Peanut Intake Research Articles

Exposure and knowledge on peanut aflatoxin B1 among urban consumer in Jakarta, Indonesia

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L), an important food in the Indonesian diet, has been reported to be contaminated with the carcinogenic Aflatoxin B1. However, research on consumer knowledge and exposure to AfB1 from peanuts in Indonesia is still limited. This study aimed to assess the exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) from peanuts consumed by urban Jakarta and their knowledge of aflatoxin risk. This observational study was cross-sectional in design, involving 192 randomly selected respondents. Peanut intake frequency was measured using a semi-quantitative FFQ instrument. Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding knowledge and income. The AfB1 content was analyzed by HPLC. Pearson Chi-Square test was used for analysis. The results showed that AfB1 contaminants were present in all samples. Respondents who frequently consumed high amounts of peanuts and processed products were exposed to AfB1 with a median of 22.55 ppb bb/day. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and AfB1 exposure (p= 0.874), age (p= 0.884), or income (p= 0.355). In conclusion, aflatoxin B1 exposure was still high in urban areas. There was no relationship between knowledge and exposure to AfB1 peanuts. Inter-sectoral strengthening of the empowerment and control of aflatoxin exposure is needed, as are economic and health impact studies related to AfB1 exposure.

Consumption of peanut products enhances the production of microbial phenolic metabolites related with memory and stress response: Results from the ARISTOTLE trial

Based on evidence demonstrating that gut microbiota can metabolize dietary polyphenols to more readily absorbable phenolic acids, this study aimed to evaluate the association of urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPMs) related to peanut intake with memory function and stress response. A total of 63 healthy young adults from a randomized controlled trial completed the intervention, consuming 25 g of skin roasted peanuts, 32 g of peanut butter, or 32 g of a control butter daily for six months. Cognition and mood were assessed using validated tests. Urinary cortisol was quantified by an enzymatic method and MPMs were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Lignans and hydroxybenzoic acids with significantly higher post-intervention levels were correlated with improved cognition and mood in peanut product consumers. These findings suggest that peanut and peanut butter consumption may contribute to the production of MPMs involved in the improvement of memory.

P27-008-23 Effect of Peanut Intake on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Self-Reported Memory Complaints

P27-008-23 Effect of Peanut Intake on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Self-Reported Memory Complaints

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Circulating Very Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids in Humans: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

Recent observational studies have documented inverse associations of circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFAs), namely arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), with cardiometabolic outcomes. In addition to their endogenous production, it has been suggested that dietary intake or an overall healthier lifestyle may influence VLCSFA concentrations; however, a systematic review of the modifiable lifestyle contributors to circulating VLCSFAs is lacking. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically assess the effects of diet, physical activity, and smoking on circulating VLCSFAs. Following registration on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42021233550), a systematic search of observational studies was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane databases up to February 2022. A total of 12 studies consisting of mostly cross-sectional analyses were included in this review. The majority of the studies documented the associations of dietary intake with total plasma or red blood cell VLCSFAs, in which a range of macronutrients and food groups were examined. Two cross-sectional analyses showed a consistent positive association between total fat and peanut intake with 22:0 and 24:0 and an inverse association between alcohol intake and 20:0 and 22:0. Furthermore, a moderate positive association between physical activity and 22:0 and 24:0 was observed. Lastly, there were conflicting results on the effects of smoking on VLCSFA. Although most studies had a low risk of bias; the findings of this review are limited by the bi-variate analyses presented in the majority of the included studies, therefore, the impact of confounding is unclear. In conclusion, although the current observational literature examining lifestyle determinants of VLCSFAs is limited, existing evidence suggests that circulating 22:0 and 24:0 may be influenced by higher total and saturated fat consumption and nut intake.

Inverse relations between Helicobacter pylori infection and risk of esophageal precancerous lesions in drinkers and peanut consumption.

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the upper digestive tract. Although H. pylori infection is an identified risk factor for gastric cancer, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a topic of much debate.AIMTo evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of precancerous lesions of ESCC, and further explore the association between dietary factors and the risk of H. pylori infection.METHODSTwo hundred patients with esophageal precancerous lesions (EPL) aged 63.01 ± 6.08 years and 200 healthy controls aged 62.85 ± 6.03 years were included in this case-control study. Epidemiological data and qualitative food frequency data were investigated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measuring serum immunoglobulin G antibodies was used to determine H. pylori seropositivity. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to assess the association between H. pylori infection and EPL risk dichotomized by gender, age, and the use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as the association between dietary factors and the risk of H. pylori infection.RESULTSA total of 47 (23.5%) EPL cases and 58 (29.0%) healthy controls had positive H. pylori infection. An inverse relation between H. pylori infection and the risk of EPL was found in the group of drinkers after adjustment for covariates [odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.11-0.95]. Additionally, peanut intake was significantly associated with a decreased risk of H. pylori infection (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20-0.74).CONCLUSIONOur study suggested that H. pylori infection may decrease the risk of EPL for drinkers in a rural adult Chinese population, and the consumption of peanut may reduce the risk of H. pylori infection. These findings should be framed as preliminary evidence, and further studies are required to address whether the mechanisms are related to the localization of lesions and alcohol consumption.

Peanuts as a nighttime snack enrich butyrate-producing bacteria compared to an isocaloric lower-fat higher-carbohydrate snack in adults with elevated fasting glucose: A randomized crossover trial

Tree nuts have glucoregulatory effects and influence gut microbiota composition. The effect of peanuts on the microbiota has not been investigated. The aim was to examine the effect of 28g/d of peanuts for 6-wks, compared to an isocaloric lower-fat higher-carbohydrate (LFHC) snack, on gut microbiota composition. A secondary aim was toidentify functional and active compositional differences in a subset of participants using metatranscriptomics. In a randomized, crossover trial, 50 adults (48% female; 42±15y; BMI 28.3±5.6kg/m2; plasma glucose 100±8mg/dL) consumed 28g/d of dry roasted, unsalted, peanuts (164kcal; 11% E carbohydrate, 17% E protein, 73% E fat, and 2.4g fiber) or a LFHC snack (164kcal; 53% E carbohydrate, 17% E protein, 33% E fat, and 3g fiber) for 6-wk (4-wk washout period). Gut bacterial composition was measured using 16S rRNA sequencing in the whole cohort. Exploratory metatranscriptomic analyses were conducted on a random subset (n=24) of samples from the Peanut condition. No between-condition differences in α- or β- diversity were observed. Following peanut intake, Ruminococcaceae were significantly more abundant [Linear discriminant analysis score (LDA)=2.8; P=0.027)] compared to LFHC. Metatranscriptomics showed increased expression of the K03518 (aerobic carbon-monoxide dehydrogenase small subunit) gene following peanut intake (LDA=2.0; P=0.004) and Roseburia intestinalis L1-82 was identified as a contributor to the increased expression. An increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae was observed following consumption of 28g/d of peanuts in adults with elevated fasting glucose after 6-wks. Metatranscriptomics revealed increased expression of the K03518 gene. These results suggest peanut intake enriches a known butyrate producer and the increased expression of a gene implicated in butyrate production adds further support for peanut-induced gut microbiome modulation. NCT: 03654651.

The Effect of a Peanut-Enriched Weight Loss Diet Compared to a Low-Fat Weight Loss Diet on Body Weight, Blood Pressure, and Glycemic Control: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of consuming 35 g of peanuts prior to two main meals per day as part of a weight loss diet, compared to a traditional low-fat weight loss diet, on body weight, markers of glycemic control, and blood pressure in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes over 6 months. A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted. Adults (age > 18 years) with a BMI of >26 kg/m2 at risk of type 2 diabetes were randomized to the peanut group or the traditional low-fat-diet group (control). The peanut group was advised to consume 35 g of lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts prior to two main meals per day. Participants in the control group were given education to follow a low-fat diet. Both groups had dietetic counseling to restrict energy intake (women: <5500 kJ/1300 kcal/d; men: <7000 kJ/1700 kcal/d). Outcome assessment occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. In total, 107 participants were randomized (65% female; mean age 58 ± 14 years, BMI 33 ± 5.4 kg/m2, waist circumference 109 ± 13 cm, AUSDRISK score 15 ± 5 points), and 76 participants completed the study. No between-group difference in body weight (primary outcome) was observed at 6 months (mean difference, −0.12 kg; 95% CI, −2.42, 2.18; p = 0.92). The mean weight loss at 6 months was 6.7 ± 5.1 kg in the cohort (visit p < 0.001). HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, 2-h glucose, and HOMA-IR were not different between the groups. Systolic blood pressure was reduced to a greater extent in the peanut group vs. the control group at 6 months (−5.33 mmHg; 95% CI, −9.23, −1.43; p = 0.008). Intake of 35 g of peanuts prior to two main meals per day, in the context of an energy-restricted diet, resulted in weight loss comparable to a traditional low-fat weight loss diet without preloads. Greater systolic blood pressure reductions were observed with peanut intake, which may lower cardiovascular disease risk.

The Effects of a Hypocaloric Diet Containing Peanuts on Weight Loss, Glycemic Control and Blood Pressure: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe objective was to examine the effect of consuming peanuts prior to two main meals per day as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet, compared to a hypocaloric diet devoid of peanuts, on body weight, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood pressure.MethodsA two-arm, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Adults (age >18 years) with a BMI of >26 kg/m2 at increased risk of type 2 diabetes (AUSDRISK score >12) were randomized to the peanut group or the traditional low fat diet group (control). The peanut group was advised to consume 35 g of lightly salted, roasted peanuts prior to two main meals per day. Participants in the control group were asked to avoid peanuts/peanut butter for the duration of the trial. Both diet groups were advised to restrict energy intake (women: 5500 kJ/1300 kcal/d; men: 7000 kJ/1700 kcal/d). Outcome assessment occurred at baseline, 3 and 6 months.ResultsIn total, 107 participants were randomized (65% female; mean age 58 ± 14 years, BMI 33 ± 5.4 kg/m2, waist circumference 109 ± 13 cm, AUSDRISK score of 15 ± 5) and 76 participants completed the study. No between-group difference in body weight (primary outcome) was observed (p = 0.90). Mean weight loss at 6 months was 6.7 ± 5.1 kg in the cohort (p value for time < 0.001). HbA1c was lowered over time (0.1 ± 0.2%; p < 0.001) with no between group difference (p = 0.80). Systolic blood pressure was reduced to a greater extent in the peanut group vs. the control group (mean difference −5.0 mmHg; 95% CI −9.6 to −1.1 p = 0.014).ConclusionsIntake of 35 g of peanuts prior to two main meals per day, in the context of a hypocaloric diet, resulted in weight loss comparable to a traditional weight loss diet. Greater systolic blood pressure reductions were observed with peanut intake suggesting this weight loss approach may confer greater cardiovascular risk reduction.Funding SourcesThe Peanut Institute.

Peanuts or an Isocaloric Lower Fat, Higher Carbohydrate Nighttime Snack Have Similar Effects on Fasting Glucose in Adults with Elevated Fasting Glucose Concentrations: a 6-Week Randomized Crossover Trial

BackgroundThe glycemic effects of peanuts are not well studied and no trials have been conducted in adults with elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Furthermore, intake of peanuts as a nighttime snack, an eating occasion affecting FPG, has not been examined. ObjectivesThe aim was to determine the effect of consuming 28 g/d of peanuts as a nighttime snack for 6 wk on glycemic control and cardiovascular disease risk factors, compared with an isocaloric lower fat, higher carbohydrate (LFHC) snack (whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese), in adults with elevated FPG. MethodsIn a randomized crossover trial, 50 adults (FPG 100 ± 8 mg/dL) consumed dry roasted, unsalted peanuts [164 kcal; 11% energy (E) carbohydrate, 17% E protein, and 73% E fat] or a LFHC snack (164 kcal; 54% E carbohydrate, 17% E protein, and 33% E fat) in the evening (after dinner and before bedtime) for 6 wk with a 4-wk washout period. Primary (FPG) and secondary end points [Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), weight, insulin, fructosamine, lipids/lipoproteins, central and peripheral blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity] were evaluated at the beginning and end of each condition. Linear mixed models were used for data analysis. ResultsFPG was not different between the peanut and LFHC conditions (end point mean difference: −0.6 mg/dL; 95% CI: −2.7, 1.6; P = 0.67). There were no between-condition effects for secondary cardiometabolic endpoints. The HEI-2015 score was not different between the conditions (3.6 points; P = 0.19), although the seafood/plant protein (2.0 points; P < 0.01) and added sugar (0.8 points; P = 0.04) components were improved following peanut intake. The whole grain component was lower with peanuts compared with LFHC (−2.6 points; P < 0.01). ConclusionsIn adults with elevated FPG, peanuts as a nighttime snack (28 g/d) did not affect FPG compared with an isocaloric LFHC snack after 6 wk.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03654651.

November 2021 Stroke Highlights

November 2021 <i>Stroke</i> Highlights

Associations of total nut and peanut intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a Japanese community: the Takayama study.

Numerous epidemiological studies have suggested that nut intake is associated with a reduced risk of mortality. Although diets and lifestyles differ by regions or races/ethnicities, few studies have investigated the associations among non-white, non-Western populations. We evaluated the associations of total nut and peanut intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a population-based prospective cohort in Japan. Participants (age: ≥35 years at baseline in 1992; n 31552) were followed up until death or the end of follow-up in 2008. Those with cancer, CHD or stroke at baseline were excluded. Dietary intake was assessed only at baseline by using a validated FFQ. In total, 2901 men died during 183299 person-years and 2438 women died during 227054 person-years. The mean intakes of total nuts were 1·8 and 1·4 g/d in men and women, respectively. Although peanut intake accounted for approximately 80 % of the total nut intake, total nut and peanut intakes were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in men after adjusting for all potential confounders. For example, compared with the lowest quartile category, the adjusted hazard ratio (95 % CI) of total nut intake for all-cause mortality in men of the highest quartile category was 0·85 (95 % CI 0·75, 0·96) (Pfor trend = 0·034). Peanut intake was inversely associated with digestive disease mortality in men and CVD mortality in women. Total nut and peanut intakes, even in low amounts, were associated with a reduced risk of mortality particularly in men.

Peanut Intake Enriches Butyrate Producing Bacteria and Expression of a Gene Associated With Butyrate Production in Adults With Elevated Fasting Glucose: An RCT

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of consuming 28 g/d of peanuts for 6-weeks, compared to an isocaloric lower fat, higher carbohydrate (LFHC) snack, on gut microbiota composition in adults with elevated fasting glucose. Further, to identify functional and compositional differences in responders using metatranscriptomics. MethodsIn a randomized, crossover trial, 50 adults (52% male; 42 ± 15 y; BMI 28.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2; glucose 100 ± 8 mg/dL) consumed 28g/d of dry roasted, unsalted, peanuts (160 kcal) or a LFHC snack for 6-wk with a 4-wk washout period. Fecal samples were collected at the baseline and endpoint of each period. Gut microbiota composition was measured using 16 rRNA sequencing and QIIME2 for amplicon sequence variant assignment. Metatranscriptomic sequencing was conducted on baseline and endpoint samples from subjects with the greatest reduction in glucose following the peanut condition (n = 24), to measure gene expression related to microbial metabolic pathways. The NUGEN library preparation method was used to generate cDNA. MetaPhlan2 and HUMAnN2 were used for taxonomic and functional gene annotation, and iPATH3 and Pathview were used for mapping to functional gene pathways. ResultsNo between-condition difference in α or β microbiota diversity was observed. Following peanut intake, roseburia and ruminococcaceae were significantly enriched (LDA > 2; P < 0.05). Metatranscriptomics showed enrichment of the K03518 (aerobic carbon-monoxide dehydrogenase small subunit) gene following peanut intake (P < 0.05). ConclusionsEnrichment of roseburia was observed following consumption of 28 g/d of peanuts in adults with elevated fasting glucose. Metatranscriptomics revealed enrichment of the K03518 gene, which is associated with short chain fatty acid production and degradation of β-mannans. These results suggest peanut intake enriches a known butyrate producer and the increased expression of a gene implicated in butyrate production adds further support for peanut-induced gut microbiome modulation. Funding SourcesThe Peanut Institute and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (1UL1TR002014-01).

50 Intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay

Rhizoma peanut hay has the potential to meet horses’ crude protein requirements with reduced nitrogen excretion. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance of rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata cv Florigraze) hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. cv Legendary XHD) and bermudagrass (CB, Cynodon dactylon L. cv Coastal) hays when fed to maintenance horses at 2% BW/d on a dry-matter (DM) basis. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of the hays in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. A 14-d adaptation phase was followed by a 3-d total fecal and urine collection. Intake of nutrients is reported on a DM basis. Both legumes (ALF = 1.99% BW and RP = 1.97% BW) provided DM intake greater ( P < 0.05) than CB (1.82% BW) but were not different from one another. Digestible energy (DE) intake of ALF (29.9 Mcal/d) and RP (29.4 Mcal/d) were greater ( P < 0.05) than CB (20.8 Mcal/d). Crude protein (CP) intake was greater ( P < 0.05) for ALF (2,542 g/d), followed by RP (1,859 g/d), and then CB (1,477 g/d). Alfalfa provided the highest ( P < 0.05) calcium to phosphorus ratio of 6.3:1, while RP provided 4.4:1, and CB provided the lowest (1.7:1). Intake of all hays exceeded maintenance DE, CP, Ca, and P requirements. Apparent DM ( P < 0.05) and CP ( P < 0.05) digestibility were greater for ALF (69%, 84%), followed by RP (61%, 72%), and lowest for CB (46%, 64%). Neutral detergent fiber apparent digestibility did not differ ( P = 0.2228) among the 3 hays, while acid detergent fiber digestibility ( P = 0.0054) was lower for RP and similar for ALF and CB. Apparent digestibility of non-structural carbohydrate ( P < 0.05) was greater for ALF, followed by RP, and lowest for CB, while starch ( P < 0.05) digestibility was similar between the legumes and lowest for CB. Water intake for ALF was greater ( P < 0.05) than RP and CB. Greater urinary excretion ( P < 0.05) was observed for alfalfa, while water excreted through feces was greater ( P < 0.05) for CB, followed by RP, and lower for ALF. Urinary nitrogen (N) excretion was greater ( P < 0.05) for ALF, followed by RP, and lower for CB whereas fecal N excretion for both RP and CB were greater ( P < 0.05) than for ALF. Total N excreted was greater ( P < 0.05) for ALF (278 g/d), followed by RP (211 g/d), and lower for CB (179 g/d). Nitrogen retention was greater ( P < 0.05) for ALF when represented as g/d, but similar to RP when presented as percent of N intake. Results indicate that rhizoma peanut hay is a suitable legume for horses by meeting DE and CP requirements with significantly less N excretion than alfalfa.

Predefined Clinical and Laboratory Criteria Predict Successful Transition from Peanut Oral Immunotherapy Daily Maintenance Dosing to Ad Lib Consumption

Peanut oral immunotherapy has been shown to effectively decrease sensitization in peanut-allergic individuals; however, clinical endpoints for completion of therapy remain unclear. We followed long-term outcomes in a real-world peanut OIT cohort that transitioned to ad lib peanut consumption once meeting predefined clinical and laboratory criteria. Data were collected for 199 patients initiating peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) at a pediatric Allergy clinic between 2011-2020. Patients proceeded through clinic updosing to daily maintenance dose of 2 teaspoons peanut butter, or lower dose for toddlers or those with severe peanut aversion. Patients were permitted to transition to ad lib peanut consumption once meeting the following criteria: (1) tolerance of a full-serving of peanut (7000mg peanut protein) in oral food challenge, (2) Skin prick wheal <8mm, and (3) serum peanut-specific IgE level <1 kUA/L. Patients were advised to continue peanut consumption at least twice weekly during ad lib regimen. Clinical outcomes were monitored by clinic visits or telephone contact. Fifty-one of 199 patients transitioned to ad lib consumption after a median of 285 days since reaching daily maintenance (91-1183 days). Median time on ad lib status was 581 days (20-2,275 days). Two grade I reactions--oral itching and perioral rash--occurred after lapse in peanut intake for 2 weeks and 2 months, respectively. Eight patients (16%) continued to self-report peanut allergy, and 24 (48%) continued to carry epinephrine injectors. Peanut OIT patients identified prospectively by clinical and laboratory criteria can successfully transition from daily maintenance dosing to intermittent ad lib peanut consumption.

Effect of High-Oleic Peanut Intake on Aging and Its Hippocampal Markers in Senescence-Accelerated Mice (SAMP8).

In many previous studies, the preventive effects of peanut against aging and cognitive impairment have often been unclear, so to clarify the effects we first investigated effective markers for evaluating its effects in the hippocampus of senescence-accelerated mouse prone/8 (SAMP8) mice, mainly using proteomics. The effects of dietary high-oleic peanuts on the hair appearance of SAMP8, the expression of effective markers in the hippocampus, and the TBARS and amino acid contents of the hippocampus were examined. Hippocampus solute carrier family 1 (glial high-affinity glutamate transporter), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II, and sodium- and chloride-dependent GABA transporter, which all are considered to be closely related to glutamic acid concentration were decreased by feeding of the samples, and the GABA/glutamic acid ratio in the hippocampus was increased by feeding with the samples. The formation of glial fibrillary acidic protein and synapsin-2, which showed higher levels in the SAMP8 than in SAMR1, and the protein expression of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein and dihydropteridine reductase, which are considered to be related to the formation of adrenergic neuron transmitters, were reduced by the feeding of peanuts and their germ-rich fraction. Ferulic acid, as an ester and minor component in peanuts, could be partly connected to the effect of peanuts. These results indicate that high-oleic peanuts and their germ-rich fraction can protect against aging and cognitive impairment by regulating protein expression, which could be measured by the proteomics of the above hippocampus proteins of SAMP8 and the hippocampal GABA/glutamic acid ratio.

Nut and peanut butter intake and the risk of colorectal cancer and its anatomical and molecular subtypes: the Netherlands Cohort Study.

Nut intake has been associated with reduced total cancer-related mortality, but evidence for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is inconclusive. We investigated the associations between nut and peanut butter intake and anatomical CRC subtypes. To account for molecular heterogeneity, associations between nut and peanut butter intake and colorectal tumors harboring APC, KRAS or BRAF mutations, p53 overexpression or microsatellite instability were examined in secondary analyses. In the Netherlands Cohort Study (n = 120 852), lifestyle habits were measured with a questionnaire in 1986. After 20.3 years follow-up, 3567 CRC cases were included in case–cohort analyses. For the analyses of molecular CRC subtypes, 574 cases were included after 7.3 years follow-up. In categorical analyses, total nut intake was not significantly associated with CRC [HR (95% CI) 10+ g/day versus non-consumers = 0.94(0.78–1.15) in men; 0.96(0.75–1.22) in women]. In restricted cubic spline analyses, significant non-linear inverse associations with rectal cancer were observed for total nut, peanut and peanut butter intake in women, and borderline significant non-linear inverse associations for total nut and peanut intake in men. Regarding the molecular CRC subtypes, peanut butter intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal tumors that did not develop through the serrated neoplasia pathway in men [HR (95% CI) per 5 g/day increment = 1.22(1.07–1.38)]. Nut and peanut butter intake are non-linearly inversely associated with rectal cancer risk in women. In men, nut intake is borderline significantly non-linearly associated with a reduced rectal cancer risk. Peanut butter is associated with an increased risk of colorectal tumors that do not develop through the serrated neoplasia pathway in men.

Sensitization to storage proteins in peanut and hazelnut is associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers in asthma

BackgroundSensitization to peanuts and hazelnuts is common among young asthmatics and can be primary or a result of cross-reactivity. Sensitization as a result of cross-reactivity to birch pollen is typically associated to tolerance or mild and local symptoms upon intake of peanut or hazelnut.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate relationships between IgE antibody responses against peanut and hazelnut components, airway and systemic inflammation markers, lung function parameters and reported food hypersensitivity in a cohort of asthmatic children and young adults.MethodsA population of 408 asthmatic individuals aged 10–35 years were investigated. Information on hypersensitivity symptoms upon intake of peanut or hazelnut were recorded in a standardized questionnaire. Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood eosinophil count (B-Eos), spirometry, methacholine challenge outcome and IgE antibodies to peanut and hazelnut allergens were measured by standard clinical and laboratory methods.ResultsSubjects sensitized to any of the peanut (Ara h 1, 2 or 3) or hazelnut (Cor a 9 or 14) storage proteins were significantly younger (17.6 vs 21.2 years), had higher levels of FeNO (23.2 vs 16.7 ppb) and B-Eos (340 vs 170 cells/mcl) than those displaying only pollen-related cross-reactive sensitization. Levels of FeNO correlated with levels of IgE to storage proteins in children, but not in adults. Levels of B-Eos correlated with levels of IgE to all allergen components investigated in children, but only to levels of IgE to storage proteins in adults. Anaphylaxis and skin reactions upon intake of peanuts or hazelnuts were more often reported among subjects sensitized to the respective storage proteins than among those with only pollen-related cross-reactive sensitization. As compared to peanut, hazelnut was more often reported to cause gastrointestinal symptoms and less often oral cavity symptoms.ConclusionsSensitization to peanut and hazelnut storage proteins was associated with higher levels of inflammation markers and food hypersensitivity symptoms in this population of subjects with asthma.

Legume and Nuts Consumption in Relation to Odds of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Previous studies on the association between legume and nuts intake and risk of breast cancer have mainly been focused on individual components of legume or nuts, rather than consumption of the whole food group. This study aimed to investigate the relation between legume and nuts intake in relation to breast cancer in Iranian women. In this population-based case-control study, we enrolled 350 pathologically confirmed new cases of breast cancer and 700 controls which were matched with cases in terms of age and socioeconomic status. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated block-format 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Legume intake was computed by summing up the consumption of lentils, peas, chickpeas, and different kinds of beans, including red beans and pinto beans. To calculate nuts consumption, we summed up intake of mixed nuts, almond, peanut, walnut and hazelnut. Data on potential confounding variables were also collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Mean consumption of legume and nuts among cases and controls were 14.7 ± 15.0 and 2.3 ± 5.6, respectively. A significant inverse association was found between legume intake and breast cancer (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30–0.57); such that after adjusting for confounders, participants in the top tertile of legume intake had 46% lower odds of breast cancer compared with those in the bottom tertile (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.88). Such inverse association was seen among postmenopausal women (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.85) and also among normal-weight participants (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29–0.82). In terms of nuts intake, it was inversely associated with odds of breast cancer (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.11–0.23). This association remained significant even after taking potential confounders into account (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09–0.26). The same association was also seen in premenopausal women (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.14–0.31), postmenopausal women (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.13–0.42), normal-weight (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08–0.28), and overweight or obese people (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10–0.71). Our findings on the inverse association of legume and nuts intake with odds of breast cancer support the current recommendations on these foods. Prospective studies are needed to further examine this link.

Factors Associated with Frequency of Peanut Consumption in Korea: A National Population-Based Study.

Household peanut exposure via skin in infants with impaired skin barrier function is a risk factor for peanut allergy development. The aim of this study is to investigate the peanut consumption of Koreans using national representative data. We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2016, consisting of data from 17,625 adults who complete the survey. Peanut intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method. Of the study population, 10,552 (59.9%), 6726 (38.2%), and 347 (1.9%) subjects were categorized into non-intake, intermittent intake, and frequent intake group, respectively. Ordered logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sociodemographic and dietary factors and the frequency of peanut intake. After adjusting for confounders, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.04), higher education (high school graduates: aOR 1.75, 95 CI 1.39–2.19; higher than college: aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.65–2.70), and prudent dietary scores in the second (aOR 1.71; 95% CI 1.47–1.99), third (aOR 2.53; 95% CI 2.16–2.97) and the fourth quartiles (aOR 3.72; 95%CI 3.16–4.40) were associated with a high frequency of peanut consumption. This information may be helpful not only in public health research for nutrition but also in personal management for the prevention of peanut allergy in Korea.

Significantly increased threshold dose after long-term peanut epicutaneous immunotherapy and daily oral peanut intake

Significantly increased threshold dose after long-term peanut epicutaneous immunotherapy and daily oral peanut intake