2 results
The effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women
- R. Branch, M.C. Kruger, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, B. Ilesanmi-Oyelere
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- Journal:
- Proceedings of the Nutrition Society / Volume 83 / Issue OCE1 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 May 2024, E80
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- Article
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Chronic inflammation is linked with several deleterious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, irritable bowel disease, and osteoporosis (1,2). Post-menopausal women are at a heightened risk of developing these diseases due to the remission of oestrogen, further amplifying a pro-inflammatory state (3,4). This study aimed to critically examine the combined effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation (synbiotics) and exercise in the form of ≥7,000 steps per day on inflammatory markers hs- CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-γ and TNF- α in sedentary post-menopausal women. Eighty-seven healthy post-menopausal women were allocated to receive either a synbiotic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants’ demographics and physical activity levels were determined using questionnaires, and their diet was assessed using self-reported 3-day diet records. Body composition measures of height, weight and BMI were measured at baseline, while total body mass, lean body mass, total fat mass and total body fat percentage at baseline and week 12 using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasted venous blood samples were collected to analyse inflammatory status before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, where outcome variables with multiple time points, were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with the model, including time (baseline vs 12 weeks), intervention group (placebo vs synbiotic), and their interaction as fixed effects. The results showed no significant differences between the intervention group’s demographics, physical activity levels, and dietary intake (p > 0.05). The 12-week study duration (time) was found to have had a statistically significant effect on lowering hs-CRP (p <0.018), IL-8 (p <0.001), IFN-γ (p <0.001), TNF-α (p <0.001) and increasing IL-6 (p <0.001) and IL-10 (p <0.001) in both groups. However, the observed decrease in IL-1β (p <0.348) over time was not significant. The intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) significantly impacted IL-10 (p < 0.003). No significant interactions between time and group were observed across all other inflammatory markers (p > 0.05). The study duration increased total lean body mass (p <0.015) and decreased total body fat percentage (p <0.022) in both the placebo and synbiotic groups. At the same time, the intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) had no effect on total lean body mass, total fat mass, total body mass and percentage body fat in both groups (p > 0.05). The current study showed no notable differences between the placebo and synbiotic groups suggesting synbiotic supplementation is likely ineffective at reducing chronic inflammation in overweight, sedentary post-menopausal women living in New Zealand. However, future studies are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, studies should investigate the effects of exercise and synbiotic supplementation separately in this population.
Evaluation of the potential implications of following a vegan diet on bone health
- A. Clark, M.C. Kruger, H. Mazahery, C. Conlon, K.L. Beck, K. Mumme, R. Batty, P.R. von Hurst
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- Journal:
- Proceedings of the Nutrition Society / Volume 83 / Issue OCE1 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 May 2024, E180
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- Article
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- You have access Access
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Cow’s milk is the primary source of calcium in the NZ diet(1). The absence of dietary planning in a vegan diet can result in the individual unknowingly obtaining low intakes of calcium. Prolonged low calcium intakes can result in negative implications on bone mineral density by increasing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. The measurement of bone health parameters in NZ vegan adults have not been investigated. Therefore, we measured bone mineral density, markers of calcium homeostasis and assessed intake of essential nutrients for optimal bone health in vegans. This cross-sectional study included adults (>18yrs), who followed a vegan diet for 2 years minimum. Demographic and lifestyle information was obtained from questionnaires including previous history of bone fractures and background of familial osteoporosis. A 4-day food record was completed for analysis of calcium, zinc, protein, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C intake and compared to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)(2). Weight, height and BMI were obtained, bone mineral density was measured at the hip and spine via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and reported as Z and T scores. Plasma calcium concentrations were corrected for albumin. All values are presented as mean and standard deviation. The study included 212 participants, aged 39 ± 12.38 years, 71% female. T scores at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were −0.63 ± 1.22 (Z score: −0.29 ± 1.12) and −0.66 ± 1.00 (Z score: −0.24 ± 0.89), respectively. Nine participants had a Z-score of <-2.0 at the lumbar spine, and three at the femoral neck. Corrected calcium concentrations were 2.21 ± 0.33 mmol/L. Calcium intake was 917 ± 347.23 (range 195 to 2,429 mg/day) in all participants, which exceeded the EAR of 840 mg/day for adults aged 19-50 years. Men had higher intakes of calcium than women, 1,051 ± 363.7 mg/day (range 382 to 2,267 mg/day) vs. 867 ± 328.04 mg/day (range 194 to 2,428 mg/day), P-value <0.001. The main source of calcium in the vegan diet was tofu. The intake of protein (77 ± 27.80) g/day, magnesium (569 ± 181.05) mg/day, and vitamin C (145 ± 96.94) mg/day met the EAR, excluding vitamin and mineral supplements. However, the intake of phosphorus (1,472 ± 459.98) mg/day and zinc (10.6 ± 4.01) mg/day were below the EAR. The findings of this study suggest that bone health of vegans are not negatively affected by the exclusion of dairy in the diet, provided that appropriate dietary planning is included to avoid nutrient deficiencies associated with poor bone health. Despite mean intake of calcium exceeding the EAR, very low intakes demonstrated significant variations between participants.