Dietary Restriction Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Restriction on PGC-1α Regulation in the Development of Age-associated Diseases.

Ageing is the most significant risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases, manifesting as cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Although multifactorial, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been proposed to be the driving forces of ageing. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator central to various metabolic functions, of which mitochondrial biogenesis is the most prominent function. Inducible by various stimuli, including nutrient limitations, PGC-1α is a molecule of interest in the maintenance of mitochondrial function and, therefore, the prevention of degenerative diseases. This review involves a literature search for articles retrieved from PubMed using PGC-1α, ageing, and dietary restriction as keywords. Dietary restriction has been shown to promote tissue-specific PGC-1α expression. Both dietary restriction and PGC-1α upregulation have been shown to prolong the lifespans of both lower and higher-level organisms; the incidence of non-communicable diseases also decreased in fasting mammals. In conclusion, dietary interventions may delay ageing by regulating healthy mitochondria in various organs, presenting the possibility of a new primary prevention for many age-related diseases.

Short-term intermittent fasting and energy restriction do not impair rates of muscle protein synthesis: A randomised, controlled dietary intervention

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is an effective energy restricted dietary strategy to reduce body and fat mass and improve metabolic health in individuals with either an overweight or obese status. However, dietary energy restriction may impair muscle protein synthesis (MPS) resulting in a concomitant decline in lean body mass. Due to periods of prolonged fasting combined with irregular meal intake, we hypothesised that IF would reduce rates of MPS compared to an energy balanced diet with regular meal patterns. AimsWe assessed the impact of a short-term (ten days) alternate day fasting or a continuous energy restricted diet to a control diet on integrated rates of skeletal MPS in middle-aged males with overweight or obesity. MethodsTwenty-seven middle-aged males with overweight or obesity (age: 44.6±5.4 y; BMI: 30.3±2.6 kg/m2) consumed a three-day lead-in diet, followed by a ten-day controlled dietary intervention matched for protein intake, as alternate day fasting (ADF: 62.5 energy (En)%, days of 25 En% alternated with days of 100 En% food ingestion), continuous energy restriction (CER: 62.5 En%), or an energy balanced, control diet (CON: 100 En%). Deuterated water (D2O) methodology with saliva, blood, and skeletal muscle sampling were used to assess integrated rates of MPS over the ten-day intervention period. Secondary measures included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, continuous glucose monitoring, and assessment of body composition. ResultsThere were no differences in daily rates of MPS between groups (ADF: 1.18±0.13, CER: 1.13±0.16, and CON: 1.18±0.18%/day, P>0.05). The reductions in body mass were greater in ADF and CER compared to CON (P<0.001). Lean and fat mass were decreased by a similar magnitude across groups (main time effect, P<0.001; main group effect, P>0.05). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations decreased in ADF and CER (P<0.001), with no differences in fasting plasma glucose or insulin concentrations between groups. ConclusionShort-term alternate day fasting does not lower rates of MPS compared to continuous energy restriction or an energy balanced, control diet with matched protein intake. The prolonged effects of IF and periods of irregular energy and protein intake patterns on muscle mass maintenance remain to be investigated. This trial was registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au), identifier no. ACTRN12619000757112.

Methionine Restriction Alleviates Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Impairment via Activation of FGF21

Glucose metabolism disturbances may result in diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACI). Methionine restriction (MR) diet has emerged as a potential dietary strategy for managing glucose homeostasis. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of MR on DACI have not been fully elucidated. Here, we found that a 13-week MR (0.17% methionine, w/w) intervention starting at 8 weeks of age improved peripheral insulin sensitivity in male db/db mice, a model for type 2 diabetes. Notably, MR significantly improved working as well as long-term memory in db/db mice, accompanied by increased PSD-95 level and reduced neuroinflammatory factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). We speculate that this effect may be mediated by MR activating hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and the brain FGFR1/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway to enhance brain glucose metabolism. To further delineate the mechanism, we used intracerebroventricular injection of adeno-associated virus to specifically knock down FGFR1 in the brain to verify the role of FGFR1 in MR-mediated DACI. It was found that the positive effects of MR on DACI were offset, reflected in decreased cognitive function, impaired synaptic plasticity, upregulated neuroinflammation, and balanced enzymes regulating reactive oxygen species (Sod1, Sod2, Nox4). Of note, the FGFR1/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway and brain glucose metabolism were inhibited. In summary, our study demonstrated that MR increased peripheral insulin sensitivity, activated brain FGFR1/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling through FGF21, maintained normal glucose metabolism and redox balance in the brain, and thereby alleviated DACI. These results provide new insights into the effects of MR diet on cognitive dysfunction caused by impaired brain energy metabolism.

The Effect of Axenic Dietary Restriction on the Age-Related Changes in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Axenic dietary restriction (ADR) is highly effective in extending lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, but its effects on healthspan improvement are less well characterized. Using transmission electron microscopy, morphometric analyses, and functional assays, we found ADR can preserve tissue ultrastructure, including the cuticle, epidermis, and intestinal lumen, and reduce age-associated pathologies like gonad degeneration, uterine tumor clusters, pharyngeal deterioration, and intestinal atrophy. However, there was no notable improvement in behavioral and functional metrics. Our results underscore that lifespan extension through ADR does not inherently translate to broad healthspan improvements.

A mitochondrial unfolded protein response-independent role of DVE-1 in longevity regulation

The special AT-rich sequence-binding (SATB) protein DVE-1 is widely recognized for its pivotal involvement in orchestrating the retrograde mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) in C. elegans. In our study of downstream factors contributing to lifespan extension in sensory ciliary mutants, we find that DVE-1 is crucial for this longevity effect independent of its canonical mitoUPR function. Additionally, DVE-1 also influences lifespan under conditions of dietary restriction and germline loss, again distinct from its role in mitoUPR. Mechanistically, while mitochondrial stress typically prompts nuclear accumulation of DVE-1 to initiate the transcriptional mitoUPR program, these long-lived mutants reduce DVE-1 nuclear accumulation, likely by enhancing its cytosolic translocation. This observation suggests a cytosolic role for DVE-1 in lifespan extension. Overall, our study implies that, in contrast to the more narrowly defined role of the mitoUPR-related transcription factor ATFS-1, DVE-1 may possess broader functions than previously recognized in modulating longevity and defending against stress.

Effects of intermittent restriction diet and moderate-intensity exercise on the expression of cardiomyocytes in mice with high-glucose loads

Effects of intermittent restriction diet and moderate-intensity exercise on the expression of cardiomyocytes in mice with high-glucose loads

Foodies Full Stack Web Application: Connecting You to Your College Canteens

The "Foodies Full Stack Web Application" is designed to revolutionize the way college students interact with their campus canteen services by providing real-time access to menus, nutritional information, and personalized food recommendations. This project aims to bridge the gap between canteen owners and students, offering seamless communication and better decision-making for daily meals. By leveraging the power of the Spoonacular API, the platform can not only display available menu items but also offer detailed nutritional data, which is crucial for students with dietary preferences or restrictions. Additionally, the application uses machine learning to suggest dishes based on individual preferences, ensuring a tailored dining experience for each user. This project has been developed using modern web development technologies, integrating both front-end and back-end functionalities to create a responsive, user-friendly platform. The application has the potential to enhance user satisfaction, improve the efficiency of canteen operations, and promote healthier eating habits among students. This paper outlines the design, implementation, and testing of the Foodies Web Application, while also discussing future improvements and scalability.

A personalised nutrition intervention for adolescent depression: a mixed-methods feasibility pilot study.

Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the benefit of diet modification to improve diet quality in the treatment of adult major depressive disorder (MDD). However, research examining nutritional interventions for adolescents with MDD is sparse. This pilot study examined the feasibility of a personalised nutrition intervention for adolescents with MDD. Ten adolescents with MDD and their parents recruited from a tertiary care setting participated in an 8-week, single-arm mixed-methods study. Feasibility was assessed using five criteria (demand, acceptability, implementation, adaptation and limited efficacy testing) alongside qualitative interviews. The intervention involved four bi-weekly virtual nutrition counselling sessions with a stepped approach to dietary change, menu planning, grocery delivery and educational eHealth messages. Study participants sought positive changes in diet, health and lifestyle for adolescents and family-wide benefits. Recruitment challenges included concerns about managing mood fluctuations, anticipated dietary restrictions and the potential time and effort required for diet adherence. Feedback based on interviews emphasised moderate to high acceptability, satisfaction with menu planning and counselling and recognition of the benefits of trying new foods and sustaining positive dietary changes beyond the study. Improvements in depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 0·36, 95 % CI (-0·24, 3·36)), parent food modeling (Cohen's d = 0·24, 95 % CI (-0·43, 1·16) and the family food environment (Cohen's d = 0·61, 95 % CI (-0·04, 2·61)) were observed. This nutrition intervention was feasible for adolescents with MDD and was acceptable to both parents and depressed adolescents. These preliminary data suggest that further examination of the intervention and its potential benefits on depression symptoms and family food dynamics are warranted.

The future of nutrition education for health systems capacity building

Abstract In the ever-evolving landscape of global health, nutrition education plays a pivotal role in shaping the well-being of populations. The future of nutrition education encompasses a holistic understanding of health, considering not nutritional adequacy in health and disease, but also cultural, social, and environmental factors. Tomorrow’s health professionals must also be equipped to address the interconnectedness of nutrition with mental health, sustainability, and community dynamics. Nutrition education will increasingly involve collaboration across disciplines. Health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to create a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters nutrition literacy. This collaboration extends beyond traditional healthcare settings to schools, workplaces, and local communities. Furthermore, digital transformation will also revolutionise nutrition education. Online platforms, mobile apps, and virtual simulations will enhance learning experiences whilst interactive modules, webinars, and gamified content will engage learners and facilitate continuous professional development. Moreover, telehealth and tele-nutrition will bridge geographical gaps, ensuring access to quality education globally. Cultural sensitivity in nutrition education is also needed across geo-demographic boundaries to appreciate diverse dietary practices, food taboos, and traditional knowledge. Nutrition education should also empower health professionals to advocate for policy change across food systems, promote sustainable practices, and address food insecurity and therefore understanding policy frameworks and participating in advocacy efforts will be key. Finally, embracing the future requires a commitment to lifelong learning to remain at the forefront of nutrition science and its cutting edge as the questions may remain the same but the answers vary significantly as we garner new evidence to navigate evolving global challenges.

The effect of different dietary restriction on weight management and metabolic parameters in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The effect of different dietary restriction on weight management and metabolic parameters in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Effect of nutritional guidance on mortality and composite endpoints in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a single center retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background/Introduction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as a major global cause of mortality. Various intervention strategies, such as pre-hospital care, reperfusion therapies, pharmacological interventions, dietary modifications, and exercise therapies, have been researched to improve patient prognosis (1,2). While reports suggest the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet, there remains a lack of evidence regarding the impact of nutritionist-led dietary guidance on the prognosis of AMI patients. Purpose This study aimed to elucidate whether nutritional guidance by nutritionists who have national qualifications would improve the mortality and the primary composite endpoint (including acute decompensated heart failure, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome) of patients following an acute myocardial infarction. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 446 consecutive AMI patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions between September 1, 2015, and October 31, 2023. Patients meeting the universal definition of myocardial infarction were included (3). After excluding 37 in-hospital deaths, evaluations for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and composite endpoints were performed during follow-up in 409 patients. Nutritionists guided 223 patients (54.5%) during hospitalization in this study. The nutritional guidance used in our study was also based on the definition of adequate caloric intake of 25–30 kcal per ideal body weight (kg). Under an appropriate total energy intake, a fat energy ratio of 20–25% and a carbohydrate energy ratio of 50–60% are recommended, with protein and lipid restrictions depending on the disease state. Results During a median follow-up of 39 months, 24 cases of all-cause mortality (5.9%) and 6 cases of cardiovascular mortality (1.5%) were recorded. Additionally, 15 cases of nonfatal stroke (3.7%), 17 cases of nonfatal acute coronary syndrome (4.2%), and 20 cases of hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure (4.9%) were observed. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher incidence rates of death and primary composite endpoints among patients without nutritional guidance. The multivariate Cox regression model incorporated all variables exhibiting statistically significant associations with long-term mortality, and the primary composite endpoints. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed nutritional guidance as a significant predictor for long-term mortality but not for primary composite endpoints. Conclusion Nutritional guidance for AMI patients may improve overall mortality. Further research is warranted to explore the physiological impacts of improved diets resulting from such guidance and their effects on enhancing prognosis.

INSATISFAÇÃO CORPORAL EM ADOLESCENTES E A RELAÇÃO COM AS MÍDIAS SOCIAIS DIGITAIS

Body dissatisfaction and the use of social networks are current phenomena that mark female adolescence and therefore require evaluation. Objective: to analyze the relationship between the use of social media and body dissatisfaction in female adolescents. Methodology: This is a literature review consisting of nine scientific articles found in the databases: SciElo and PubMed. Results and Discussion: The articles selected for this study, through the analysis of their elements, allowed the understanding that social networks exert a strong influence on the development of body dissatisfaction (BD) in adolescent girls, because these networks present information about the so-called ideal body, which is equally unattainable for most women. It was also identified that body dissatisfaction causes serious consequences to the psychological and physical health of adolescents, such as: problems with self-esteem, distorted selfperceptions, hatred of one’s own body, depression, insomnia, social isolation, alcohol use, restrictive diets, eating disorders, among other complications. Therefore, actions aimed at resolving and/or alleviating this scenario were demonstrated, such as interventions aimed at periodically withdrawing from social networks, healthy diets and self-acceptance. Final considerations: Although the social pressure on women’s bodies is an old phenomenon, it currently has strong allies in the media and social networks. Therefore, the relevance of the topic discussed in this article for science and society is considered and it is suggested that further studies be developed on this subject.

Association of Triglycerides, HDL, and Waist Circumference with eGFR in patients in private practice

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity all over the world. On the other hand, metabolic syndrome has been reported to be associated with adverse renal outcomes. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension are established causes of renal impairment. However, the association of Triglycerides (TGs), High density lipoprotein (HDL), and Waist Circumference (WC) with renal function independently remains understudied. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the association of triglycerides, HDL, waist circumference with estimated glomeruar filtration rate (eGFR). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 subjects attending as outpatient in Ibn Sina Diagnostic Centre, Uttara from July 2023 to December 2023. Renal impairment was measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR was calculated using the modified modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS 25.0 (Statistical Package for Social Science, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Continuous variables were expressed as means±standard deviation, and categorical variables as frequencies and proportions. The relationships between renal function with triglycerides, HDL and WC were assessed by correlation coefficient. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 100 subjects the overall incidence of renal impairment is 13 (13%). Waist Circumference (WC) and high Triglyceride (TG) have inverse relation with eGFR means significant association in developing renal impairment. Conclusion: This study suggests triglyceride and central obesity progress with renal impairment. Therefore, early monitoring and management of triglycerides and central obesity in CKD patients may help in decreasing the progression of the disease and, hence, mortality in CKD patients. EWMCJ Vol. 12, No. 1&amp;2, January-July 2024: 4-8

Food insecurity impacts diet quality and adherence to the gluten-free diet in youth with celiac disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune gastrointestinal disorder that requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). Gluten-free (GF) foods are more expensive and less readily accessible than gluten-containing foods, contributing to an increased risk for food insecurity (FI). The study aimed to determine associations between GF-FI, sociodemographic risk factors and child dietary adherence and diet quality (DQ). A 26-item, cross-country online survey was administered through social media to parents of children with CD on the GFD. The survey elicited household and CD child sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (e.g., duration of CD), measures of household FI, child DQ and GFD adherence, and parents' concerns related to GF food. Household GF-FI was evaluated using the validated Hunger Vital Sign™ and the US Department of Agriculture Six-Item Short Form Household Food Security Survey Module. GF-FI occurred in 47% of households with children with CD with >30% reporting low to very low food security. Sociodemographic risk factors identified included lower income, renters, rural residency, single-parental households, and having children with additional dietary restrictions (p < 0.001). Regardless of FI status, a majority of households reported experiencing significantly higher GF food expenditure. GF-FI was associated with reduced adherence to the GFD, increased consumption of processed GF food, and lower intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables and GF grains among children with CD (p < 0.05). GF-FI is prevalent in this multiethnic cohort of households with CD children and is associated with worsening DQ and GFD adherence. Policy interventions are urgently needed to address GF-FI.

Culinary medicine in type 2 diabetes management: co-designing the Cook2DIAbeat training program

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (hereinafter diabetes) stands among the top ten drivers of disease burden. Globally, more than 59 million adults are living with diabetes with a projection of 15% increase by 2045. The Cook2DIAbeat project aims to develop a tailor-made nutrition training program based on culinary medicine, for patients with diabetes to achieve lifelong dietary changes. The aim of the present work was to reveal potential drivers and barriers related to lifelong dietary modifications. Methods The study was implemented in February-July 2023 in Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Cyprus. A mixed-method co-design methodology was conducted: co-creation sessions with individuals with diabetes, family members, and healthcare professionals, and an online survey with patients with diabetes. Results In total, 23 health professionals and 25 patients and family members participated in the co-creation sessions, and 212 patients in the online survey. Patients and health professionals recognized the added value of the culinary approach for diabetes management. The main perceived barriers for changing dietary habits included difficulties accessing reliable and non-conflicting information, lack of time, emotional and psychological issues, and limited social support. Individuals at an advanced age and of low socioeconomic status seem to demand specific educational approaches addressing the actual challenges of their daily life. Conclusions The study indicated that training should provide reliable information and address psychosocial aspects. The translation of the dietary guidelines through the culinary medicine approach seems to be well-received by the target group. Last, the content needs to be tailored to suit the specific age group and socioeconomic background of the patients. Key messages • Reliability, practicability are three key characteristics of a nutrition training program in diabetes management. • Cultural and socioeconomic barriers needs to be taken into consideration.

Physical Activity and Pregnancy Norms Among Daasanach Semi-Nomadic Pastoralist Women in Northern Kenya.

In subsistence populations, high physical activity is typically maintained throughout pregnancy. Market integration shifts activity patterns to resemble industrialized populations, with more time allocated to sedentary behavior. Daasanach semi-nomadic pastoralists living in northern Kenya face lifestyle heterogeneity due to the emergence of a market center. We investigate how Daasanach women manage the energetic demands of pregnancy with subsistence labor tasks and how market integration relates to variation in energetic demands, physical activity, and coping strategies. We conducted nine focus group discussions with 72 pregnant women. We also deployed wrist-worn fitness trackers with 21 pregnant women in two community types: central or peripheral to the market center to capture variation in market integration. Data from focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis. We used multiple linear regression to examine the relationship between gestational age and physical activity. We identified themes of increased fatigue, diet restrictions, and assistance with labor tasks during pregnancy. Gestational age negatively predicted mean daily steps, with a decrease of 1160 ± 437 steps per day with each consecutive pregnancy month. Stratified by community type, gestational age only negatively predicted mean daily steps for peripheral communities, with a decrease of 1443 ± 629 steps per day with each consecutive pregnancy month. Results suggest that physical activity differs with market integration early, but not late, in pregnancy. Daasanach women cope with the energetic demands of pregnancy by reducing physical activity late in pregnancy and receiving assistance with labor tasks from family and neighbors.

AVALIAÇÃO DA INFLUÊNCIA DE CORANTES DURANTE O CLAREAMENTO

A harmonious smile has a significant influence on people´s lives, especially from a social point of view, as a pleasant smile, like having teeth in the correct positiion and with a whiter color, are associated with an individual as being beautiful and healthy. Teeth color is one of the biggest concerns that people have and to make it whiter, they turno to tooth whitening. However, many patientes are faced with a recommendation commonly given by dentists about diet restriction during the whitening procedure, which can become an obstacle for many people. This issue is still subject to divergence as to its effectiveness, whether coloring foods can interfere or not in the final result. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to verify if there is a relantionship between the consumption of dyes and the deteroriation in the performance of tooth whitening. For this, 17 scientific articles were analyzed, in online databases, during the period from 2011 to 2021, ranging from laboratory to clinical studies. It was possible to conclude that the use of food and coloring beverages during the procedure did not negatively influence the final bleaching result, however, this issue is still not unanimous. As there are divergences in the literature, further studies on the subject are needed.

Assessing the Impact of Wheat Flour and Baker's Yeast Restricted Diet vs. Calorie Restriction in NAFLD Patients

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and nonalcoholic progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic disturbance. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of wheat flour or baker's yeast-restricted diet with traditional calorie restriction in NAFLD patients.Material and methodsAnalyzed data was obtained from 243 individuals with NAFLD who completed the study. Of these patients, 54 belonged to Group (1) (Standard Diet, SD); 104 belonged to Group (2) (Wheat Flour-Free Diet, WFFD); and 85 belonged to Group (3) (Yeast-Free Diet, YFD). The intervention period lasted 6 months, during which participants' dietary compliance was closely monitored.ResultsAt the end of the six-month trial, both the WFFD and HFD groups exhibited a noteworthy reduction in body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) levels when compared to a standard diet that only involved calorie restriction. Furthermore, a notable reduction in the severity of liver steatosis was seen in these groups (p&lt;0.05). The SD group did not exhibit any significant changes in these metrics. The WFFD group experienced a notable reduction in HSI values (p&lt;0.05). Cluster analysis revealed that the obese group had higher HSI, weight, and BMI values throughout the study period, indicating a more advanced stage of NAFLD.ConclusionsTo summarize, this study highlights the significance of food constituents and dietary strategies in the treatment of NAFLD. It suggests that limiting the intake of wheat flour and baker's yeast specifically could have positive effects on liver well-being.

Prevalence of food-related misbeliefs among postoperative patients at a tertiary care health center: a pilot survey and future directions

Background: Effective postoperative recovery is significantly influenced by nutrition, yet pervasive food-related misbeliefs can impede this process. This is particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of medical misinformation and cultural dietary restrictions. Methods: A survey was conducted with 917 postoperative patients at a tertiary care center in India from July 2019 to December 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to identify prevalent dietary misconceptions and their potential impact on wound healing. Results: The survey revealed that 18.9% of patients harboured detrimental food-related misbeliefs, with the majority avoiding high-protein foods such as meat and dairy due to unfounded fears of adverse effects on wound healing. Conclusions: The findings highlight a critical need for targeted educational interventions to correct these misbeliefs and promote nutritional practices that support recovery. Given the scope of this issue, further research is recommended to explore the broader implications of dietary misconceptions on post-surgical outcomes across different regions and cultures.

Healthy Dietary Pattern Cycling Affects Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Results from a Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial with Young, Healthy Adults

Background: Previous research demonstrates that adopting, abandoning, and re-adopting (i.e., cycling) a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) improved, reverted, and re-improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In addition, changes in CVD risk factors are associated with dietary modifications of gut microbiota. Objective: We sought to assess the effects of cycling an HDP on gut microbiota and CVD risk factors. Methods: Retrospectively, we used data from a randomized controlled, crossover trial with three 3-week controlled dietary interventions, each separated by a 5-week period of participant-chosen, uncontrolled food intake. Seventeen participants (10 males, 7 females, age 26 ± 4 years old, BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m2) all consumed intervention diets that followed healthy U.S.-style dietary patterns. Gut microbiota composition and cardiovascular risk factors were measured before and after each HDP. Results: Repeatedly adopting and abandoning an HDP led to a cycling pattern of changes in the gut microbial community and taxonomic composition. During the HDP cycles, relative abundances of several bacterial taxa (e.g., Collinsella, Mediterraneibacter, Romboutsia, and Dorea) decreased and returned to baseline repeatedly. Similar HDP cycling occurred for multiple CVD risk factors (i.e., serum total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations). Consistent negative associations were observed between changes in Mediterraneibacter or Collinsella and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Conclusions: These results support previous findings that HDP cycling affected multiple CVD risk factors and expand the HDP cycling phenomenon to include several bacterial taxa. Young adults are encouraged to adopt and sustain a healthy dietary pattern to improve cardiovascular health, potentially through modifying gut microbiota composition.