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Lifestyle changes that emphasis on plant-based diets (PBD) are typically recommended for those at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to mitigate their cardo-metabolic risk. We examined the impact of the inclusion of eggs compared with their exclusion from PBD on diet quality among adults at risk for T2DM. This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover trial of 35 adults (mean age 60.7 years; 25 women, 10 men; 34 Caucasians, 1 African-American) at risk for T2DM (i.e., pre- diabetes or metabolic syndrome) assigned to one of two possible sequence permutations of two treatments (PBD with eggs and exclusively PBD), with a 4-week washout period. Participants received dietary counseling from a dietitian to exclude or to include 2 eggs daily in the context of PBD for a 6-week period. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) at baseline and 6 weeks. Compared with the exclusion of eggs, the inclusion of eggs in the context of PBD improved the diet quality score for intake of total protein foods (1.0 ± 1.1 vs. −0.4 ± 1.0; p <.0001); seafood and plant proteins (0.2 ± 1.2 vs. −0.4 ± 1.1; p = 0.0338); and fatty acids (0.8 ± 2.5 vs. −0.7 ± 2.7; p = 0.0260). Overall diet quality score depreciated with the adoption of exclusively PBD without eggs (−3.1 ± 8.3; p = 0.0411), while it was unaffected with the adoption of a PBD with the inclusion of eggs (−0.6 ± 7.9; p = 0.6892). Eggs could be used as an adjuvant to enhance the diet quality among those at risk for T2DM who adopt plant-based dietary patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Objective Dehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. This study assessed the effects of two blends of encapsulated juice powder concentrates (with and without added berry powders) on endothelial function in persons with metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Methods Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial with three treatment arms. 64 adults with metabolic syndrome were enrolled and received 8-week sequences of each blend of the concentrates and placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelial function (assessed as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery) 2 hr after consuming a 75 g glucose load, after 8-weeks of daily consumption (sustained) or 2 hr after consumption of a single dose (acute). Secondary outcome measures included plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipids, and body weight. Results No significant between-group differences in endothelial function with daily treatment for 8 weeks were seen. No other significant treatment effects were discerned in glucose, insulin, lipids, and weight. Conclusion Encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates did not alter insulin or glucose measures in this sample of adults with metabolic syndrome. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT01224743

Purpose: We previously demonstrated that including walnuts in the diets of adults at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) led to improved overall diet quality. This report examines the specific changes in their nutrient intake.Design: This was a randomized, controlled, modified Latin square parallel design trial with 2 treatment arms. Participants were randomized to walnut intake with, or without, dietary advice to regulate caloric intake. Within each treatment arm, they were further randomized to one of 2 sequence permutations (walnut-included/walnut-excluded or walnut-excluded/walnut-included diet), with a 3-month washout between treatment phases.Setting: Community hospital in Lower Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut.Participants: Cohort of 112 participants (31 men and 81 women) at risk for T2DM.Intervention: Participants included 56 g (366 kcal) of walnuts in their daily diets for 6 months.Measures: Nutrient intake was assessed using web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment.Analysis: Data were analyzed using generalized linear models.Results: Walnut inclusion led to increased intake of total fat, calcium, magnesium, thiamin, total saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (379.0 ± 90.3 g vs -136.5 ± 92.7 g, P < .01; 230.7 ± 114.2 mg vs -95.2 ± 117.4 mg, P = .05; 111.0 ± 33.9 mg vs -32.3 ± 34.9 mg, P < .01; 0.28 ± 0.2 mg vs -0.47 ± 0.2 mg, P = .02; 8.6 ± 3.4 g vs -1.1 ± 3.5 g, P =.05; 6.3 ± 3.9 g vs -6.3 ± 4.0 g, P = .03; and 25.4 ± 4.0 vs -6.6 ± 4.2 g, P < .01, respectively). Vitamin C intake decreased (-65.3 ± 55.3 mg vs 98.9 ± 56.8 mg, P = .04). Protein intake increased from baseline with the inclusion of walnuts (20.0 ± 8.8 g, P < .05). Walnut inclusion led to an increase in total calories consumed when caloric intake is not regulated.Conclusion: Including walnuts in the diets of these adults led to increased dietary intake of some nutrients associated with lower risk of developing T2DM and other cardiometabolic risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Mortality Toll of Estrogen Avoidance: An Analysis of Excess Deaths Among Hysterectomized Women Aged 50 to 59 Years" by P. M. Sarrel et al.

Two letters to the editor are presented in response to the article "The Mortality Toll of Estrogen Avoidance: An Analysis of Excess Deaths Among Hysterectomized Women Aged 50 to 59 Years" by P. M. Sarrel et al.