Effects of a Self-Prepared Carbohydrate-Reduced High-Protein Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

We previously observed beneficial effects of a carbohydrate-reduced, high-protein (CRHP) diet on cardiovascular risk markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a crossover 2 × 6-week trial, when all food was provided to subjects as ready-to-eat meals. Here, we report the results from a 6-month open label extension: 28 patients with T2DM were instructed to self-prepare the CRHP diet with dietetic guidance. At weeks 0, 6, 12, and 36, fasting and postprandial (4-h meal test) blood samples were collected for measurements of total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TG), apolipoproteins A1 and B, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6. Diurnal blood pressure and heart rate were also assessed. At the end of the study (week 36), concentrations of fasting total and LDL-cholesterol, fasting and postprandial NEFA and TG, and fasting apolipoprotein-B, CRP and TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower compared with week 0 (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in diurnal heart rate was also observed. From week 12 to 36, an increase in HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein-A1 concentrations and a further reduction in fasting and postprandial NEFA (p < 0.05) were found. These changes were independent of minor fluctuations in body weight. We conclude that the substitution of dietary carbohydrate for protein and fat has beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk markers in patients with T2DM, which are maintained or augmented over the next 6 months when patients select and prepare the CRHP diet on their own in a dietitian-supported setting.

Special diets in modern America: Analysis of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey data.

BACKGROUND: Special diets are frequently used by the public but reasons for use and characteristics of users remain unclear. AIM: To determine prevalence of the use of special diets, the individual characteristics associated with their use and reasons for use. METHODS: The secondary analysis used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional household interview survey of a nationally representative sample of non-hospitalized US adult populations ( n = 34,525). The dependent variables in this secondary analysis were the use of a special diet (vegetarian, macrobiotic, Atkins, Pritikin, and Ornish) ever and during the past 12 months. Independent variables included sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables. Prevalence of special diet use and reasons for use were analyzed descriptively. Associations between independent and dependent variables were analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of using special diets were 7.5% (weighted n = 17.7 million) and 2.9% (weighted n = 6.9 million), respectively. Individuals using special diets in the past 12 months were more likely female (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.21-1.74), not married (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.63-0.91), college-educated (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.25-3.11) and depressed (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.14-1.98). They more likely also used herbal products (OR = 2.35; 95%CI = 1.84-2.99), non-vitamin (OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.45-2.27) and vitamin supplements (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.24-1.99). Diets were mainly used to improve overall health (76.7%) or for general wellness/prevention (70.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Special diets are mainly used for unspecific health reasons by those who are females, have a college degree or with depression, and commonly used in conjunction with herbs and dietary supplements.

Dismorfia muscular: características alimentares ?e da suplementação nutricional / Muscle dysmorphia: food intake and dietary supplements characteristics

Introdução: A dismorfia muscular produz mudanças na alimentação. Com ela a dieta passa a ser hiperprotéica e hipolipídica, acompanhada de diversos suplementos alimentares. Objetivos: Analisar as características da alimentação de sujeitos com dismorfia muscular. Métodos: Pesquisa transversal, descritiva interpretativa, de abordagem quali-quantitativa. Resultados: As modificações na rotina alimentar objetivam aumentar a massa muscular e/ou reduzir a gordura corporal. Houve recusas de convites à restaurantes, reuniões ou jantares, em razão das exigências dietéticas especiais. Os suplementos consumidos são hiperprotéicos, aminoácidos e termogênicos. A dieta e o consumo de suplementos alimentares são incentivados por amigos, comerciantes, professores de educação física e pelos familiares. Conclusão: o consumo excessivo e descontrolado de proteínas e a drástica redução na ingestão de lipídeos, como consequência do excessivo desejo de modificação estética entre os sujeitos com dismorfia muscular, reflete em grave problema de saúde que demanda medidas oficiais, além de uma postura adequada nas diferentes áreas da saúde, especialmente a Educação Física.

Introduction: Muscle dysmorphia produces changes in diet. With her diet becomes protein and hipolipidic, accompanied by various dietary supplements. Objectives: To analyze the characteristics of feed of subjects with muscle dysmorphia. Methods: Transversal, descriptive, interpretive, qualitative and quantitative approach. Results: Changes in dietary practices aimed at increasing muscle mass and / or reduce body fat. Been refused calls for restaurants, meetings or dinners, because of special dietary requirements. Supplements consumed are high in protein, amino acids and thermogenic. The diet and consumption of dietary supplements are encouraged by friends, businessmen, teachers of physical education and the family. Conclusion: The excessive and uncontrolled consumption of protein and a drastic reduction in dietary fat as a consequence of the excessive desire for aesthetic change between subjects with muscle dysmorphia, reflects a serious health problem that requires official action, and proper posture in different health, especially physical education.