Nutrients

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15 pages, 3240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of an Innovative Equipment to Monitor and Control Salt Usage during Cooking at Home on Salt Intake and Blood Pressure—Randomized Controlled Trial iMC SALT

by Tânia Silva-Santos, Pedro Moreira, Olívia Pinho, Patrícia Padrão, Sandra Abreu, Sílvia Esteves, Luís Oliveira, Pedro Norton, Micaela Rodrigues, Altin Ndrio and Carla Gonçalves

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010008 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4424

Abstract

(1) Background: Excessive salt consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and it is essential to reduce it to the level recommended by the World Health Organization (<5 g/day). The main objective of this study is to verify [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Excessive salt consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and it is essential to reduce it to the level recommended by the World Health Organization (<5 g/day). The main objective of this study is to verify the impact of an intervention, which used the Salt Control H equipment to reducing salt consumption; (2) Methods: The study was an 8-week randomized control trial with 114 workers from a public university. The intervention group (n = 57) used the equipment to monitor and control the use of salt during cooking (Salt Control H) at home for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was 24 h urinary sodium excretion as a proxy of salt intake. Secondary outcomes included changes in 24 h urinary potassium excretion, sodium to potassium ratio (Na:K), and blood pressure. (3) Results: There was a decrease in sodium intake after the intervention but with no statistical significance. When analyzing the results by sex and hypertension status, there was a reduction in sodium (−1009 (−1876 to −142), p = 0.025) and in Na:K ratio (−0.9 (−1.5 to −0.3), p = 0.007) in hypertensive men in the intervention group. (4) Conclusions: Interventions with dosage equipment can be valid approaches in individual salt reduction strategies, especially in hypertensive men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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12 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Quantitative Lipoprotein Characteristics Do Not Relate to Healthy Dietary Patterns in Adults from a Mediterranean Area

by Marina Idalia Rojo-López, Esmeralda Castelblanco, Jordi Real, Marta Hernández, Mireia Falguera, Núria Amigó, Josep Julve, Núria Alonso, Josep Franch-Nadal, Minerva Granado-Casas and Dídac Mauricio

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124369 - 6 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

We aimed to assess the potential relationship between dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean diet and healthy eating) and the advanced lipoprotein profile (ALP) in a representative cohort of the Mediterranean population. Thus, ALP data from 1142 participants, including 222 with type 1 (19.4%) and [...] Read more.

We aimed to assess the potential relationship between dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean diet and healthy eating) and the advanced lipoprotein profile (ALP) in a representative cohort of the Mediterranean population. Thus, ALP data from 1142 participants, including 222 with type 1 (19.4%) and 252 type 2 diabetes (22.1%), and 668 subjects without diabetes were used to study cross-sectional associations between quantitative characteristics of lipoproteins and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The alternate Mediterranean diet score (aMED) and the alternate healthy eating index (aHEI) were calculated. The ALP was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Participants in the third tertile of the aMED showed higher levels of low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (LDL-TG) (mean (SD) 17.5 (5.0); p = 0.037), large high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL-P) (0.3 (0.1); p = 0.037), and medium low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) (434.0 (143.0); p = 0.037). In comparison with participants in the second and first tertiles of the aHEI, participants in the third tertile had higher levels of LDL-TG (17.7 (5.0); p = 0.010), and large HDL-P (0.3 (0.1); p = 0.002), IDL-C (11.8 (5.0); p = 0.001), intermediate-density lipoprotein triglycerides (IDL-TG) (13.2 (4.2); p < 0.001), LDL-TG (17.7(5.0); p = 0.010), high-density lipoprotein triglycerides (HDL-TG) (14.5 (4.4); p = 0.029,) large HDL-P (0.3 (0.1); p = 0.002) and very–low-density lipoprotein particles (VLDL-P) size (42.1 (0.2); p = 0.011). The adjusted-multivariable analysis for potential confounding variables did not show any association between the lipoproteins and dietary patterns (i.e., aMED and aHEI). In conclusion, none of the quantitative characteristics of lipoproteins were concomitantly associated with the extent of adherence to the Mediterranean diet measured using the aMED or aHEI scores in the studied population. Our findings also revealed that people with the highest adherence were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI) and more frequently had dyslipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes than those with the lowest adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MDiet). Thus, further research may be needed to assess the potential role of the dietary pattern on the ALP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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10 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Randomized Controlled Trial for Promotion of Healthy Eating in Older Adults by Increasing Consumption of Plant-Based Foods: Effect on Inflammatory Biomarkers

by Andreas Nilsson, Antonio Cano, Oscar Bergens and Fawzi Kadi

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3753; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113753 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4790

Abstract

To what extent the intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) influences inflammatory status remains elusive, particularly in older populations. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of increased FV intake for 16 weeks on circulating biomarkers of inflammation in [...] Read more.

To what extent the intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) influences inflammatory status remains elusive, particularly in older populations. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of increased FV intake for 16 weeks on circulating biomarkers of inflammation in a population of older men and women. Sixty-six participants (65–70 years) randomly assigned to either FV or control (CON) groups were instructed to increase FV intake to five servings per day through nutritional counseling (FV) or to maintain habitual diet (CON). Dietary intake and physical activity level (PA) were determined using food frequency questionnaire and accelerometers, respectively, at the start and end of the intervention. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-18, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand-1 (CX3CL1, or fractalkine) were analyzed. The FV group significantly increased daily FV intake (from 2.2 ± 1.3 to 4.2 ± 1.8 servings/day), with no change in CON. Waist circumference and PA level were unchanged by the intervention. Interaction effects (time × group, p < 0.05) for TRAIL, TRANCE, and CX3CL1 denoting a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in FV but not in CON were observed. No corresponding effects on CRP, IL6, TNF-α, MIP-1α, and β and IL-18 were observed. The present study demonstrates the influence of increased FV consumption on levels of some inflammatory biomarkers in a population of older adults. Future work is warranted to examine the clinical implications of FV-induced alterations in these inflammatory biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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19 pages, 1257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium and Potassium Content of Foods Consumed in an Italian Population and the Impact of Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet on Their Intake

by Marcella Malavolti, Androniki Naska, Susan J. Fairweather-Tait, Carlotta Malagoli, Luciano Vescovi, Cristina Marchesi, Marco Vinceti and Tommaso Filippini

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082681 - 1 Aug 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4827

Abstract

High sodium and low potassium intakes are associated with increased levels of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Assessment of habitual dietary habits are helpful to evaluate their intake and adherence to healthy dietary recommendations. In this study, we determined sodium and [...] Read more.

High sodium and low potassium intakes are associated with increased levels of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Assessment of habitual dietary habits are helpful to evaluate their intake and adherence to healthy dietary recommendations. In this study, we determined sodium and potassium food-specific content and intake in a Northern Italy community, focusing on the role and contribution of adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns. We collected a total of 908 food samples and measured sodium and potassium content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, we assessed habitual dietary intake of 719 adult individuals of the Emilia-Romagna region. We then estimated sodium and potassium daily intake for each food based on their relative contribution to the overall diet, and their link to Mediterranean diet patterns. The estimated mean sodium intake was 2.15 g/day, while potassium mean intake was 3.37 g/day. The foods contributing most to sodium intake were cereals (33.2%), meat products (24.5%, especially processed meat), and dairy products (13.6%), and for potassium they were meat (17.1%, especially red and white meat), fresh fruits (15.7%), and vegetables (15.1%). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet had little influence on sodium intake, whereas potassium intake was greatly increased in subjects with higher scores, resulting in a lower sodium/potassium ratio. Although we may have underestimated dietary sodium intake by not including discretionary salt use and there may be some degree of exposure misclassification as a result of changes in food sodium content and dietary habits over time, our study provides an overview of the contribution of a wide range of foods to the sodium and potassium intake in a Northern Italy community and of the impact of a Mediterranean diet on intake. The mean sodium intake was above the dietary recommendations for adults of 1.5–2 g/day, whilst potassium intake was only slightly lower than the recommended 3.5 g/day. Our findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns has limited effect on restricting sodium intake, but may facilitate a higher potassium intake, thereby aiding the achievement of healthy dietary recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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21 pages, 1342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Soy Protein Containing of Isoflavones and Isoflavones Extract on Plasma Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women as a Potential Prevention Factor in Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Agnieszka Barańska, Agata Błaszczuk, Wiesław Kanadys, Bożena Baczewska, Marian Jędrych, Ewelina Wawryk-Gawda and Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082531 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4194

Abstract

The aim of the report was to evaluate the impact of soy protein containing isoflavones and soy isoflavones extract on lipid profile in postmenopausal women, as compared with placebo or protein of milk, casein or isolated soy protein with or without trace isoflavone [...] Read more.

The aim of the report was to evaluate the impact of soy protein containing isoflavones and soy isoflavones extract on lipid profile in postmenopausal women, as compared with placebo or protein of milk, casein or isolated soy protein with or without trace isoflavone content. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Quantitative data synthesis was performed by applying a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to assess the modifiers of treatment response. In total, in the analysis studies, 2305 postmenopausal women took part. Changes in the lipid profile showed statistically significant decreases of total cholesterol by −0.12 (95% CI: −0.21, −0.03) mmol/L, −4.64 (95% CI: −8.12, −1.16) mg/dL, p = 0.01 and increased HDL-cholesterol by 0.03 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.06) mmol/L, 1.15 (95% CI: 0.00, 1.93) mg/dL, p = 0.05, as well as in LDL-cholesterol −0.05 (95% CI: −0.11, 0.01) mmol/L, −1.93 (95% CI: −4.25, 0.39) mg/dL, p = 0.08 and triacylglycerols −0.07 (95% CI: −0.14, 0.00) mmol/L, −6.123 (95% CI: −12.25, 0.00) mg/dL, p = 0.06. Our results suggests that soy and its isoflavones can be effective in correction changes in lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women and may favorably influence in preventing cardiovascular events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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11 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Mediterranean Diet or Low-Fat Diet on Blood Fatty Acids in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease. A Randomized Intervention Study

by Monica Gianna Giroli, José Pablo Werba, Patrizia Risé, Benedetta Porro, Angelo Sala, Manuela Amato, Elena Tremoli, Alice Bonomi and Fabrizio Veglia

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072389 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6690

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) prevents cardiovascular disease by different putative mechanisms, including modifications in the blood fatty acid (FA) profile. Polytherapy for secondary cardiovascular prevention might mask the effect of MD on the FA profile. This study was aimed to assess whether MD, [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) prevents cardiovascular disease by different putative mechanisms, including modifications in the blood fatty acid (FA) profile. Polytherapy for secondary cardiovascular prevention might mask the effect of MD on the FA profile. This study was aimed to assess whether MD, in comparison with a low-fat diet (LFD), favorably modifies the blood FA profile in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) on polytherapy. One hundred and twenty patients with a recent history of coronary stenting, randomized to MD or to LFD, completed 3 months of this open-label dietary intervention study. Diet Mediterranean-ness was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MeDAS) score. Both diets significantly reduced saturated FA (p < 0.01). Putative favorable changes in total n-3 FA (p = 0.03) and eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA; p = 0.04) were significantly larger with MD than with LFD. At 3 months, in the whole cohort, the MeDAS score correlated inversely with palmitic acid (R = −0.21, p = 0.02), and with palmitoleic acid (R = −0.32, p = 0.007), and positively with total n-3 FA (R = 0.19, p = 0.03), EPA (R = 0.28, p = 0.002), and EPA + DHA (R = 0.21, p = 0.02). In CHD patients on polytherapy, both MD and LFD shift FA blood composition towards a healthier profile, with a more favorable effect of MD on omega−3 levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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15 pages, 2574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method to Estimate the Efficacy vs. Effectiveness in Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials with Different Adherence Scenarios: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study in Nutrition

by Miguel Ángel López-Espinoza, José Antonio Lozano-Lozano and David Prieto-Merino

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072352 - 9 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3396

Abstract

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to promote fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption usually report intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis as the main outcome. These analyses compare the randomly assigned groups and accept that some individuals may not follow the recommendations received [...] Read more.

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to promote fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption usually report intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis as the main outcome. These analyses compare the randomly assigned groups and accept that some individuals may not follow the recommendations received in their group. The ITT analysis is useful to quantify the global effect of promoting the consumption of FV in a population (effectiveness) but, if non-adherence is significant in the RCT, they cannot estimate the specific effect in the individuals that increased their FV consumption (efficacy). To calculate the efficacy of FV consumption, a per protocol analysis (PP) would have to be carried out, in which groups of individuals are compared according to their actual adherence to FV consumption, regardless of the group to which they were assigned; unfortunately, many RCTs do not report the PP analysis. The objective of this article is to apply a new method to estimate the efficacy of Meta-analysis (MA) PP which include RCTs of effectiveness by ITT, without estimates of adherence. The method is based on generating Monte Carlo simulations of percentages of adherence in each allocation group from prior distributions informed by expert knowledge. We illustrate the method reanalyzing a Cochrane Systematic Review (SR) of RCTs on increased FV consumption reported with ITT, simulating 1000 times the estimation of a PP meta-analyses, and obtaining means and ranges of the potential PP effects. In some cases, the range of estimated PP effects was clearly more favourable than the effect calculated with the original ITT assumption, and therefore this corrected analysis must be considered when estimating the true effect of the consumption of a certain food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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14 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Four Weeks Dietary Intervention with 8-Hour Time-Restricted Eating on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Young Adults

by Su-Jeong Park, Jae-Won Yang and Yoon-Ju Song

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072164 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5257

Abstract

Recently, intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating (TRE), has become a popular diet trend. Compared to animal studies, there have been few studies and inconclusive findings investigating the effects of TRE in humans. In this study, we examined the effects of 8 [...] Read more.

Recently, intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating (TRE), has become a popular diet trend. Compared to animal studies, there have been few studies and inconclusive findings investigating the effects of TRE in humans. In this study, we examined the effects of 8 h TRE on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults who were mainly active at night. A total of 33 young adults completed the 8 h TRE for 4 weeks. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and every 2 weeks, and blood samples were collected at baseline and week 4. Daily dietary records were logged throughout the intervention period. Participants experienced significant changes in body weight (−1.0 ± 1.4 kg), body mass index (−0.4 ± 0.5 kg/m²), and body fat (−0.4 ± 1.9%) after 4 weeks of TRE. When participants were divided into weight loss/gain groups based on their weight change in week 4, fat mass reduction was significantly higher in the weight loss group than in the weight gain group. Regarding cardiometabolic risk factors, levels of fasting insulin and insulin resistance improved in the weight loss group after intervention, but not in the weight gain group. All subjects showed late-shifted sleeping patterns, but no significant differences in sleep duration, sleep quality, or psychological measures between the two groups. When meal frequency and energy proportion were evaluated, the average meal frequency was 2.8 ± 0.5 and energy proportions of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks were 4.5, 39.2, 37.6, and 18.5%, respectively; there were no significant differences between the two groups. However, the saturated fat intake at dinner was lower in the weight loss group (3.1 ± 3.2%, 6.0 ± 2.5% respectively). In conclusion, 8 h TRE can be applied as a lifestyle strategy to manage body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors among young adults with late chronotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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10 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Properly Balanced Reduction Diet and/or Supplementation Solve the Problem with the Deficiency of These Vitamins Soluble in Water in Patients with PCOS

by Małgorzata Szczuko, Iwona Szydłowska and Jolanta Nawrocka-Rutkowska

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030746 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5747

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common problem for women in the reproductive age throughout the entire world. A reduction diet with a low glycaemic index (GI) has proved to support the treatment of PCOS. The aim of the study was to [...] Read more.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common problem for women in the reproductive age throughout the entire world. A reduction diet with a low glycaemic index (GI) has proved to support the treatment of PCOS. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of the diet on the level of vitamins soluble in water. The study included 55 women, 40 of which suffered from PCOS (identified by means of the Rotterdam Criteria) and 15 healthy women of the Caucasian race. The level of vitamins before and after the dietary intervention was measured. The diet was a reduction diet with a reduced glycaemic index (GI). Biochemical analyses were made on the basis of liquid chromatography—Infinity 1260 Binary liquid chromatography (LC) Agilent Technology. The level of vitamins in the serum was analysed together with the consumption before and after the dietary intervention. A higher level of vitamin C in the plasma was observed before and after the dietary intervention in the PCOS group in comparison to the control group despite the lower intake of this vitamin in the PCOS group. The remaining vitamins were at a comparable or lower level (B1, B3, B5, B6 and B12). After the dietary intervention, only B1 and B9 were at a clearly lower level (a trend of p = 0.093 and p = 0.085). A properly balanced reduction diet with reduced GI improves the supply of vitamins in women with PCOS. An additional recommendation should be the additional supplementation of B1, niacinamide and the combination of folates with inositol. The level of vitamin C in the plasma may not be a good marker of its supply in the PCOS group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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11 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids in Relation to Hypertension

by M. H. Mahbub, Natsu Yamaguchi, Ryosuke Hase, Hidekazu Takahashi, Yasutaka Ishimaru, Rie Watanabe, Hiroyuki Saito, Junki Shimokawa, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Shinya Kikuchi and Tsuyoshi Tanabe

Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3791; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123791 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3409

Abstract

Findings of the available studies regarding the roles of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in hypertension are inconsistent, conflicting and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore and clarify the existence of any relationships of individual BCAAs [...] Read more.

Findings of the available studies regarding the roles of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) in hypertension are inconsistent, conflicting and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore and clarify the existence of any relationships of individual BCAAs and AAAs with hypertension with adjustments for potential relevant confounders. A total of 2805 healthy controls and 2736 hypertensive patients were included in the current analysis. The associations between individual amino acids and hypertension were explored by logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables. Among the investigated amino acids, only the BCAAs showed consistently significant positive associations with hypertension in the adjusted models (p-trend < 0.05 to 0.001). However, compared with the corresponding lowest quartile of individual BCAAs, the positive association with hypertension remained significant only in the highest quartile (p < 0.01 to 0.001). We confirmed in a relatively large cohort of subjects that BCAAs, not AAAs, demonstrated consistent positive associations with hypertension. The results display the promising potential for the use of BCAAs as relevant and accessible biomarkers, and provide perspectives on interventions directed towards the reduction in plasma BCAA levels in the prevention and management of hypertension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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Review

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14 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Flavonols on Cardiovascular Risk

by Joanna Popiolek-Kalisz and Emilia Fornal

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091973 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4266

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of deaths globally. The main target for prevention of cardiovascular (CV) risk are lifestyle changes, including particular dietary recommendations, involving high intake of fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are a subgroup of flavonoids—compounds present in fruits, vegetables, [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of deaths globally. The main target for prevention of cardiovascular (CV) risk are lifestyle changes, including particular dietary recommendations, involving high intake of fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are a subgroup of flavonoids—compounds present in fruits, vegetables, and tea—known for their antioxidative properties. There are many findings about the beneficial impact of flavonols on general CV risk and its factors, but mainly from in vitro and animal model studies. This paper summarizes data from human studies about flavonols’ impact on general CV risk and its factors. A high dietary intake of flavonols could decrease CVD mortality directly or through impact on selected CV factors; however, available data are inconsistent. Nonetheless, specific groups of patients (smoking men, hypertensive and diabetic patients) can potentially benefit from selected dietary modifications or flavonols (quercetin) supplementation. Future investigations about kaempferol and myricetin are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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25 pages, 1992 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interventions That Successfully Reduced Adults Salt Intake—A Systematic Review

by Tânia Silva-Santos, Pedro Moreira, Micaela Rodrigues, Patrícia Padrão, Olívia Pinho, Pedro Norton, Altin Ndrio and Carla Gonçalves

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010006 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5940

Abstract

Background: Adequate sodium intake is important for lowering blood pressure and thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk and other complications. The aim of this review is to identify recent interventions around the world that have been successful in reducing salt intake. Methods: A search [...] Read more.

Background: Adequate sodium intake is important for lowering blood pressure and thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk and other complications. The aim of this review is to identify recent interventions around the world that have been successful in reducing salt intake. Methods: A search in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. We include studies published in the last 10 years; randomized trials, pilot intervention without a control arm or experimental study; adult participants; and interventions that successfully reduced salt intake. Study quality was assessed. Results: We included 21 studies, 16 randomized intervention trials and five nonrandomized intervention studies. Eleven interventions described health and nutritional education, seven interventions described nutritional education plus other interventions, and three studies used salt meters to reduce sodium intake. Conclusion: Health and nutritional education, nutritional education plus other interventions and estimates of salt intake showed success in the reduction of salt consumption. There is no evidence that one type of intervention analyzed is more effective than other in reducing salt consumption, so we must analyze each in which individuals or subpopulations will have the intervention performed and use the most suitable approaches to lead to better results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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20 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrients and Dietary Approaches in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

by Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana, Pedro Iglesias, Josep Ribalta, Teresa Vilariño-García, Laura Montañez, Francisco Arrieta, Manuel Aguilar, Santiago Durán, Juan C. Obaya, Antonio Becerra, Juan Pedro-Botet, Víctor Sánchez-Margalet and on behalf of the Cardiovascular Disease Working Group of the Spanish Society of Diabetes (SED)

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4150; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114150 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6661

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The prevalence of CVD is much higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who may benefit from lifestyle changes, which include adapted diets. In this review, [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The prevalence of CVD is much higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who may benefit from lifestyle changes, which include adapted diets. In this review, we provide the role of different groups of nutrients in patients with T2DM and CVD, as well as dietary approaches that have been associated with better and worse outcomes in those patients. Many different diets and supplements have proved to be beneficial in T2DM and CVD, but further studies, guidelines, and dietary recommendations are particularly required for patients with both diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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19 pages, 1374 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mediterranean Diet and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Perpetual Inspiration for the Scientific World. A Review

by Tatjana Milenkovic, Nadica Bozhinovska, Djuro Macut, Jelica Bjekic-Macut, Dario Rahelic, Zelija Velija Asimi and Azra Burekovic

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041307 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 20550

Abstract

For the past 80 years, the effect of the Mediterranean diet on overall health has been a constant topic of interest among medical and scientific researchers. Parallel with the persistent global rise of cases of type 2 diabetes, many studies conducted in the [...] Read more.

For the past 80 years, the effect of the Mediterranean diet on overall health has been a constant topic of interest among medical and scientific researchers. Parallel with the persistent global rise of cases of type 2 diabetes, many studies conducted in the past 20 years have shown the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle for people with, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, despite the large body of evidence, concerns exist amongst scientists regarding the reliability of the data related to this topic. This review offers a glimpse of the onset of the Mediterranean diet and follows its significant impact on the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. There is a constant rise in type 2 diabetes cases on the Balkan Peninsula and North Macedonia in particular. Having in mind that North Macedonia, as well as most of the countries on the Balkans have low to middle income, there is a need for a certain affordable dietary pattern to ameliorate the rise in diabetes incidence, as well as improve the glycemic control. We did a review based on the available literature regarding Mediterranean diet and people with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, its effects on glycemic control, lipid profile and metabolic outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

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