Mixed Nuts as Healthy Snacks: Effect on Tryptophan Metabolism and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
We recently demonstrated that the consumption of mixed tree nuts (MTNs) during caloric restriction decreased cardiovascular risk factors and increased satiety. Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been indicated as a factor in cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effect of MTNs on Trp metabolism and the link to cardiovascular risk markers. Plasma and stool were collected from 95 overweight individuals who consumed either MTNs (or pretzels) daily as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet for 12 weeks followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for an additional 12 weeks. Plasma and fecal samples were evaluated for Trp metabolites by LC–MS and for gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing. Trp–kynurenine metabolism was reduced only in the MTNs group during weight loss (baseline vs. week 12). Changes in Trp–serotonin (week 24) and Trp–indole (week 12) metabolism from baseline were increased in the MTNs group compared to the pretzel group. Intergroup analysis between MTN and pretzel groups does not identify significant microbial changes as indicated by alpha diversity and beta diversity. Changes in the relative abundance of genus Paludicola during intervention are statistically different between the MTNs and pretzel group with p < 0.001 (q = 0.07). Our findings suggest that consumption of MTNs affects Trp host and microbial metabolism in overweight and obese subjects. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030569
INC Comments on FDA’s “Healthy” Claim Proposed Rule
On September 29, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule to update the definition for the implied nutrient content claim “healthy”, which was set in 1994.
This rule, if approved, will revise the requirements for when the term “healthy” can be used as an implied claim in food labeling. Nuts, seeds, avocados and salmon are some examples of foods currently ineligible to bear the “healthy” claim based on the existing regulatory definition, but that would qualify under the proposed definition.
The FDA is proposing the definition for “healthy” to be consistent with current nutrition science and Federal dietary guidance, especially the latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. According to the Guidelines, a healthy dietary pattern incorporates protein foods, including nuts, and vegetable oils, such as nuts. Evidence shows that common characteristics of dietary patterns associated with positive health outcomes include relatively higher intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts, among other foods. Also, unsalted nuts are identified as nutrient-dense foods.
The INC, together with Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination, posted a comment on FDA’s website pleading in favor of updating the definition of “healthy” and adjusting the baseline limit for saturated fat for the nuts category, as they provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
You can access INC’s comment in the following link: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FDA-2016-D-2335-1431