Branched-chain amino acids do not improve muscle recovery from resistance exercise in untrained young adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle recovery from resistance exercise (RE) in untrained young adults. Twenty-four young adults (24.0 ± 4.3 years old) were assigned to 1 of 2 groups (n = 12 per group): a placebo-supplement group or a BCAA-supplement group. The groups were supplemented for a period of 5 days. On day 1 and 3, both groups underwent a RE session involving two lower body exercises (hack squat and leg press) and then were evaluated for muscle recovery on the 3 subsequent moments after the RE session [30 min (day 3), 24 h (day 4), and 48 h (day 5)]. The following indicators of muscle recovery were assessed: number of repetitions, rating of perceived exertion in the last RE session, muscle soreness and countermovement jump (CMJ) during recovery period (30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after RE session). Number of repetitions remained unchanged over time (time, P > 0.05), while the rating of perceived exertion increased (time, P < 0.05) over 3 sets, with no difference between groups (group × time, P > 0.05). Muscle soreness increased (time, P < 0.05) and jumping weight decreased (time, P < 0.05) at 30 min post-exercise and then progressively returned to baseline at 24 and 48 h post-exercise, with no difference between groups (group × time, P > 0.05). The results indicate that BCAA supplementation does not improve muscle recovery from RE in untrained young adults.

Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle function during recovery from resistance exercise in young adults.

ß-Alanine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle carnosine levels and exercise performance. However, its effects on muscle recovery from resistance exercise (RE) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ß-alanine supplementation on muscle function during recovery from a single session of high-intensity RE. Twenty-four untrained young adults (22.1 ± 4.6 years old) were assigned to one of two groups (N = 12 per group): a placebo-supplement group (4.8 g/day) or an ß-alanine-supplement group (4.8 g/day). The groups completed a single session of high-intensity RE after 28 days of supplementation and were then evaluated for muscle function on the three subsequent days (at 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise) to assess the time course of muscle recovery. The following indicators of muscle recovery were assessed: number of repetitions until failure, rating of perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and blood levels of creatine kinase (CK). Number of repetitions until failure increased from 24 to 48 h and 72 h of recovery (time P < 0.01), with no difference between groups. There was a significant increase in the rating of perceived exertion among the sets during the RE session (time P < 0.01), with no difference between the groups. No difference was observed over time and between groups in rating of perceived exertion in the functional tests during recovery period. Blood CK levels and muscle soreness increased at 24 h postexercise and then progressively declined at 48 and 72 h postexercise, respectively (time P < 0.05), with no difference between groups. In conclusion, our data indicate that ß-alanine supplementation does not improve muscle recovery following a high-intensity RE session in untrained young adults.

High-intensity body weight training is comparable to combined training in changes in muscle mass, physical performance, inflammatory markers and metabolic health in postmenopausal women at high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval body weight training (HIBWT) with combined training (COMT; aerobic and resistance exercises on body composition, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT; physical performance), insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women (PW) at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (TDM2). METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical study, 16 PW at high risk of TDM2 were randomly allocated into two groups: HIBWT (n = 8) and COMT (n = 8). The HIBWT group performed a training protocol (length time ~28 min) consisting of ten sets of 60 s of high intensity exercise interspersed by a recovery period of 60 s of low intensity exercise. The COMT group performed a training protocol (length time ~60 min) consisting of a 30 min walk of moderate intensity following by five resistance exercises. All training sessions were performed in the university gym facility three days a week (no consecutive days) for 12 weeks. All outcomes (body composition, muscle function, and IR and inflammatory markers) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Both groups increased (P < 0.05) muscle mass index (MMI), 6MWT, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and decreased fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, Insulin, HOMA-IR, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (trend, P = 0.056). HIBWT effects were indistinguishable (P > 0.05) from the effects of COMT. There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction of time by the group in muscle strength, indicating that only the COMT increased the muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that changes in HOMA, IL-1ra, 6MWT, and MMI with HITBW are similar when compared to COMT in PW at high risk of TDM2. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The patients were part of a 12-week training study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03200639).

Maior índice de massa corporal e menor circunferência da cintura estão associados com maior desempenho físico (SPPB) somente em idosas dinapênicas / Higher body mass index and lower waist circumference are associated to higher physical performance (SPPB) solely in dynapenic elderly women

A limitação na capacidade física, definida como dificuldades em realizar tarefas físicas, é crítica para independência funcional de idosos. A capacidade física limitada é associada fortemente com o aumento de quedas, hospitalizações, doenças cardíacas e cerebrovasculares e mortalidade em idosos. O impacto do status da massa corporal e da baixa força muscular (dinapenia) sobre a capacidade física de idosos é bem documentado. Contudo, a interação desses fatores (força muscular e status da massa corporal) sobre a capacidade física de idosos ainda não é clara. Objetivo: Verificar o poder preditivo do índice de massa corpórea (IMC) associada com a circunferência da cintura (CC) na capacidade física de mulheres idosas com ou sem dinapenia (baixa força muscular). Método: Foram avaliadas 142 idosas atendidas na especialidade de Geriatria e Gerontologia. Foram realizadas as seguintes medidas: antropométricas (IMC e CC), força de preensão manual (FPM) e capacidade física (SPPB). As idosas foram classificadas em dinapênicas (FPM < 20 kg) ou não dinapênicas (FPM ≥ 20 kg). Resultados: A análise de regressão linear múltipla indicou que o IMC e a CC, analisados separadamente, não se associaram com SPPB em nenhum dos grupos. Porém, quando analisados concomitantemente, o IMC (associação positiva) e a CC (associação negativa) foram significantemente associados com SPPB somente no grupo dinapenia. Conclusão: Os principais achados deste estudo sugerem que a CC e IMC aplicados conjuntamente, mas não separados, são preditores da capacidade física em mulheres idosas com dinapenia. Esses resultados são importantes para a prática ambulatorial devido à fácil aplicabilidade e baixo custo das medidas

Physical performance limitation is defined as difficulties in performing physical tasks. It is critical for the functional independence of the elderly. Limited physical performance is strongly associated with increased falls, hospitalizations, cardio and cerebrovascular diseases, and mortality in the elderly. The impact of body mass status and low muscle strength (dynapenia) on elderly physical performance is well documented. However, the interaction of these factors (muscle strength and body mass status) on the physical performance of the elderly is not yet clear. Objective: To assess the predictive power of body mass index (BMI) associated with waist circumference (WC) in determining the physical performance of older women classified as dynapenic (low muscle strength) or non-dynapenic. Method: One hundred forty-two older women were evaluated according to: anthropometry (BMI and WC), handgrip (HG) and physical performance (SPPB). The elderly were classified in dynapenic (HG < 20 kg) or non-dynapenic (HG ≥ 20 kg). Results: In both groups, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that BMI and WC were not associated with SPPB when they were analyzed separately. However, when BMI and WC were analyzed concomitantly, both were significantly associated with SPPB only for the dynapenic group. Conclusion: The main findings of this study suggest that WC and BMI applied together, but not separate, are predictors of physical performance in older women with dynapenia. These results are important for clinical practice because of easy application and low cost of measures

Muscle strength to body weight ratio is a better predictor of low physical function than absolute muscle strength in postmenopausal women / A força muscular corrigida pela massa corporal é um preditor melhor da baixa função física do que a força muscular absoluta em mulheres na pós-menopausa

Objective: We investigated the predictive contributions and diagnostic accuracy of muscle strength (MS) and muscle strength to body weight ratio (MS/BW) on physical function in postmenopausal women (PW). Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated forty-nine sedentary PW (61.7 ± 7.9 years). Body weight and height were measured with a digital scale and a stadiometer respectively. Muscle strength was determined by manual dynamometer and the left and right hand values were summed. Physical function was assessed by the six-minute walk test, short physical performance battery (SPPB) and Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). A composite measure of physical function was calculated by summing the Z scores (x-µ/σ) of each individual assessment to provide a global index of physical function. Results: Muscle strength-specific linear regression analyses indicated that the strongest predictor of physical function was MS/BW [Beta of Z score = 0.91±0.07 (SE)] when compared to MS [Beta of Z score = 0.59±0.13 (SE)]. The ROC curve values indicated that the more accurate measure of physical function (P = 0.026) was MS/BW [AUC = 0.91±0.04 (SE)] when compared to MS [AUC = 0.75±0.08 (SE)]. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that MS/ BW is more accurate and predictive measure of low physical function than absolute MS in PW

Carbohydrate-dependent, exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress.

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are a common concern of athletes during intense exercise. Ultimately, these symptoms can impair performance and possibly prevent athletes from winning or even finishing a race. The main causes of GI problems during exercise are mechanical, ischemic and nutritional factors. Among the nutritional factors, a high intake of carbohydrate and hyperosmolar solutions increases GI problems. A number of nutritional manipulations have been proposed to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms, including the use of multiple transportable carbohydrates. This type of CHO intake increases the oxidation rates and can prevent the accumulation of carbohydrate in the intestine. Glucose (6%) or glucose plus fructose (8%-10%) beverages are recommended in order to increase CHO intake while avoiding the gastric emptying delay. Training the gut with high intake of CHO may increase absorption capacity and probably prevent GI distress. CHO mouth rinse may be a good strategy to enhance performance without using GI tract in exercises lasting less than an hour. Future strategies should be investigated comparing different CHO types, doses, and concentration in exercises with the same characteristics.

Association between phase angle, anthropometric measurements, and lipid profile in HCV-infected patients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between phase angle, anthropometric measurements, and lipid profile in patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus and who received treatment at the hepatitis C outpatient unit of our hospital from April 2010 to May 2011 were prospectively evaluated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, anthropometric measurements, and serum lipid profile analysis were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were excluded. A total of 135 patients with a mean age of 49.8±11.4 years were studied. Among these patients, 60% were male. The phase angle and BMI means were 6.5±0.8° and 26.5±4.8 kg/m2, respectively. Regarding anthropometric variables, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, and arm muscle area had a positive correlation with phase angle. In contrast, when analyzing the lipid profile, only HDL was inversely correlated with phase angle. However, in multiple regression models adjusted for age and gender, only mid-arm circumference (p = 0.005), mid-arm muscle circumference (p = 0.003), and arm muscle circumference (p = 0.001) were associated with phase angle in hepatitis C virus-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, phase angle is positively correlated with anthropometric measures in our study. However, there is no association between phase angle and lipid profile in these patients. Our results suggest that phase angle is related to lean body mass in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. .

Sagittal abdominal diameter shows better correlation with cardiovascular risk factors than waist circumference and BMI.

BACKGROUND: Obesity (abdominal adiposity) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the most used methods to measure the adiposity are body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD). OBJECTIVE: To correlate BMI, WC, and SAD with biochemical parameters and blood pressure in adults. METHODS: A non-experimental exploratory/descriptive and cross sectional study was developed and it was assessed 133 subjects (59 men and 74 women) aging between 18 and 87 years. It was registered the patients' weight (kg), height (m), BMI (kg/m(2)), WC (cm) and SAD (cm), and these parameters were correlated with glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and blood pressure. RESULTS: After adjustment for gender and age, it was observed a positive correlation between SAD and systolic arterial blood pressure (r = 0.20), glycemia (r = 0.20), triglycerides (r = 0.32), LDL (r = 0.26), total cholesterol (TC) (r = 0.33), and a negative correlation with HDL-c (r = -0.21) (p < 0.05). It was observed a positive correlation between WC and systolic arterial blood pressure (r = 0.14), triglycerides (r = 0.31), total cholesterol (r = 0.21), and a negative correlation with HDL-c (r = -0.24) (p < 0.05). BMI showed a positive correlation with systolic arterial blood pressure (r = 0.22), total cholesterol (r = 0.20), and triglycerides (r = 0.23) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SAD correlated with almost all the cardiovascular risk factors analyzed and it might be considered the best predictor of abdominal fat and cardiovascular risk.

Dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical determinants of uric acid in free-living adults.

BACKGROUND: High plasma uric acid (UA) is a prerequisite for gout and is also associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components and consequently risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the management of UA serum concentrations would be essential for the treatment and/or prevention of human diseases and, to that end, it is necessary to know what the main factors that control the uricemia increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main factors associated with higher uricemia values analyzing diet, body composition and biochemical markers. METHODS: 415 both gender individuals aged 21 to 82 years who participated in a lifestyle modification project were studied. Anthropometric evaluation consisted of weight and height measurements with later BMI estimation. Waist circumference was also measured. The muscle mass (Muscle Mass Index - MMI) and fat percentage were measured by bioimpedance. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour recalls with later quantification of the servings on the Brazilian food pyramid and the Healthy Eating Index. Uric acid, glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, gamma-GT, albumin and calcium and HDL-c were quantified in serum by the dry-chemistry method. LDL-c was estimated by the Friedewald equation and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) by the immunochemiluminiscence method. Statistical analysis was performed by the SAS software package, version 9.1. Linear regression (odds ratio) was performed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in order to observe the odds ratio for presenting UA above the last quartile (♂UA > 6.5 mg/dL and ♀ UA > 5 mg/dL). The level of significance adopted was lower than 5%. RESULTS: Individuals with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 OR = 2.28(1.13-4.6) and lower MMI OR = 13.4 (5.21-34.56) showed greater chances of high UA levels even after all adjustments (gender, age, CRP, gamma-gt, LDL, creatinine, urea, albumin, HDL-c, TG, arterial hypertension and glucose). As regards biochemical markers, higher triglycerides OR = 2.76 (1.55-4.90), US-CRP OR = 2.77 (1.07-7.21) and urea OR = 2.53 (1.19-5.41) were associated with greater chances of high UA (adjusted for gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, MMI, glomerular filtration rate, and MS). No association was found between diet and UA. CONCLUSIONS: The main factors associated with UA increase were altered BMI (overweight and obesity), muscle hypotrophy (MMI), higher levels of urea, triglycerides, and CRP. No dietary components were found among uricemia predictors.

Association between phase angle, anthropometric measurements, and lipid profile in HCV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between phase angle, anthropometric measurements, and lipid profile in patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus and who received treatment at the hepatitis C outpatient unit of our hospital from April 2010 to May 2011 were prospectively evaluated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, anthropometric measurements, and serum lipid profile analysis were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were excluded. A total of 135 patients with a mean age of 49.8±11.4 years were studied. Among these patients, 60% were male. The phase angle and BMI means were 6.5±0.8° and 26.5±4.8 kg/m2, respectively. Regarding anthropometric variables, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, and arm muscle area had a positive correlation with phase angle. In contrast, when analyzing the lipid profile, only HDL was inversely correlated with phase angle. However, in multiple regression models adjusted for age and gender, only mid-arm circumference (p = 0.005), mid-arm muscle circumference (p = 0.003), and arm muscle circumference (p = 0.001) were associated with phase angle in hepatitis C virus-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, phase angle is positively correlated with anthropometric measures in our study. However, there is no association between phase angle and lipid profile in these patients. Our results suggest that phase angle is related to lean body mass in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.

Pathological and behavioral risk factors for higher serum C-reactive protein concentrations in free-living adults--a Brazilian community-based study.

Low-grade chronic systemic inflammation is often associated with chronic non-communicable diseases, and its most frequently used marker, the C-reactive protein (CRP), has become an identifier of such diseases as well as an independent predictor for cardiovascular disorders and mortality. CRP is produced in response to pro-inflammatory signaling and to individual and behavioral factors, leading to pathological states. The aim of this study was to rank the predicting factors of high CRP concentrations in free-living adults from a community-based sample. We evaluated 522 adults (40-84 years old; 381 women) for anthropometric characteristics, dietary intake, clinical and physical tests, and blood analysis. Subjects were assigned to groups, according to CRP concentrations, as normal CRP (G1; <3.0 mg/L; n = 269), high CRP (G2; 3.0-6.0 mg/L; n = 139), and very high CRP (G3; >6.0 mg/dL; n = 116). Statistical comparison between groups used one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and prediction of altered values in increasing CRP was evaluated by proportional hazard models (odds ratio). CRP distribution was influenced by gender, body mass index, body and abdominal fatness, blood leukocytes, and neutrophil counts. The higher CRP group was discriminated by the above variables in addition to lower VO(2max), serum metabolic syndrome components (triglycerides, glucose, and HDL cholesterol), higher insulin, homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance, uric acid, gamma-GT, and homocysteine. After adjustments, only fatness, blood leukocytes, and hyperglycemia remained as independent predictors for increased serum CRP concentrations. Intervention procedures to treat low-grade chronic inflammation in overweight women would mainly focus on restoring muscle mass and functions in addition to an antioxidant-rich diet.

Dietary intake and blood lipid profile in overweight and obese schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: The high blood lipid levels and obesity are one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood. Some environmental factors are supposed to be involved in this relationship, such as dietary factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and blood lipids levels in overweight and obese schoolchildren. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 147 overweight and obese schoolchildren in Botucatu city, Brazil. The anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference and skinfolds), pubertal staging evaluation and biochemical tests were taken in all children. Three 24h-recall were applied in order to estimate the dietary intake and its relationship with blood lipid levels. The Student t test and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was assessed at the level of 0.05. The data were processed in SAS software (version 9.1.3; SAS Institute). RESULTS: At this study, 63% of children were obese (body mass index higher than 95th percentile) and 80% showed high body fat percentage. The percentage of children with abnormal total cholesterol and triglycerides was 12% and 10%, respectively, and 28% presented at least one abnormal lipid levels. The average values of anthropometric measurements were higher in children with elevated lipid levels. Total cholesterol levels were positively related to full-fat dairy products and triglycerides levels to saturated fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: Saturated fat was positively associated with elevated lipid levels in overweight and obese schoolchildren. These results reinforce the importance of healthy dietary habits since childhood in order to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Resting energy expenditure and carbohydrate oxidation are higher in elderly patients with COPD: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually have a compromised nutritional status which is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. To know the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and the substrate oxidation measurement is essential to prevent these complications. This study aimed to compare the REE, respiratory quotient (RQ) and body composition between patients with and without COPD. METHODS: This case-control study assessed 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The group of subjects without COPD (control group) consisted of 20 elderly patients attending a university gym, patients of a private service and a public healthy care. Consumption of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) was determined by indirect calorimetry and used for calculating the resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also measured. Percentage of body fat (%BF), lean mass (kg) and muscle mass (kg) were determined by bioimpedance. The fat free mass index (FFMI) and muscle mass index (MMI) were then calculated. RESULTS: The COPD group had lower BMI than control (p = 0.02). However, WC, % BF, FFMI and MM-I did not differ between the groups. The COPD group had greater RQ (p = 0.01), REE (p = 0.009) and carbohydrate oxidation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with COPD had higher REE, RQ and carbohydrate oxidation than controls.

High plasma uric acid concentration: causes and consequences.

High plasma uric acid (UA) is a precipitating factor for gout and renal calculi as well as a strong risk factor for Metabolic Syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The main causes for higher plasma UA are either lower excretion, higher synthesis or both. Higher waist circumference and the BMI are associated with higher insulin resistance and leptin production, and both reduce uric acid excretion. The synthesis of fatty acids (tryglicerides) in the liver is associated with the de novo synthesis of purine, accelerating UA production. The role played by diet on hyperuricemia has not yet been fully clarified, but high intake of fructose-rich industrialized food and high alcohol intake (particularly beer) seem to influence uricemia. It is not known whether UA would be a causal factor or an antioxidant protective response. Most authors do not consider the UA as a risk factor, but presenting antioxidant function. UA contributes to > 50% of the antioxidant capacity of the blood. There is still no consensus if UA is a protective or a risk factor, however, it seems that acute elevation is a protective factor, whereas chronic elevation a risk for disease.

A variedade da dieta é fator protetor para a pressão arterial sistólica elevada / Dietary variety is a protective factor for elevated systolic blood pressure

FUNDAMENTO: A dieta influencia diretamente a hipertensão arterial (HAS), que é um dos principais fatores de risco da doença cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: Associar a HAS com fatores dietéticos de adultos clinicamente selecionados para programa de mudança de estilo de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal composto por 335 indivíduos, com idade entre 44 e 65 anos, clinicamente selecionados para um programa de mudança de estilo de vida. Foram avaliados os dados antropométricos (IMC, % de gordura e circunferência abdominal), os componentes bioquímicos (concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, HDL-c e LDL-c) e a dieta, por meio do recordatório de 24 horas. A qualidade da dieta foi avaliada pelo Índice de Alimentação Saudável. A pressão arterial foi mensurada de acordo com a V Diretriz Brasileira de Hipertensão Arterial e classificada de acordo com o NCEP-ATPIII. A regressão logística foi realizada para determinar a probabilidade de alterações na PAS e PAD de acordo com a ingestão dietética. Adotou-se como significante o valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Observou-se correlação positiva da pressão arterial diastólica com o consumo de colesterol e açúcar; e negativa com a ingestão de fibras, porções de óleo e qualidade da dieta. A variedade da dieta ≥ 8 itens alimentares apresentou efeito protetor para alterações da pressão arterial sistólica; OR = 0,361 (0,148-0,878). CONCLUSÃO: A maior variedade da dieta ofereceu efeito protetor para alteração da pressão arterial sistólica.

BACKGROUND: Diet directly influences systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), which is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To associate hypertension with dietary factors in adults clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprising 335 individuals, aged between 44 and 65 years, clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program. We evaluated anthropometric data (BMI, %body fat and waist circumference), biochemical components (plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-c) and diet, through the 24-hour recall method. The quality of the diet was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index. Blood pressure was measured according to the V Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension and classified according to NCEP-ATPIII. Logistic regression was performed to determine the likelihood of changes in SBP and DBP according to dietary intake. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between diastolic blood pressure and sugar and cholesterol intake, and a negative one with intake of fiber, portions of oil and fats and diet quality. Dietary variety with ≥ 8 food items showed a protective effect for alterations in systolic blood pressure, OR = 0.361 (0.148 to 0.878). CONCLUSION: A greater dietary variety had a protective effect on the systolic blood pressure.

Dietary variety is a protective factor for elevated systolic blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Diet directly influences systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), which is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To associate hypertension with dietary factors in adults clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprising 335 individuals, aged between 44 and 65 years, clinically selected for a change-of-lifestyle program. We evaluated anthropometric data (BMI, %body fat and waist circumference), biochemical components (plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-c) and diet, through the 24-hour recall method. The quality of the diet was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index. Blood pressure was measured according to the V Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension and classified according to NCEP-ATPIII. Logistic regression was performed to determine the likelihood of changes in SBP and DBP according to dietary intake. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between diastolic blood pressure and sugar and cholesterol intake, and a negative one with intake of fiber, portions of oil and fats and diet quality. Dietary variety with ≥ 8 food items showed a protective effect for alterations in systolic blood pressure, OR = 0.361 (0.148 to 0.878). CONCLUSION: A greater dietary variety had a protective effect on the systolic blood pressure.

Dietary factors associated with metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adults.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is defined as the association of numerous factors that increase cardiovascular risk and diet is one of the main factors related to increase the MS in the population. This study aimed to evaluate the association of diet on the presence of MS in an adult population sample. METHODOLOGY: 305 adults were clinically screened to participate in a lifestyle modification program. Anthropometric assessments included waist circumference (WC), body fat and calculated BMI (kg/m2) and muscle-mass index (MMI kg/m2). Dietary intake was estimated by 24 h dietary recall. Fasting blood was used for biochemical analysis. MS was diagnosed using NCEP-ATPIII (2001) criteria with adaptation for glucose (≥100 mg/dL). Logistic regression (Odds ratio) was performed in order to determine the odds ratio for developing MS according to dietary intake. RESULTS: An adequate intake of fruits, OR=0.52 (CI:0.28-0.98), and an intake of more than 8 different items in the diet (variety), OR=0.31 (CI:0.12-0.79) showed to be a protective factor against a diagnosis of MS. Saturated fat intake greater than 10% of total caloric value represented a risk for MS diagnosis, OR=2.0 (1.04-3.84). CONCLUSION: Regarding the dietary aspect, a risk factor for MS was higher intake of saturated fat, and protective factors were high diet variety and adequate fruit intake.

Food-dependent, exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress.

Among athletes strenuous exercise, dehydration and gastric emptying (GE) delay are the main causes of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, whereas gut ischemia is the main cause of their nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and (blood) diarrhea. Additionally any factor that limits sweat evaporation, such as a hot and humid environment and/or body dehydration, has profound effects on muscle glycogen depletion and risk for heat illness. A serious underperfusion of the gut often leads to mucosal damage and enhanced permeability so as to hide blood loss, microbiota invasion (or endotoxemia) and food-born allergen absorption (with anaphylaxis). The goal of exercise rehydration is to intake more fluid orally than what is being lost in sweat. Sports drinks provide the addition of sodium and carbohydrates to assist with intestinal absorption of water and muscle-glycogen replenishment, respectively. However GE is proportionally slowed by carbohydrate-rich (hyperosmolar) solutions. On the other hand, in order to prevent hyponatremia, avoiding overhydration is recommended. Caregiver's responsibility would be to inform athletes about potential dangers of drinking too much water and also advise them to refrain from using hypertonic fluid replacements.

Comparison of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in overweight and obese adults.

Objective. To compare values from predictive equations of resting energy expenditure (REE) with indirect calorimetry (IC) in overweight and obese adults. Methods. Eighty-two participants aged 30 to 60 years old were retrospectively analyzed. The persons had a body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2). REE was estimated by IC and other five equations of the literature (Harris and Benedict, WHO1, WHO2, Owen, Mifflin). Results. All equations had different values when compared to those of IC. The best values were found by Harris and Benedict, WHO1, and WHO2, with high values of intraclass correlation coefficient and low values of mean difference. Furthermore, WHO1 and WHO2 showed lower systematic error and random. Conclusion. No predictive equations had the same values of REE as compared to those of indirect calorimetry, and those which least underestimated REE were the equations of WHO1, WHO2, and Harris and Benedict. The next step would be to validate the new equation proposed.