The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is low in populations with a high fish intake; however prospective studies with fish intake have shown positive, negative or no association between fish intake and the risk for T2D. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high intake of lean or fatty fish on glucose tolerance, leucocyte membrane fatty acid composition and leucocyte function in overweight/obese adults. In this randomised clinical trial, sixty-eight healthy overweight/obese participants consumed 750 g/week of …

Oxidative stress has been associated with many diseases as well as aging. Electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) has been suggested to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant potential. This study investigated the effects of drinking ERW on biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices in healthy adults. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 65 participants, who were allocated into two groups. Of these, 61 received intervention (32 with ERW and 29 MW [mineral water]). All …

The increasing prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles has led to an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) worldwide. In Taiwan, middle-aged women are at a greater risk of MetS, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease than men are because they have more subcutaneous fat and larger waist circumferences compared to men with equal visceral fat levels. This study investigated the effects of calorie restriction supplemented with fish oil (CRF) in middle-aged women with MetS. For 12 weeks, 75 …

Background Dietary phytosterols (PS) are well-known hypocholesterolaemic agents. Curcumin elicits hypolipidaemic and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, however, consistent findings in humans are lacking. Objective Concurrent PS and curcumin supplementation may exhibit enhanced hypocholesterolaemic and anti-inflammatory effects to optimise cardio-protection. The objective of this trial was to investigate the effects of dietary intervention with PS with or without curcumin on blood lipids (primary outcome) in …

Background Recent studies have focused on changes in gut microbiota following a dietary change. We identified how the distribution of gut microbiota changed when the dietary habits of young city dwellers improved using an intervention in which married couples shared the same dietary habits. Methods Four married couples in their 30s with irregular eating habits and sedentary lifestyles were asked whether they had any uncomfortable symptoms. A nutritionist advised them to reduce their intake of processed meats, carbonated beverages …

Background The increased prevalence of obesity has led to increases in the prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. There is interest whether probiotics have an effect on obesity, but the effectiveness and safety of only a few probiotics for the treatment of obesity have been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ingestion of Lactobacillus sakei (CJLS03) derived from kimchi causes weight loss in people with obesity. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial involved 114 adults …

Abstract Background and Aims Obesity is a complex and multifaceted condition. Thus, functional foods need investigation as novel adjunct treatments for obesity. The objective was to determine the effects of daily consumption of a fortified yogurt (FY) on weight loss in overweight and obese patients with metabolic syndrome on a caloric-restricted diet. Methods and Results This was a randomized, double-blind, 10-week study. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups receiving either two servings (2× 250 g)/day of FY …

Kochujang, a Korean fermented soybean-based red pepper paste, has been reported to have beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to examine the antiobesity effects of Kochujang as a supplement in overweight/obese subjects according polymorphisms in the obesity-linked gene, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ2). Sixty overweight/obese subjects, who had body mass indexes (BMI, kg/m2)≥ 23 or waist/hip ratios (WHR)≥ 0.90 for males or≥ 0.85 for females, were randomly assigned to either …

RESULTS In the placebo group with A/A genotype, MCP-1 level was significantly increased, but the spirulina group with A/A genotype was unchanged. IL-2 was significantly increased only in subjects with spirulina supplementation. TNF-α was significantly reduced in subjects with the G carrier. C3 was significantly increased in the placebo group, particularly when A/A increased more than G, but not when spirulina was ingested. LPR was significantly different only in subjects with A/A genotype; there was a significant increase in phytohemagglutinin …

Introduction: This pilot study examined the effects of carbohydrate loading (CHO) and oral creatine monohydrate loading (Cr) on ultrasound measurements of the lower limbs. Methods: Twelve recreationally-active males (25.5±6.2 y, 81.5±9.6 kg, 180.9±8.8 cm) completed baseline (BL) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and muscle ultrasound imaging of the rectus femoris (RF) and the vastus lateralis (VL). Following baseline measurements, participants completed one day of CHO loading (10g CHO/kg), and five days …