Daily Archives: 24 July 2024

Consumption of Peanuts May Enhance Vascular Health in Young, Healthy Individuals

A study published in the journal Antioxidants, led by Rosa M. Lamuela, a professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences at the University of Barcelona and a member of the Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety Research (INSA-UB) based at the Nutrition and Food Torribera Campus, and the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEROBN), indicates that eating peanuts and peanut butter could benefit vascular health in young, healthy adults.

Peanuts, derived from the legume plant Arachis hypogaea, are considered nuts from a nutritional standpoint and are most commonly consumed globally. They are rich in fatty acids, proteins, fibre, and polyphenols, making them a nutrient-dense snack that supports a healthy lifestyle. This potential of peanuts as a healthy snack is a reason for optimism in nutrition and health.

Unlike many nutritional studies focusing on high-risk populations, particularly older individuals, where dietary changes show more immediate benefits, this study took a unique approach. It included 63 healthy young adults aged between 18 and 33 who incorporated daily peanut products into their diet for six months. Professor Rosa M. Lamuela from the UB Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy noted that this approach makes it challenging to detect the health effects of dietary changes in this study group.

This pioneering nutritional intervention documented improvements in vascular markers, specifically those linked to antithrombotic and vasodilatory effects, after regular peanut consumption. “Our findings showed a notable increase in urinary levels of phenolic metabolites in participants who consumed peanuts and peanut butter daily compared to those in the control group, who consumed a cream devoid of fibre and polyphenols,” explains Rosa M. Lamuela.

Moreover, individuals who ate peanuts or peanut butter demonstrated enhanced levels of prostacyclin I2 and a better ratio between thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin I2, eicosanoids, which serve as indicators of vascular health. “It’s interesting to note that certain phenolic metabolites, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids, which saw a significant increase post peanut consumption, also correlated with the enhancements in these vascular markers,” states researcher Isabella Parilli-Moser (INSA-UB-CIBERobn), first author of the paper.

This study reinforces the hypothesis previously supported by scientific literature and earlier studies by the same research group regarding the protective role of dietary polyphenols—essential antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents—against cardiovascular diseases in adults, alongside their antithrombotic and vasodilatory properties. Additionally, the chronic consumption of nuts and peanuts has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, mainly due to the protective effects of the polyphenols they contain.

While the article underscores the potential health benefits of including peanuts and peanut butter in our diet, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies. These studies are crucial to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the positive effects of peanut consumption on vascular health. This call for additional research engages the audience and invites them to contribute to the field of nutrition and health.

More information: Isabella Parilli-Moser et al, Urinary Phenolic Metabolites Associated with Peanut Consumption May Have a Beneficial Impact on Vascular Health Biomarkers, Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030698

Journal information: Antioxidants Provided by University of Barcelona

Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Healthspan and Memory Enhancement in Elderly Mice

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The ketogenic diet is both praised and criticised by many, yet its influence on memory in mice is supported by scientific evidence. While studying the impact of the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet on memory enhancement in older mice, researchers from the Buck Institute, along with a team from the University of Chile, discovered a novel molecular signalling pathway. This pathway enhances synapse function, shedding light on how the diet supports brain health and combats ageing. The findings, published in the June 5, 2024, issue of Cell Reports Medicine, open new avenues for addressing memory improvements at a molecular level without necessarily adhering to a ketogenic diet or its by-products.

The study’s lead researcher, Christian González-Billault, PhD, a professor at the Universidad de Chile and director of their Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism, also an adjunct professor at the Buck Institute, highlighted the broad benefits of the ketogenic diet on brain function. He noted that the study provides a precise mechanism of action that could aid in maintaining and enhancing brain function during ageing. John Newman, MD, PhD, collaborating with Dr González-Billault and based at the Buck Institute while also serving as a geriatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, pointed out that their current research builds on earlier findings which demonstrated that the ketogenic diet boosts healthspan and memory in ageing mice. Dr Newman emphasised that this effect appears rapidly and can be initiated in older animals, enhancing brain health as they age, leaving no doubt about the significant and rapid effects of the ketogenic diet on brain health.

Historically, it has been observed that rats with reduced food intake tend to live longer. However, according to Dr Newman, the key to manipulating lifespan lies in reduced consumption and the cellular signals triggered by nutrient availability. These signals often involve pathways associated with ageing, such as those controlling protein turnover and metabolism. Key among these signals are the ketone bodies—acetoacetate (AcAc), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and to a lesser extent, acetone—produced in the liver when glucose levels are low, which can be due to caloric restriction, intense exercise, or a low-carbohydrate diet like the ketogenic diet.

Seven years ago, Newman led a pioneering study which demonstrated that exposing mice to increased levels of ketone bodies throughout their adult life via a ketogenic diet not only helped them live longer but also maintained and possibly enhanced their memory as they aged. The present study, led by González-Billault, aimed to discern which aspects of the ketogenic diet were responsible for these effects and how they affected brain function at a molecular level. The study involved feeding mice of advanced age a diet consisting of 90% calories from fat and 10% from protein, alternated weekly with a control diet to prevent overeating and obesity.

The advantages of the ketogenic diet were confirmed through a series of neurophysiological and behavioural tests that evaluated memory processes in aged mice. These tests indicated significant benefits to the functionality of synapses responsible for memory. Buck professor Birgit Schilling, PhD, who heads the Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Center, conducted a deeper analysis of the protein composition of these synapses in the hippocampus. The surprising results showed that even a brief exposure to the ketogenic diet led to dramatic changes in synaptic proteins, which became more pronounced over time.

Further tests revealed that the ketogenic diet activates a specific signalling pathway in the synapses—protein kinase A—known to be crucial for synaptic activity. This pathway seemed to be stimulated by BHB, the primary ketone body produced during a ketogenic diet, highlighting its role as an energy source and a crucial signalling molecule. Dr González-Billault believes that while BHB is critical, it is likely not the sole molecule involved, but understanding its role is a significant step towards comprehending the overall impact of the ketogenic diet and ketone bodies on ageing brains.

Looking ahead, Dr. Newman envisions a future where we can replicate the protective effects of the ketogenic diet on memory by directly targeting the protein kinase A signalling pathway. This approach could eliminate the need to adhere to the diet itself, offering a more targeted method of enhancing synaptic function and memory in ageing individuals. This promising direction underscores a profound leap forward in our understanding and capability to influence brain health as we age, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the field of neuroscience and geriatrics.

More information: Diego Acuña-Catalá et al, Ketogenic diet administration later in life improves memory by modifying the synaptic cortical proteome via the PKA signaling pathway in aging mice, Cell Reports Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101593

Journal information: Cell Reports Medicine Provided by Buck Institute for Research on Aging

Timing Matters: Research Reveals Connection Between Frequency of Bowel Movements and General Health

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Recent findings by the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have uncovered a fascinating link between bowel movement frequency and long-term health. Their research, which analyzed data from over 1,400 healthy adults, will be published in Cell Reports Medicine on July 16. The study categorizes participants into four groups based on self-reported frequency: constipation, low-normal, high-normal, and diarrhoea. It not only identified correlations between bowel movement frequency and factors such as age, gender, and BMI but also revealed that younger people, women, and those with a lower BMI tend to have less frequent bowel movements.

Johannes Johnson-Martinez, the study’s lead author, highlighted the profound impact of bowel movement frequency on the gut’s ecosystem. He explained that if stool remains too long in the gut, microbes exhaust all available dietary fibre, turning instead to protein fermentation, which produces harmful toxins. This microbial activity was reflected in the study’s findings, which showed that individuals in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ of one to two bowel movements per day had a healthier microbial composition. In contrast, extremes were linked to undesirable microbial activities and potential health issues.

The research further linked the frequency of bowel movements with chronic disease risks. Elevated levels of toxins such as p-cresol-sulfate and indoxyl-sulfate, products of microbial protein fermentation, were found in individuals reporting constipation. These substances were associated with potential kidney damage, while liver damage indicators were more common in individuals reporting diarrhoea. Interestingly, high levels of indoxyl-sulfate were significantly linked with reduced kidney function, suggesting a possible causal relationship between bowel movement regularity, microbial metabolism, and organ damage in this healthy cohort.

Notably, those who adhered to a fibre-rich diet, maintained good hydration, and engaged in regular exercise typically found themselves within the optimal range of bowel movement frequency. Dr. Sean Gibbons, ISB associate professor and corresponding author, discussed the implications of chronic constipation, which has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders and chronic kidney disease progression. He stressed the importance of understanding whether bowel movement irregularities are early indicators of chronic disease and organ damage or coincidental findings in sick patients.

The study also examined the connection between bowel movement frequency and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, highlighting how integral bowel health is to overall well-being. Dr Gibbons emphasized that understanding the frequency of bowel movements could play a crucial role in influencing all body systems and could be a significant risk factor in developing chronic diseases.

The study provides valuable insights into how regular bowel movements can influence health across various body systems. It suggests that even in a generally healthy population, managing bowel movement frequency could be key to optimizing health and preventing chronic conditions. These findings could lead to new strategies for managing bowel health to enhance overall wellness, reinforcing the critical role of regular bowel movements in maintaining good health.

More information: Johannes P. Johnson-Martínez et al, Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function, Cell Reports Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101646

Journal information: Cell Reports Medicine Provided by Institute For Systems Biology

Overweight and Obese Children Prone to Iron Deficiency

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Researchers at the University of Leeds’ School of Food Science and Nutrition have uncovered a significant correlation between obesity in children and young people and the risk of iron deficiency. This extensive study reviewed thousands of medical studies from 44 countries that recorded iron levels alongside other essential vitamins and minerals in individuals under 25, comparing these levels with body weight. The study revealed that both underweight and overweight children and adolescents are prone to iron deficiency. However, deficiencies in zinc and vitamin A were exclusively noted in children suffering from undernutrition, suggesting that inflammation might be disrupting iron absorption mechanisms in obese children.

The research, supported by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and published in the ‘BMJ Global Health’ journal on 10 May 2024, highlighted the negative impact of iron deficiency on cognitive functions in children, affecting attention, concentration, and memory. These deficiencies are associated with an increased risk of developing conditions like autism and ADHD. This pioneering study is the first to explore the link between obesity and iron deficiency in children, a well-documented issue in adults but less understood in younger demographics.

Lead author Xiaomian Tan emphasized the significance of this hidden form of malnutrition, termed ‘hidden hunger,’ which is less noticeable than traditional forms of malnutrition. Hidden hunger has historically been associated with low- and middle-income countries where basic caloric needs are met, yet micronutrient needs are not, leading to significant health implications. However, this issue is increasingly prevalent in high-income countries, often due to diets high in ultra-processed, nutrient-poor, yet calorie-dense foods. Conversely, in poorer nations, obesity usually correlates with economic constraints that limit food variety, typically staple foods like corn, wheat, rice, and potatoes.

The global increase in obesity rates is contributing to a double burden of malnutrition and overnutrition, particularly among children aged between five and 19 years. The study notes significant regional disparities, with most research in Africa and Asia focusing on undernutrition, whereas studies from North America and Europe predominantly address overnutrition. Both continents are witnessing rising dual burdens of malnutrition, propelled by economic growth and shifts towards Western dietary habits. From 2000 to 2017, the number of overweight children under five years old in Africa rose from 6.6 million to 9.7 million, and in Asia, from 13.9 million to 17.5 million. Simultaneously, there was an increase in stunted growth among children under five in Africa, from 50.6 million to 58.7 million.

Professor Bernadette Moore, a research supervisor and professor of Nutritional Sciences, stressed the critical nature of these findings for child health. She highlighted that the issue is not just about iron deficiency but the broader implications of prolonged inflammation, which can lead to severe health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver. The study underscores the urgent need for global attention to investigate micronutrient deficiencies and the double burden of malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in the global health landscape.

The researchers advocate for increased physical activity and improved diets to combat inflammation and improve iron status in children. They are calling for further studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and to explore micronutrient deficiencies in the context of the double burden of malnutrition and overnutrition, especially in regions currently lacking comprehensive data. This call for further research aims to engage the audience, including healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, in the ongoing efforts to address this critical gap in the global health landscape.

More information: Xiaomian Tan et al, Overnutrition is a risk factor for iron, but not for zinc or vitamin A deficiency in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis, BMJ Global Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015135

Journal information: BMJ Global Health Provided by University of Leeds