Catherine Tsang

Differential effect of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate on biomarkers of glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy, overweight and obese subjects: a randomized clinical trial

The association between excess cortisol and various parameters of metabolic syndrome including hypertension, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia is increasingly recognised. The present single-blind randomised placebo-controlled cross-over study compared the effect of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate (DC) on biomarkers of glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and blood pressure (BP) in females with BMI ≥ 25 kg m(-2) (n = 21) and females with BMI < 25 kg m(-2) (n = 21). Volunteers consumed 20 g of DC containing 500 mg polyphenols or a placebo DC with negligible polyphenol-content daily for 4 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout period. Systolic BP and diastolic BP decreased after 4 weeks of polyphenol-rich DC. Placebo raised fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and salivary cortisol, an effect that was significantly different from polyphenol-rich DC which had a negligible effect on fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and salivary cortisol. Females with BMI ≥ 25 kg m(-2) responded less favourably to placebo than lean females and consequently had higher fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, in addition to a lower quantitative sensitivity check index (QUICKI) after ingestion of placebo compared to polyphenol-rich DC. No significant changes in lipid profile were observed. This study provides evidence for the metabolic benefits of consuming polyphenol-rich dark chocolate while demonstrating the possibility of adverse effects occurring with polyphenol-poor chocolate placebo.

Functional Foods and Lifestyle Approaches for Diabetes Prevention and Management

Functional foods contain biologically active ingredients associated with physiological health benefits for preventing and managing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A regular consumption of functional foods may be associated with enhanced anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitivity, and anti-cholesterol functions, which are considered integral to prevent and manage T2DM. Components of the Mediterranean diet (MD)—such as fruits, vegetables, oily fish, olive oil, and tree nuts—serve as a model for functional foods based on their natural contents of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, pigments, and unsaturated fatty acids. Polyphenols within MD and polyphenol-rich herbs—such as coffee, green tea, black tea, and yerba maté—have shown clinically-meaningful benefits on metabolic and microvascular activities, cholesterol and fasting glucose lowering, and anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation in high-risk and T2DM patients. However, combining exercise with functional food consumption can trigger and augment several metabolic and cardiovascular protective benefits, but it is under-investigated in people with T2DM and bariatric surgery patients. Detecting functional food benefits can now rely on an “omics” biological profiling of individuals’ molecular, genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, but is under-investigated in multi-component interventions. A personalized approach for preventing and managing T2DM should consider biological and behavioral models, and embed nutrition education as part of lifestyle diabetes prevention studies. Functional foods may provide additional benefits in such an approach.

Effect of l-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the efficacy of oral l-citrulline supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases from inception to April 2018, and combined and stratified analyses were used. Fifteen trials were identified, and data from 424 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by −7.54 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): −9.44, −5.63; P < 0.001, I2 = 14%) and diastolic blood pressure by −3.77 mmHg (95% CI: −5.67, −1.86, P < 0.001, I2 = 42%) following oral supplementation of l-citrulline or a watermelon extract. No changes were detected in controls. Significant heterogeneity (I2 = 42%, P = 0.04) was found for diastolic blood pressure, and subgroup analysis showed significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly for study durations: ≥6 weeks, lower doses: ≤4 g/day, and in participants with higher baseline values: ≥130/85 mmHg. In conclusion, l-citrulline improves systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may be more efficacious in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive populations.

Olive Oil Nutraceuticals in the Prevention and Management of Diabetes: From Molecules to Lifestyle

Lifestyle is the primary prevention of diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes (T2D). Nutritional intake of olive oil (OO), the key Mediterranean diet component has been associated with the prevention and management of many chronic diseases including T2D. Several OO bioactive compounds such as monounsaturated fatty acids, and key biophenols including hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, have been associated with preventing inflammation and cytokine-induced oxidative damage, glucose lowering, reducing carbohydrate absorption, and increasing insulin sensitivity and related gene expression. However, research into the interaction of OO nutraceuticals with lifestyle components, especially physical activity, is lacking. Promising postprandial effects have been reported when OO or other similar monounsaturated fatty acids were the main dietary fat compared with other diets. Animal studies have shown a potential anabolic effect of oleuropein. Such effects could be further potentiated via exercise, especially strength training, which is an essential exercise prescription for individuals with T2D. There is also an evidence from in vitro, animal, and limited human studies for a dual preventative role of OO biophenols in diabetes and cancer, especially that they share similar risk factors. Putative antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and associated gene expressions resulting from OO biophenols have produced paradoxical results, making suggested inferences from dual prevention T2D and cancer outcomes difficult. Well-designed human interventions and clinical trials are needed to decipher such a potential dual anticancer and antidiabetic effects of OO nutraceuticals. Exercise combined with OO consumption, individually or as part of a healthy diet is likely to induce reciprocal action for T2D prevention outcomes.

Impactoffiberandproteinderivedfrom rapeseedpress-cakeonMaillardReaction inacookie modelsystem

M consist of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements which are essential for health. The key micronutrients are iron, vitamin D, iodine, and vitamin A. Deficiency in any of these causes a unique disorder. These disorders affect half the world’s population with global public health implications. A better understanding of micronutrients, their chemistry and interactions would enable the development of cost-effective interventions for overcoming deficiencies. Microand macronutrient (malnutrition) deficiencies are linked to poverty and predominantly affect low-income minority groups. Common causes are inadequate dietary intake, poor access to healthcare, healthcare disparities, parasitic burden, unaffordability of nutritious food, household food insecurity, and intestinal absorption and environmental issues. Micronutrient insufficiency impairs multiple physiological functions and poses serious threats to health and development, particularly in pregnant women and children. The cost of adding vitamins and minerals to food is low (between 0.5% and 2.0% of the cost of a typical staple food). Nutritional interventions should be done through public health/nutritional education and food fortification programs through the health and non-health sectors (e.g., non-profit organizations). The cost for formulations that include vitamin A and D, iron, zinc, and folic acid is approximately US

Impact of fiber and protein derived from rapeseed press-cake on Maillard Reaction in a cookie model system

10.0/metric ton. If an individual consumes 100 grams of such foods each a day (37 kg/year) the cost of fortification for the final product is US

Polyphenol-Rich Dark Chocolate in Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors

0.42/person/year. For more complex formulations, such as the World Food Program (WFP) Corn Soy Blend (CSB Plus), the cost is US

Encapsulation of ascorbic acid promotes the reduction of Maillard reaction products in UHT milk

1.0/person/year. The WFP calculates a minimum normal “food basket” cost of approximately US

A meta-analysis of cumin (Cuminum cyminim L.) consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in overweight and type 2 diabetics

0.30/person/day, or US

Bioavailability and Urinary Excretion of Phenolic-Derived Metabolites after Acute Consumption of Purple Majesty Potato in Humans

110/person/year, less than 1% of the food in the basic food basket. Because the requirements for micronutrients vary in each country, it is necessary to develop knowledge-based, locally relevant food-fortification programs, guidelines, recommendations, and policies.Rapeseed press-cake (RPC) is as a byproduct of oil production, rich in proteins and fibre. Its high nutritional value opens the possibility to use RPC in human diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cold pressed RPC and extracted isolates enriched for fibre, polyphenols and protein, respectively, on the formation of acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethylfufural (HMF) in a cookie model system. Both Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were influenced by the ingredient: the addition of RPC as well as the protein isolate led to a significant dose-dependent increase of HMF formation in the cookie model, while acrylamide concentration was reduced up to… in presence of the fibre isolate. Three reaction mechanisms were hypothesized to be able to govern the different behaviours of acrylamide and HMF: the post-oxidative reaction of the phenolic ring with amino acids, the dicarbonyls trapping and the Michael addition of free amino acids to acrylamide. The strategy here described paved the way for the use of RPC as a tool to mitigate MRPs formation