diets). Participants following HP diet showed higher decrease in insulin, in glucose at 6-months (P=0.004) and in HbA1c at 3-months (P=0.003). RBP4 and leptin significantly decreased in both diets although no differences were found between diets. Adiponectin increased by 6.05% and 29.9% at 3-months in SP and HP diets, respectively (P=0.167), and 23.7% and 53.5% at 6-months in SP and HP diets (P=0.219). Adiponectin variation was inversely correlated with HbA1c, insulin and HOMA-IR changes at 6-months. An energy-restricted diet containing 35% of total calories coming from protein lead to a greater improvement in glucose homeostasis, indicated by HOMA-IR and fasting plasma insulin concentrations, irrespective of weight loss in subjects with prediabetes or early stages of T2DM. This effect cannot be explained by changes in plasma concentration of adipokines. The clinical trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02559479).

Macronutrient Caloric Distribution Affects Metabolic Syndrome Parameters Among College Students (P08-049-19)

ObjectivesWe analyzed macronutrient distribution and its effects on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among Weber State students. We hypothesized that MetS parameters will be positively affected by meeting the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) for carbohydrate, protein, and fat. MethodsMetS data and two-day diet records were analyzed from 385 Weber State students (ages 18 to 65). Participants were separated by gender (Male: 128; Female: 257), and by macronutrient distribution. Groups indicated those who met all AMDRs for carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and those who did not. We also categorized participants as deficient (below 67% DRI) or sufficient in fiber intake (above/equal to 100% DRI). The mean differences on MetS parameters were evaluated by independent samples t-test. ResultsFemales who met all the AMDR’s, had significantly lower body weight (BW) (μ1 = 64.8 vs μ2 = 69.9 Kg; P = 0.042), waist circumference (WC) (μ1 = 77 vs μ2 = 81.2 cm; P = 0.028), HDL-C (μ1 = 51.2 vs μ2 = 56.3 mg/dL; P = 0.032), and blood glucose levels (μ1 = 87.4 vs μ2 = 90.2 mg/dL; P = 0.029) than those who failed to meet these recommendations. Participants consuming adequate fiber had lower BW (μ1 = 75.3 vs μ2 = 67.3 Kg; P = 0.005), lower WC (μ1 = 83.3 vs μ2 = 77.8 cm; P = 0.009), and higher HDL-C (μ1 = 48.5 vs μ2 = 55.4 mg/dL; P = 0.021) (P < 0.05) when compared with their deficient counterparts. ConclusionsMeeting AMDRs showed no effect on MetS factors among males. In females, meeting AMDRs had positive effects on most MetS parameters with exception of HDL-C. Although HDL-C was decreased, total cholesterol was also reduced. Thus, leading to an unaffected HDL/Total-cholesterol-ratio, a more reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease. Adequate fiber intake beneficially affected central adiposity and HDL-C levels. Funding SourcesWeber State University Office of Undergraduate Research.

Effect of a chronotype-adjusted diet on weight loss effectiveness: A randomized clinical trial

The alteration of normal biological rhythms, also known as chronodisruption, may be associated with obesity development. For instance, those subject with preference for vespertinity seem to be prone to develop obesity. However, the current hypocaloric dietary treatment of obesity does not take into account these aspects. Therefore, the objective of this trial was to evaluate whether a diet adjusted to patient's chronotype is more effective that the current dietary recommendations. 209 subjects take part on a 3 month randomized, double-blind trial. 104 subjects followed a typical hypocaloric dietary treatment and the other 105 subjects undergone a diet with a daily caloric distribution adjusted to their chronotype. There were no sex or age differences between groups. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Dropout rate was also similar in both interventions (p=0.683). Although both groups improved their anthropometrical parameters, the chronotype-adjusted diet group achieved a statistically significant greater reduction in percentage of total body weight loss (%TWL), BMI and waist circumference than the control group (p<0.010 in all contrasts). The effect on clinical parameters was less pronounced. This randomized trial has demonstrated for the first time that in overweight/obese subjects, a chronotype-adjusted diet is more effective than the traditional hypocaloric dietary treatment, at least regarding the anthropometrical parameters. Further research will confirm if this intervention is also more effective in the long term. NCT-ID: #NCT03755674, (available at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Analysis of actual home nutrition of urban children of pre-school and school age

The actual nutrition of the child population reflects the influence of both the socioeconomic conditions in the country and the local social environment of the child, while forming a reserve of adaptive opportunities and health in general. Aim. Analysis of the actual home nutrition of urban children of preschool and school age. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the actual nutrition of children and adolescents at home, living in the city of Perm. The method of 24-hour (daily) dietary recall for the weekend preceding the survey was used. Hygienic assessment of nutrition was made in accordance with the age physiological requirements. The observation group included children of preschool age and children who were studying in elementary, middle and high school. The total sample size was 717 people (351 boys and 366 girls). Results and discussion. The rations of all analyzed age groups were deficient in vitamins B1, B2, C, A, E and calcium, in addition to vitamin E, protein and total energy in preschool age. Nutrition was unbalanced by the content of macronutrients: against the background of a sufficient protein quota in total dietary calorie intake, an excess of fats along with a lack of vegetable fats, animal proteins and total carbohydrates were found. Consumption of individual products didn't always depend on the age. The main contribution to the daily calorie intake was made by inexpensive low-density foods - confectionery, sugar and fats (37-44% of energy). Products of mass consumption, bread, cereals and flour provided 21-25% of energy; milk and dairy products - 15% at a younger age and half as high in high school students; meat, poultry and fish, on the contrary, provided 15-17% in schoolchildren and less in the preschool age group; the share of fruits and vegetables was minimal in each of the age groups (3-6%). The actual diet of children and adolescents at home did not meet the physiological requirements. More than half of children had 3-fold meals, the intervals between meals reached 8 hours; the distribution of calories in meals was irrational, especially among older students, due to the increase in calorie intake in the afternoon. Conclusion. Home diet of urban children of preschool and school age on weekends did not comply with well-known principles and was associated with an irrational food set.

Temporal Distribution of Carbohydrate and Calorie Intake Is Not Associated With Hemoglobin A1c in Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to examine the temporal distribution of carbohydrate and energy intake over 24 hours in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and determine the association with hemoglobin A1C (A1C). Up to four 24-hour food recalls were collected from 98 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Temporal macronutrient distribution was operationalized by dividing each day into four, 6-hour time periods and calculating the percentage of total intake in each period. Linear regression was conducted to determine the extent to which these distribution patterns predicted A1C. The temporal distribution of calories and carbohydrate was not associated with A1C in this sample.

Intrahousehold Nutritional Inequities in Rural Bangladesh

AbstractUsing novel data from rural Bangladesh reporting individual-level food consumption and anthropometric measures, we find substantial inequities in the intrahousehold distribution of calories...

Chemical composition, percent of dietary reference intake, and acceptability of gluten-free bread made from Prosopis nigra flour, added with hydrocolloids

Abstract The objective of the work was to know the nutritional contribution of gluten-free bread made with Prosopis nigra flour, and the acceptability measured by celiac and non celiac persons. Gluten-free bread was made from a mixture of corn, rice and Prosopis nigra flours. To achieve better technological characteristics, xanthan gum and whey concentrate were added. A portion of bread (50g) provided 19% of DRI for protein for children aged 4 to 8 years, while for a pregnant or lactating woman, this value reached 5%. Regarding the fibers, 50g of bread covered 16% and 14% of the DRI for these biological moments. The fat requirement was covered by 16% for all biological moments analyzed. The dietary contribution of this bread surpasses in proteins and fiber to the commercial ones. Bread made with Prosopis nigra flour presented a balanced caloric distribution, contributing a high proportion of proteins, fats, dietary fiber (mainly of the insoluble fraction), and low quantity of carbohydrates available, characteristics that make it a recommendable product for celiac persons in different biological moments.

Features of the development of diets for preschool children in celiac patients

The article presents the results of a study on the development of diets for feeding children with food polyvalent allergy, incl. and gluten at the age of 3–7 years for feeding children in pre-school educational organizations. Food allergies to gluten or gluten enteropathy (celiac disease) is a chronic human disease in which eating food from wheat, rye, and barley grain causes a wide range of pathological changes in the body: damage to the small intestine mucosa, a sharp deterioration in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The developed 10 day menu, corresponding to the principles of the child's nutritional needs (physiological norms of consumption), distribution of nutrition during the day, the child's need for food. The data of caloric distribution of the diet for individual meals are presented. The evaluation of the nutrition balance of children was carried out on the basis of the SanPiN guidelines 2.4.1.3049-13. Satisfaction of diurnal physiological norms of consumption on the main macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and energy value of the diet on the basis of the analysis of menu-layouts is considered. It is shown that measures to form healthy food habits in preschool children as part of a healthy lifestyle should be systemic, ensuring continuity and continuity of this process, as well as taking into account the age and individual characteristics of children. Since the gluten-free diet is a health preventive for people with celiac compliance, it needs a long time.

El estado nutricional y su relación con la actividad física, el nivel socioeconómico y el rendimiento académico

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el estado nutricional con la actividad física, nivel socioeconómico y rendimiento académico de los alumnos de la carrera de Química y Farmacia de la UNAH en el tercer período 2014.Método: Estudio correlacional y transversal, de una muestra de 198 alumnos, de edades entre 17 a 30 años. Datos recolectados mediante cuestionarios validados de: datos generales, medidas antropométricas, recordatorio de 24 horas, índice global, nivel de actividad física y socioeconómica. En las pruebas el nivel de significación empleado fue de 0.01.Resultados: Según el Índice de masa corporal (IMC) el 13% tiene peso insuficiente, 20.2% sobrepeso y 7.6% obesidad, de acuerdo al índice de cintura cadera (ICC) el 41% tienen riesgo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT), los varones mostraron mayor grasa corporal, no presentan las diferencias propias de los patrones según el sexo. La dieta no es balanceada, es monótona, alta en proteínas, carbohidratos, baja en grasas, consumo de pescados, mariscos, frutas y verduras. La ingesta hídrica es menor a lo recomendado en 80% de los alumnos, 44% ingiere 4 comidas al día. El balance energético es negativo (79.3%) y la distribución calórica es inadecuada. Las pruebas bioquímicas reflejan un buen estado nutricional, el 44% presentan un valor menor de lo normal de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL). La actividad física fue ligera en el 70% de los alumnos. El rendimiento académico es bueno en 77% y el nivel socioeconómico es medio en 57%.Conclusión: No se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las variables.

Does Impulsive Response to Internal and External Food Cues Lead to Higher Calorie Intake?

Measuring the impact of self-control on caloric intake has proved challenging in non-experimental studies. In this article, we study the relationship between self-control and food intake quantified by calories. Using validated behavioral measures, we find that impulsivity increases caloric intake, and that restraint decreases intake. Furthermore, the effect of impulsivity and restraint is more pronounced at the upper end of the calorie distribution. Thus, individuals already consuming more calories display a heightened reaction and likelihood to succumb to food environmental pressures. An individual's decision to diet, when allowed to vary with behavioral measures, bears no unique significance on caloric intake. Our results are robust to different levels of physical activity and generally robust to underreporting.

Diet transformation in Africa: the case of Ethiopia

AbstractAfrica's food systems are changing fast amid rapid economic growth, emerging urbanization, and structural transformation. In this study, we use four rounds of nationally representative data from Ethiopia to document changes in household food consumption patterns over a period of unprecedented economic growth. We find that while the share of food in the total consumption basket is declining, food quantities and calorie intakes have considerably increased between 1996 and 2011. A decomposition analysis suggests that this was mostly driven by improvements in household incomes—a finding that is consistent across the calorie distribution. Also, the content of the food basket is changing with a gradual shift toward high‐value foods such as animal products, fruits and vegetables and processed foods. Overall, this diet transformation has important implications for the food security debate and for agricultural and food policy in the country.

From Pyramids to Plates to Patterns: Perspectives on Meal Planning.

There is wide agreement that nutrition is a cornerstone of diabetes management and that an individualized medical nutrition therapy program, preferably provided by a registered dietitian, is recommended for all individuals with diabetes (1,2). However, the debate can get heated when the discussion turns to exactly what defines the meal plan for diabetes, particularly as it relates to the recommended level of carbohydrate (3). At least in type 2 diabetes, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that any particular macronutrient distribution is superior (4). Thus, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) position has been, and continues to be, that there is no single dietary distribution of calories among carbohydrate, protein, and fat for people with diabetes and that macronutrient distribution should be individualized (1,2). Therefore, the most important variable influencing the meal plan should be what the individual with diabetes is willing and able to do. I have long been interested in nutrition as it relates to public health and how we, as health care professionals, influence consumer behavior. Interestingly, some of the highlights of my career have been punctuated with the release and periodic revision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Dietary Guidelines . When these guidelines first came out in 1980, I had just started a 2-year job at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Mass. The initial guidelines focused on nutrients to consume more of (i.e., starch and fiber) or less of (i.e., fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and alcohol). In 1992, when I moved from running a diabetes center in New Jersey back to Joslin in Boston, I said good-bye to the “Basic 4” and hello to the “Food Pyramid”—the USDA’s latest iteration of the guidelines. I gave an address at the 2005 ADA Scientific Sessions that reflected on public health nutrition …

Eating Decisions Based on Alertness Levels After a Single Night of Sleep Manipulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To determine the relationship between an ecologically-relevant change in sleep behavior and its subsequent effects on daytime alertness and feeding behavior. Fifty healthy, young participants (10 male, 40 female) completed two 3-hour study sessions that were at least five days apart. The first session was a baseline evaluation. On the night prior to Session 2, the amount of time in bed was manipulated to be 60%-130% of the individual's habitual sleep time. Within both sessions, subjective (Stanford Sleepiness Scale) and objective (Psychomotor Vigilance Test) alertness were measured. During the middle of each session, a 40-minute ad libitum meal opportunity allowed participants to eat from eight different food items. Food healthfulness, caloric density, distribution, and number of calories were measured and compared to alertness levels. The induced variation in time in bed resulted in induced variation in both subjective and objective (p < .05) measures of alertness. Decreased subjective alertness was associated with increased total caloric consumption (p < .05), and a greater number of calories consumed from less healthy food (p < .05), as rated by both the investigators and by the participant. Decreased objective alertness was associated with less healthy food choices (p < .05), and the consumption of more food from the calorically-dense items (p < .05). Ecologically-relevant impairments in subjective and objective alertness are associated with increased caloric intake and dysfunctional eating decisions. People experiencing reduced alertness after modest sleep loss may be more willing to eat food they recognize as less healthful, and appear to prefer more calorically-dense foods.

Macronutrients Association with Change in Waist and Hip Circumference Over 9 Years

Objective: The calorie distribution of macronutrients affects individuals' health. Quantity and source of macronutrients may play major roles in waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC). This study's purpose is to investigate the association between the quantity and source of macronutrients and the change in WC and HC over 9 years.Methods: Participants (N = 11,343) were from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Community Study. Those diagnosed with cancer or a decrease in WC or HC of 15 cm or more over 9 years were excluded. Change scores were created for anthropometrics between clinic visits over 9 years. Macronutrient intakes were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire at visit 1 and presented as a percentage of energy intake. Linear regressions were performed with quartiles of dietary components on change scores for WC and HC with controlling cofactors. Gender subgroup analysis was performed.Results: A larger increase in WC was associated with higher intakes of total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and fructose (p for trend < 0.005). A smaller increase in WC was associated with higher intakes of sucrose, total protein, animal protein, and alcohol (p for trend < 0.02). A larger increase in HC was associated with higher intakes of total carbohydrate, sucrose, fructose, animal protein, and vegetable fat (p for trend < 0.05). A smaller increase in HC was associated with higher intakes of animal fat, total fat, and total protein (p for trend < 0.05). In males, changes in WC and HC were associated with fructose, sucrose, total fat, and total protein. In females, changes in WC and HC were associated with dietary fiber, fructose, alcohol, animal protein, total protein, animal fat, and vegetable fat.Conclusion: Macronutrient source and quantity play a significant role in individuals' adiposity and effects on WC and HC. Overall, an increase in WC and HC was seen over the 11 years. The source and quantity of the macronutrients play a significant role in WC and HC. Further research needs to be conducted to see the exact effect that macronutrients play on WC and HC.

How Well Do Household-Level Data Characterize Undernourishment? Evidence from Bangladesh

Although undernourishment is characteristic of the individual, measurement has centered on household-level statistics that make strong assumptions regarding the equitable distribution of calories across household members. Utilizing a novel data source from Bangladesh that reports individual-level calorie intake, we investigate whether households distribute food equitably. We find substantial inequities in the intra-household distribution of calories, with household heads consuming inequitably large shares of total household calories. Furthermore, we find more inequitable calorie distributions among undernourished, poor households. Importantly, these results do not appear to be driven by assumptions about the energy requirements of household members. Due to the inequities, aggregate household-level data misclassify the nutritional status of a large share of the population. These findings have implications for food and nutrition program targeting, which often is based on household-level data.

Eating behavior by sleep duration in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Sleep is an important pillar of health and a modifiable risk factor for diabetes, stroke and obesity. Little is known of diet and sleep patterns of Hispanics/Latinos in the US. Here we examine eating behavior as a function of sleep duration in a sub-sample of 11,888 participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a community-based cohort study of Hispanics aged 18–74 years in four US cities. Using a cross-sectional probability sample with self-report data on habitual sleep duration and up to two 24-h dietary recalls, we quantified the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) score, a measure of diet quality, and intake of selected nutrients related to cardiovascular health. Linear regression models were fit to estimate least-square means of usual nutrient intake of saturated fats, potassium density, fiber, calcium, caffeine and the AHEI-2010 score by sleep duration adjusting for age, sex, Hispanic/Latino background, income, employment status, education, depressive symptomology, and years lived in the US. Distribution of calories over the day and association with sleep duration and BMI were also examined.Short sleepers (≤6 h) had significantly lower intake of potassium, fiber and calcium and long sleepers (≥9 h) had significantly lower intake of caffeine compared to others sleepers after adjusting for covariates. However no difference in the AHEI-2010 score was seen by sleep duration. Significantly more long sleepers, compared to intermediate and short sleepers, reported having ≥30% total daily calories before bedtime. Not consuming a snack or meal within 3 h before bedtime was associated with higher AHEI-2010 scores. These findings identify novel differences in dietary patterns by sleep duration in a Hispanic/Latino cohort in the U.S. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02060344

Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.

IntroductionPeptic ulcer is a lesion of the mucosal lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract characterized by an imbalance between aggressive and protective factors of the mucosa, having H. pylori as the main etiologic factor. Dietotherapy is important in the prevention and treatment of this disease.AimTo update nutritional therapy in adults' peptic ulcer.MethodsExploratory review without restrictions with primary sources indexed in Scielo, PubMed, Medline, ISI, and Scopus databases.ResultsDietotherapy, as well as caloric distribution, should be adjusted to the patient's needs aiming to normalize the nutritional status and promote healing. Recommended nutrients can be different in the acute phase and in the recovery phase, and there is a greater need of protein and some micronutrients, such as vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and vitamin C in the recovery phase. In addition, some studies have shown that vitamin C has a beneficial effect in eradication of H. pylori. Fibers and probiotics also play a important role in the treatment of peptic ulcer, because they reduce the side effects of antibiotics and help reduce treatment time.ConclusionA balanced diet is vital in the treatment of peptic ulcer, once food can prevent, treat or even alleviate the symptoms involving this pathology. However, there are few papers that innovate dietotherapy; so additional studies addressing more specifically the dietotherapy for treatment of peptic ulcer are necessary.

KARAKTERISTIK BUBUR PEDAS DALAM KEMASAN KALENG [The Characteristics of Spicy Porridges in the Can Packaging

Spicy p orridge is a traditional food from West Kalimantan that has unique flavor and aroma from the various spices and vegetables. Distinctive aroma comes from the kesum leaves ( Polygonum minus huds) and spices which is used as a mixture of cuisines and have bioactive activity. The objective of this study was to obtain scientific evidence regarding the formulation and nutritional value of canned spicy porridge without vegetables for humans based on emergencies food with flavor and taste appropriate with the Indonesian people. The study was conducted in three phases namely the spice formulation, kesum leaves formulation and condition of spicy porridge that would canned formulation. The results show that the most preferred product with the composition 66.9% toasted rice, 22.4% peanuts, 10.7% palm oil and 43.5% mixture spices accompanied by the addition of the 2.5% kesum leaves. The most preferred spicy porridge in the can packaging from the half cooked rice with the Fo value are 9.141 minutes and sterillized for 60 minutes on 121°C. The energy distribution of calories 50.07 ± 3.5 4 % from carbohydrates, 36.53 ± 3.0 4 % from fat and 13.40 ± 0.6 9 % from protein. Based on calory distribution and prefer level test, spicy porridge in can packaging is compliant and can be used as emergency food alternative in Indonesia.

Morning Meal More Efficient for Fat Loss in a 3-Month Lifestyle Intervention

Objective: To evaluate the effects of 2 low-calorie diets but with different distributions of calories throughout the day on weight loss and other major obesity-related metabolic parameters.Methods: We randomly assigned 42 nonsmoking homemakers (age = 46.3 ± 2.3 years, body mass index [BMI] = 35.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2, mean ± SD) in 2 groups of 21 subjects (G1 and G2). The participants underwent a 3 month individualized Mediterranean-style diet (55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 15% protein and fiber > 30 g), calorie (600 kcal daily deficit compared to the total energy expenditure measured by a metabolic Holter). Diets consisted of the same food and complied with cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines but differed in the distribution of calories throughout the day (G1: 70% breakfast, morning snack, lunch and 30% afternoon snack and dinner; G2: 55 breakfast, morning snack, lunch and 45% afternoon snack and dinner). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used for pre- and postintervention body composition assessment.Results: Thirty-six subjects completed the study (G1 = 18, G2 = 18). Both groups had significant improvements in body composition and metabolic parameters but G1 had enhanced results for weight loss (G1: −8.2 ± 3.0 kg; G2: −6.5 ± 3.4 kg; p = 0.028), waist circumference reduction (G1: −7 ± 0.6 cm; G2: −5 ± 0.3 cm; p = 0.033), and fat mass loss (G1: −6.8 ± 2.1 kg, G2: −4.5 ± 2.9 kg, p = 0.031; mean ± SD). Improvements were detected in both groups for blood pressure and blood and lipid parameters. G1 subjects showed a greater improvement in insulin sensitivity measured by homeostasis model assessment–estimated insulin resistance (G1: −1.37 ± 0.27, G2: −0.74 ± 0.12, p = 0.017).Conclusions: These data suggest that a low-calorie Mediterranean diet with a higher amount of calories in the first part of the day could establish a greater reduction in fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity than a typical daily diet.

Global food security in 2050: the role of agricultural productivity and climate change

In this paper, we examine how the complexities introduced by trends in agricultural productivity and climate change affect the future of global food security. We use a partial equilibrium model of global agriculture incorporating a food security module that links changes in the average dietary energy intake to shifts in the full caloric distribution, allowing us to compute changes in the incidence, headcount and average depth of malnutrition. After validating the model against an historical period, we implement a series of future scenarios to understand the impacts of key exogenous drivers on selected food security outcomes. Our results show improvements in global food security for the period 2006–2050. Despite growing population and increased biofuel demand, baseline income growth, coupled with projected increases in agricultural productivity lead to a 24 per cent rise in global average dietary energy intake. Consequently, the incidence of malnutrition falls by 84 per cent, lifting more than half a billion people out of extreme hunger. However, these results hinge heavily on agricultural productivity growth. Without such growth, there could be a substantial setback on food security improvements. Climate change adds uncertainty to these projections, depending critically on the crop yield impacts of increasingCO2concentrations in the atmosphere.