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A Mediterranean-style eating pattern (MED-EP) may include moderate red meat intake. However, it is unknown if the pro-atherogenic metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is affected by the amount of red meat consumed with a MED-EP. The results presented are from a secondary, retrospective objective of an investigator-blinded, randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial (two 5-wk interventions separated by a 4-wk washout) to determine if a MED-EP with 200g unprocessed lean red meat/wk (MED-CONTROL) reduces circulating TMAO concentrations compared to a MED-EP with 500g unprocessed lean red meat/wk (MED-RED). Participants were 27 women and 12 men (n=39 total) who were either overweight or obese (BMI: 30.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2 mean ± SEM). Serum samples were obtained following an overnight fast both before (pre) and after (post) each intervention. Fasting serum TMAO, choline, carnitine, and betaine concentrations were measured using a targeted Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed to assess if (a) TMAO and related metabolites differed by intervention, and (b) if changes in TMAO were associated with changes in Framingham 10-year risk score. Serum TMAO was lower post-intervention following MED-CONTROL compared to MED-RED intervention (post-MED-CONTROL 3.1 ± 0.2 µM vs. post-MED-RED 5.0 ± 0.5 µM, p

Observational research suggests higher red and processed meat intakes predict greater risks of developing or dying from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but this research limits causal inference. This systematic review of reviews utilizes both observational and experimental research findings to infer causality of these relations. Reviews from four databases were screened by two researchers. Reviews included unprocessed red meat (URM), processed meat (PM), or mixed URM + PM intake, and reported CVD or T2DM outcomes. Twenty-nine reviews were included, and causality was inferred using Bradford Hill's Criteria. Observational assessments of CVD outcomes and all meat types consistently reported weak associations while, T2DM outcomes and PM and Mixed URM + PM assessments consistently reported strong associations. Experimental assessments of Mixed URM + PM on CVD and T2DM risk factors were predominately not significant which lacked coherence with observational findings. For all meat types and outcomes, temporality and plausible mechanisms were established, but specificity and analogous relationships do not support causality. Evidence was insufficient for URM and T2DM. More experimental research is needed to strengthen these inferences. These results suggest that red and processed meat intakes are not likely causally related to CVD but there is potential for a causal relationship with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has surged in recent decades, and the identification of differential glycemic responders can aid tailored treatment for the prevention of prediabetes and T2DM. A mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) based on regular foods offers the potential to uncover differential responders in dynamical postprandial events. We aimed to fit a simple mathematical model on dynamic postprandial glucose data from repeated MMTTs among participants with elevated T2DM risk to identify response clusters and investigate their association with T2DM risk factors and gut microbiota. Data were used from a 12-week multi-center dietary intervention trial involving high-risk T2DM adults, comparing high- versus low-glycemic index foods within a Mediterranean diet context (MEDGICarb). Model-based analysis of MMTTs from 155 participants (81 females and 74 males) revealed two distinct plasma glucose response clusters that were associated with baseline gut microbiota. Cluster A, inversely associated with HbA1c and waist circumference and directly with insulin sensitivity, exhibited a contrasting profile to cluster B. Findings imply that a standardized breakfast MMTT using regular foods could effectively distinguish non-diabetic individuals at varying risk levels for T2DM using a simple mechanistic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms contain multiple essential nutrients and health-promoting bioactive compounds, including the amino acid L-ergothioneine. Knowledge of the chemical composition of different mushroom varieties will aid research on their health-promoting properties. We compared the metabolomes of fresh raw white button, crimini, portabella, lion's mane, maitake, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms using untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomics. We also quantified amino acid concentrations, including L-ergothioneine, a potential antioxidant which is not synthesized by plants or animals. Among the seven mushroom varieties, more than 10,000 compounds were detected. Principal Component Analysis indicated mushrooms of the same species, Agaricus Bisporus (white button, portabella, crimini), group similarly. The other varieties formed individual, distinct clusters. A total of 1344 (520 annotated) compounds were detected in all seven mushroom varieties. Each variety had tens-to-hundreds of unique-to-mushroom-variety compounds. These ranged from 29 for crimini to 854 for lion's mane. All three Agaricus bisporus varieties had similar amino acid profiles (including detection of all nine essential amino acids), while other varieties had less methionine and tryptophan. Lion's mane and oyster mushrooms had the highest concentrations of L-ergothioneine. The detection of hundreds of unique-to-mushroom-variety compounds emphasizes the differences in chemical composition of these varieties of edible fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meats, in particular chicken, have high rates of consumption globally. Poultry is the most consumed type of meat in the United States (US), with chicken being the most common type of poultry consumed. The amounts of chicken and total poultry consumed in the US have more than tripled over the last six decades. This narrative review describes nutritional profiles of commonly consumed chicken/poultry products, consumption trends, and dietary recommendations in the US. Overviews of the scientific literature pertaining to associations between, and effects of consuming chicken/poultry on, body weight and body composition, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are provided. Limited evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates the consumption of lean unprocessed chicken as a primary dietary protein source has either beneficial or neutral effects on body weight and body composition and risk factors for CVD and T2DM. Apparently, zero randomized controlled feeding trials have specifically assessed the effects of consuming processed chicken/poultry on these health outcomes. Evidence from observational studies is less consistent, likely due to confounding factors such as a lack of a description of and distinctions among types of chicken/poultry products, amounts consumed, and cooking and preservation methods. New experimental and observational research on the impacts of consuming chicken/poultry, especially processed versions, on cardiometabolic health is sorely needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends consuming a variety of "Protein Foods" based on "ounce-equivalent" (oz-eq) portions. No study has assessed the same oz-eq portions of animal- vs. plant-based protein foods on essential amino acid (EAA) bioavailability for protein anabolism in young and older adults. Objectives: We assessed the effects of consuming two oz-eq portions of pork, eggs, black beans, and almonds on postprandial EAA bioavailability in young and older adults. Methods: We conducted two investigator-blinded, randomized crossover trials in young (n = 30; mean age ± SD: 26.0 ± 4.9 y) and older adults (n = 25; mean age ± SD: 64.2 ± 6.6 y). Participants completed four testing sessions where they consumed a standardized meal with two oz-eq of either unprocessed lean pork, whole eggs, black beans, or sliced almonds. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min postprandially. Plasma EAA bioavailability was based on postprandial integrated positive areas under the curve. Results: Participant age did not affect EAA bioavailability among the four protein foods tested. Two oz-eq portions of pork (7.36 g EAA) and eggs (5.38 g EAA) resulted in greater EAA bioavailability than black beans (3.02 g EAA) and almonds (1.85 g EAA) in young and older adults, separately or combined (p < 0.0001 for all). Pork resulted in greater EAA bioavailability than eggs in young adults (p < 0.0001), older adults (p = 0.0007), and combined (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in EAA bioavailability between black beans and almonds. Conclusions: The same "oz-eq" portions of animal- and plant-based protein foods do not provide equivalent EAA content and postprandial bioavailability for protein anabolism in young and older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This narrative review describes foundational and emerging evidence of how dietary protein intakes may influence muscle-related attributes of older adults. Methods PubMed was used to identify pertinent research. Results Among medically stable older adults, protein intakes below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (0.8 g/kg body weight [BW]/d) exacerbate age-related reductions in muscle size, quality, and function. Dietary patterns with total protein intakes at or moderately above the RDA, including one or preferably more meals containing sufficient dietary protein to maximize protein anabolism, promote muscle size and function. Some observational studies suggest protein intakes from 1.0 to 1.6 g/kg BW/d may promote greater muscle strength and function more so than muscle size. Experimental findings from randomized controlled feeding trials indicate protein intakes greater than the RDA (averaging ~1.3 g/kg BW/d) do not influence indices of lean body mass or muscle and physical functions with non-stressed conditions, but positively influence changes in lean body mass with purposeful catabolic (energy restriction) or anabolic (resistance exercise training) stressors. Among older adults with diagnosed medical conditions or acute illness, specialized protein or amino acid supplements that stimulate muscle protein synthesis and improve protein nutritional status may attenuate the loss of muscle mass and function and improve survival of malnourished patients. Observational studies favor animal versus plant protein sources for sarcopenia-related parameters. Conclusions Quantity, quality, and patterning of dietary protein consumed by older adults with varied metabolic states, and hormonal and health status influence the nutritional needs and therapeutic use of protein to support muscle size and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms, unique edible fungi, contain several essential nutrients and bioactive compounds which may positively influence cardiometabolic health. Despite a long history of consumption, the health benefits of mushrooms are not well documented. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effects of and associations between mushroom consumption and cardiometabolic disease (CMD)-related risk factors and morbidities/mortality. We identified 22 articles (11 experimental and 11 observational) from five databases meeting our inclusion criteria. Limited evidence from experimental research suggests mushroom consumption improves serum/plasma triglycerides and hs-CRP, but not other lipids, lipoproteins, measures of glucose control (fasting glucose and HbA1c), or blood pressure. Limited evidence from observational research (seven of 11 articles with a posteriori assessments) suggests no association between mushroom consumption and fasting blood total or LDL cholesterol, glucose, or morbidity/mortality from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other CMD health outcomes were deemed either inconsistent (blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) or insufficient (HbA1c/hyperglycemia, hs-CRP, cerebrovascular disease, and stroke). The majority of the articles vetted were rated "poor" using the NHLBI study quality assessment tool due to study methodology and/or poor reporting issues. While new, high-quality experimental and observational research is warranted, limited experimental findings suggest greater mushroom consumption lowers blood triglycerides and hs-CRP, indices of cardiometabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]