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Session: Nutritional Interventions and Metabolic Insights in Aging and Obesity (Poster Theater Flash Session 11)

(PTFS11-07-24) Beneficial Changes in Vitamin E Status and LDL Levels in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome Consuming Almonds as Snack Foods

Monday, July 1, 2024
8:24 AM – 8:28 AM CT
Location:  W185A-C
Objectives: Gut barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation are key factors involved in MetS progression that could be targeted with dietary approaches to improve health outcomes in people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Almonds are a rich source of various bioactive components with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could improve gut health. Our objective was to determine the extent to which daily almond consumption improved vitamin E status, gut health, decreased inflammation and oxidative stress, and improved cardiometabolic health outcomes in persons with MetS.

Methods: Adults with MetS (n=80) were recruited to consume either almonds (2 oz whole dry roasted) or crackers (non-whole grain of equal caloric content) as a daily snack for 12 weeks. Plasma, urine and stool samples were collected at 0, 4 and 12 weeks, and indicators of vitamin E status, gut health, cardiometabolic health, inflammation, oxidative stress, mineral, and polyphenol levels were measured.

Results: Thus far, 51 participants have completed the study. Interim results indicate 12 weeks of almond consumption increased plasma α-tocopherol levels (P = 0.04), as well as decreased LDL-C (P = 0.04) and total cholesterol (trend, P = 0.06) levels, relative to baseline. An increase in vitamin E biomarkers α-CEHC and α-CMBHC (urinary vitamin E catabolites) were found within 4 weeks of almond consumption (P = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Analysis is underway to determine if almond consumption elicits improvements in markers of inflammation (CRP, IL-6, CD14, LBP), gut health (calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, I-FABP, SCFA), oxidative stress (MDA), and cardiometabolic and anthropometric health (HDL-C, triglycerides, blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR).

Conclusions: Almond consumption increased vitamin E status in persons with MetS and may provide novel benefits in persons with MetS.

Funding Sources: This work was funded by Almond Board of California, National Institute of Food and Agriculture ̶ Agricultural Experimental Station [W5002], and Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station [OR00735].