Changes in Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations during the AntioxObesity Weight Reduction Program among Adults with Excessive Body Weight.

Plasma carotenoid concentrations are associated with antioxidant defense which might be disturbed in people with excessive body weight (EBW). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a 6-week weight reduction program on plasma concentration of ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin in adults with EBW. A total of 130 adults were recruited for the study; 75 completed the program. Data on food consumption were collected with a 3-day recording method and a semi-quantitative FFQ. Body height, body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured. Lipid profile, ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin were analyzed in blood. The AntioxObesity program resulted in a significant reduction in BW, WC, FM, SAT, and VAT. The mean plasma concentrations of ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin increased significantly after intervention. A reduction in FM above 4 kg significantly increased the concentration of ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and total carotenoids. An increase in carotenoid levels correlated with FM reduction, as fruit and vegetable intake remained unchanged. However, this effect may vary due to gender, HDL-cholesterol, body fat content, and obesity status in the weight loss process.

Weight loss program is associated with decrease α-tocopherol status in obese adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Studies on changes in plasma α-tocopherol levels during body fat reduction in obese persons are not clear. The aim of the present study was to assess factors associated with α-tocopherol status in obese people and to examine changes in α-tocopherol status after a 6-week AntioxObesity weight loss program. METHODS: The study was conducted in 60 overweight or obese adults, aged 18-54 years old. Food intake data were collected using the 3-day record method and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements included: height (H), body weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC), body composition: fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), subcutaneous fat (SF) and visceral fat (VF). Lipid profile, α-tocopherol concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes were determined. RESULTS: Energy, fat, and carbohydrate intakes decreased significantly in all subjects (P < 0.001). Body weight, WC, body mass index (BMI), waist-to height ratio (WHtR), and FM, VF and SF decreased significantly during the 6 weeks in all subjects. Plasma α-tocopherol significantly decreased during the program (P = 0.006). No changes were observed for SOD activity, but GPx activity and TAC decreased significantly (P = 0.001; P = 0,023, respectively). Plasma α-tocopherol concentration after 6 weeks of the AntioxObesity program was strongly associated with baseline plasma α-tocopherol, changes in TC, VF and FM. Low α-tocopherol status (<20 µmol/L) was found in 78% of the women and 68% of the men, after 6 weeks of the AntioxObesity program. Men were characterized by a greater decrease in weight, BMI, WC, FM, VF, SF and TAC compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week weight loss program lowered α-tocopherol status in overweight and obese people. Low baseline α-tocopherol status and adiposity in obese adults negatively affected α-tocopherol status after 6 weeks weight loss program. These results, coupled with excessive weight and low α-tocopherol intake, led to the finding that there was an increased risk of oxidative stress diseases in adults on a reduced diet. Long-term dietary restriction program for obese patients should be monitored to avoid α-tocopherol deficiency, and take into account higher dietary α-tocopherol requirements for obese people.

Intake of Saturated Fatty Acids Affects Atherogenic Blood Properties in Young, Caucasian, Overweight Women Even without Influencing Blood Cholesterol.

Despite a general relation between fat intake and cardiovascular risk factors, the association is often not observed in studies conducted in heterogenic populations, as for population groups, it may differ. The aim of the study was to analyze the associations between dietary fat intake and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions, as well as atherogenic blood properties, in young and middle-aged overweight Caucasian women. In a group of 138 overweight women, the three-day dietary records were assessed, under-reporters were excluded, and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions were analyzed. For the included 24 young (aged 20⁻40) and 42 middle-age women (aged 40⁻60), the intakes of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and cholesterol, as well as the PUFA/SFA ratio, were assessed. Afterwards, the analysis of associations with blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride, as well as the TC/HDL ratio, HDL/LDL, ratio and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), were conducted. It was stated that the influence of the dietary fat level on lipoprotein cholesterol fractions as well as atherogenic blood properties in overweight Caucasian women is age dependent. For young, overweight, Caucasian women, the influence of the dietary fat level on the lipoprotein cholesterol fractions was not observed; however, SFA intake influenced atherogenic blood properties. For middle-aged, overweight, Caucasian women, the PUFA intake had an especially important influence in increasing the HDL cholesterol level. For overweight Caucasian women, not only should lipoprotein cholesterol fractions be controlled, but also the AIP calculated-especially for younger women.

Dietary sources of lutein in adults suffering eye disease (AMD/cataracts).

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies indicate that by consuming 6-14 mg lutein daily, the risk of acquiring eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts becomes reduced. Their symptoms can also by such means be alleviated and treatment improved. OBJECTIVES: To estimate dietary intakes of lutein obtained from foodstuffs and supplements along with determining its main sources in selected groups of adults suffering from eye disease and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in Warsaw and its neighbourhoods during 2008-12. Subjects were 375 adults aged 50-97 years, of whom half had been diagnosed with AMD and/or cataracts; constituting the test group. Dietary intakes of lutein were assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire Method whilst interview questionnaires assessed the intake of supplements. RESULTS: Overall, the average dietary intake of lutein from foodstuffs was 2.5 mg daily, with the test group being significantly higher than healthy controls (2.9 vs 2.1 mg daily). Women's intakes were also higher than in men (2.9 vs 2.1 mg daily), as were those possessing higher or secondary education compared to the others with primary or vocational education (2.7 vs 2.3 mg daily). Fresh vegetables were found to be the main dietary sources of lutein that included green leafy vegetables and frozen vegetables, constituting respectively 63% and 13% of the dietary intake. Dietary supplements containing lutein were taken by 109 subjects of whom most had eye disease (over 80%); where the average daily consumption of lutein from this source was 6.5 mg. CONCLUSIONS: For older people, the dietary intake of lutein from foodstuffs may be insufficient to prevent eye disease. Taking daily dietary supplements would thus be indicated to make up such deficiencies of lutein.

Comparing diabetic with non-diabetic overweight subjects through assessing dietary intakes and key parameters of blood biochemistry and haematology.

INTRODUCTION: An important way of preventing type 2 diabetes is by adopting a proper diet by which means appropriate control over blood glycaemia and lipids can be achieved. OBJECTIVES: To assess selected biochemical and haematological markers in overweight subjects or those suffering from type 2 diabetes in relation to their estimated dietary intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2012 on n = 86 overweight or obese subjects living in Warsaw or its environs, of whom n = 43 had type 2 diabetes. Dietary intakes were compared between non-diabetics (control group) and diabetics (test group) by 3 day records, whilst the relevant blood biochemistry and haematology results were obtained from medical records; with patient consent. RESULTS: Diabetic subjects had significantly higher serum glucose and CRP levels than controls, respectively; 190 vs 98 mg/ dl and 1.4 vs 1.1 mg/dl. Lipid profiles were however more significantly abnormal in controls, compared to diabetics with respectively; total cholesterol 220 vs 194 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol 131 vs 107 mg/dl and triglycerides 206 vs 157 mg/dl. There were no significant differences in HDL-cholesterol; respectively 55 vs 51 mg/dl. In the diabetics, calorific intakes from carbohydrates, especially sugars, were significantly lower than controls i.e. 9% vs 13%. The proportional share of calories derived from dietary fats did not differ between groups, nevertheless a positive correlation was observed between dietary fat content with blood cholesterol concentrations in diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism were confirmed in both overweight and diabetic (type 2) subjects. In addition, both groups demonstrated untoward lipid profiles that correlated with their improper nutrition.

[The assessment of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein intake selected group of adults]. / Ocena spozycia beta-karotenu, likopenu i luteiny w wybranej grupie osób doroslych.

BACKGROUND: Carotenoids as biologically active compounds, found in products of plant origin, have a beneficial impact on human health by protecting it against the development of many diseases. People and animals do not have the ability to synthesize these compounds de novo, they must be regularly supplied with food. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate intake of selected carotenoids and indicate their main sources in the daily food ration in adults. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted in autumn and spring season, in 2010-2011, among 512 adults, aged 18-97 years, from the urban environment of the central Poland. Food frequency questionnaire method was used to assess the intake of carotenoids. RESULTS: The mean intake of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein was respectively 6.3; 7.0 and 2.7 mg/person/day. Level of education was a factor which significantly influenced on all carotenoids intake. Persons with higher level of education consumed significantly higher amounts of carotenoids in relation to persons with primary level of education. It was also found statistically significantly higher beta-carotene intake by women when compared to men. Persons with evidence of overweight or obesity consumed significantly more lycopene. The main sources of beta-carotene were fresh vegetables (62%), including carrot (37%). The largest amounts of lycopene came from processed tomato (50%) and fresh tomatoes (32%). Sources of lutein were total vegetables which contributed to diet over 80%, including fresh vegetables (55%). CONCLUSIONS: The main source of carotenoids in the diet of Polish adults were vegetables and their products, and the level of education was the most differentiating factor in the their total intake.