(P14-012-24) Impacts of Daily Almond Consumption for 8-Weeks on Immune Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Normal to Overweight Adults

Objectives: Past research has demonstrated that almond consumption improves antioxidant and inflammatory status, blood lipid profiles, and other chronic disease risk factors. Our goal was to investigate the influence of daily almond consumption for eight weeks on similar responses as well as markers of immune function.

Methods: Forty-eight healthy overweight (BMI=24-30 kg/m²) men and women were randomly assigned to one of two 8-week interventions (almonds vs pretzels) utilizing a parallel-arm design in a free-living setting. Participants consumed approximately 20% of their energy as almonds or an isocaloric amount of unsalted pretzels daily and reported to the laboratory following overnight fasting at baseline and after 8 weeks. Blood collection and measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), body composition, dietary intake, food cravings, blood pressure, endothelial function and immunological function were conducted.

Results: Despite a main effect (p < .05) for increased perception of cravings control, main effects (p < .05) of time were observed for an increased weight and WC. Almonds promoted higher intake of PUFAs, MUFAs, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. No effects on complete blood count differentials, proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells or cell-mediated cytokine production were detected. Furthermore, the percentage of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells and subpopulations, CD8+ T cells and subpopulations, and Natural Killer T cells (NKT) and NKcells in the blood were similar; however, a time X trial interaction (p < .05) was observed for CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells and CD8+ naïve cells. No major difference in blood lipid profiles, blood pressure, plasma cytokines, markers of inflammation or endothelial function were detected.

Conclusions: Almonds promoted consumption of key nutrients, but exerted little impact on immune function or cardiovascular risk factors of apparently healthy individuals who were at the upper end of normal weight through overweight. However, the snack intervention tended to promote weight gain regardless of food assignment.

Funding Sources: Almond Board of California