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- All Subjects: Nutrition
- Creators: Vega-Lopez, Sonia
- Creators: Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra
- Creators: Shepard, Christina
- Member of: Theses and Dissertations
- Status: Published
Description
Nut consumption, specifically almonds, have been shown to help maintain weight and influence disease risk factors in adult populations. Limited studies have been conducted examining the effect of a small dose of almonds on energy intake and body weight. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of pre-meal almond consumption on energy intake and weight in overweight and obese adults. In this study included 21, overweight or obese, participants who were considered healthy or had a controlled disease state. This 8-week parallel arm study, participants were randomized to consume an isocaloric amount of almonds, (1 oz) serving, or two (2 oz) cheese stick serving, 30 minutes before the dinner meal, 5 times per week. Anthropometric measurements including weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage were recorded at baseline, week 1, 4, and 8. Measurement of energy intake was self-reported for two consecutive days at week 1, 4 and 8 using the ASA24 automated dietary program. The energy intake after 8 weeks of almond consumption was not significantly different when compared to the control group (p=0.965). In addition, body weight was not significantly reduced after 8 weeks of the almond intervention (p=0.562). Other parameters measured in this 8-week trial did not differ between the intervention and the control group. These data presented are underpowered and therefore inconclusive on the effects that 1 oz of almonds, in the diet, 5 per week has on energy intake and bodyweight.
ContributorsMcBride, Lindsey (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Swan, Pamela (Committee member) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the LoseIt Smart Phone app by Fit Now Inc. for nutritional quality among users during an 8 week behavioral modification weight loss protocol. All participants owned smart phones and were cluster randomized to either a control group using paper and pencil record keeping, a memo group using a memo function on their smart phones, or the LoseIt app group which was composed of the participants who owned iPhones. Thirty one participants completed the study protocol: 10 participants from the LoseIt app group, 10 participants from the memo group, and 11 participants from the paper and pencil group. Food records were analyzed using Food Processor by ESHA and the nutritional quality was scored using the Healthy Eating Index - 2005 (HEI-2005). Scores were compared using One-Way ANOVA with no significant changes in any category across all groups. Non-parametric statistics were then used to determine changes between combined memo and paper and pencil groups and the LoseIt app group as the memo and paper and pencil group received live counseling at biweekly intervals and the LoseIt group did not. No significant difference was found in HEI scores across all categories, however a trend was noted for total HEI score with higher scores among the memo and paper and pencil group participants p=0.091. Conclusion, no significant difference was detected between users of the smart phone app LoseIt and memo and paper and pencil groups. More research is needed to determine the impact of in-person counseling versus user feedback provided with the LoseIt smart phone app.
ContributorsCowan, David Kevin (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Committee member) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Mexican Americans have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association of hyperglycemia with traditional CVD risk factors in this population has been established, but there is limited data regarding other non-traditional CVD risk factors. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate CVD risk among Mexican Americans by measuring concentrations of lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and cholesterol in low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions. Eighty overweight/obese Mexican-American adults participating in the Maricopa Insulin Resistance Initiative were randomly selected from each of the following four groups (n = 20 per group): nomolipidemic
ormoglycemic controls (NC), dyslipidemic
ormoglycemic (DN), dyslipidemic/prediabetic (DPD) and dyslipidemic/diabetic (DD). Total cholesterol (TC) was 30% higher among DD than in NC participants (p<0.0001). The DPD group had 27% and 12% higher LDL-C concentrations than the NC and DN groups, respectively. Similarly, LDL-C was 29% and 13% higher in DD than in NC and DN participants (p=0.013). An increasing trend was observed in %10-year CVD risk with increasing degree of hyperglycemia (p<0.0001). The NC group had less cholesterol in sdLDL particles than dyslipidemic groups, regardless of glycemic status (p<0.0001). When hyperglycemia was part of the phenotype (DPD and DD), there was a greater proportion of total and HDL-C in sHDL particles in dyslipidemic individuals than in NC (p=0.023; p<0.0001; respectively). Percent 10-year CVD risk was positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) (r=0.384, p<0.0001), TC (r=0.340, p<0.05), cholesterol in sdLDL(r=0.247; p<0.05), and TC to HDL-C ratio (r=0.404, p<0.0001), and negatively correlated with HDL-C in intermediate and large HDL(r=-0.38, p=0.001; r=0.34, p=0.002, respectively). The TC/HDL-C was positively correlated with cholesterol in sdLDL particles (r=0.698, p<0.0001) and HDL-C in sHDL particles (r=0.602, p<0.0001), and negatively correlated with cholesterol in small (r=-0.35, p=0.002), intermediate (r=-0.91, p<0.0001) and large (r=-0.84, p<0.0001) HDL particles, and HDL-C in the large HDL particles (r=-0.562, p<0.0001). No significant association was found between %10-year CVD risk and hsCRP. Collectively, these results corroborate that dyslipidemic Mexican-American adults have higher CVD risk than normolipidemic individuals. Hyperglycemia may further affect CVD risk by modulating cholesterol in LDL and HDL subfractions.
ormoglycemic controls (NC), dyslipidemic
ormoglycemic (DN), dyslipidemic/prediabetic (DPD) and dyslipidemic/diabetic (DD). Total cholesterol (TC) was 30% higher among DD than in NC participants (p<0.0001). The DPD group had 27% and 12% higher LDL-C concentrations than the NC and DN groups, respectively. Similarly, LDL-C was 29% and 13% higher in DD than in NC and DN participants (p=0.013). An increasing trend was observed in %10-year CVD risk with increasing degree of hyperglycemia (p<0.0001). The NC group had less cholesterol in sdLDL particles than dyslipidemic groups, regardless of glycemic status (p<0.0001). When hyperglycemia was part of the phenotype (DPD and DD), there was a greater proportion of total and HDL-C in sHDL particles in dyslipidemic individuals than in NC (p=0.023; p<0.0001; respectively). Percent 10-year CVD risk was positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) (r=0.384, p<0.0001), TC (r=0.340, p<0.05), cholesterol in sdLDL(r=0.247; p<0.05), and TC to HDL-C ratio (r=0.404, p<0.0001), and negatively correlated with HDL-C in intermediate and large HDL(r=-0.38, p=0.001; r=0.34, p=0.002, respectively). The TC/HDL-C was positively correlated with cholesterol in sdLDL particles (r=0.698, p<0.0001) and HDL-C in sHDL particles (r=0.602, p<0.0001), and negatively correlated with cholesterol in small (r=-0.35, p=0.002), intermediate (r=-0.91, p<0.0001) and large (r=-0.84, p<0.0001) HDL particles, and HDL-C in the large HDL particles (r=-0.562, p<0.0001). No significant association was found between %10-year CVD risk and hsCRP. Collectively, these results corroborate that dyslipidemic Mexican-American adults have higher CVD risk than normolipidemic individuals. Hyperglycemia may further affect CVD risk by modulating cholesterol in LDL and HDL subfractions.
ContributorsNeupane, Srijana (Author) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Thesis advisor) / Shaibi, Gabriel Q (Committee member) / Johnston, Carol S (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins can function as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and improve dyslipidemia. Tart cherries are anthocyanin-rich, making them particularly attractive as a functional food to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There have been few published studies to date examining the impact of tart cherries on biomarkers of dyslipidemia and inflammation, particularly in overweight and obese individuals at high risk for these conditions. This study evaluated the effect of consuming 100% tart cherry juice daily on blood lipids including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), calculated very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the CVD risk ratios, as well as the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) following a 4-week period. Based on the high anthocyanin content of tart cherries, it was hypothesized that the lipid and inflammatory profiles would be significantly improved following the intervention. A total of 26 men and women completed this 4-week randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants were randomized to drink either 8 ounces of placebo beverage or tart cherry juice daily for 4 weeks. Following a 4-week washout period, the alternate beverage was consumed. Ultimately, this investigation demonstrated no statistically significant alterations in any of the lipid or inflammatory biomarkers when analyzed across time and between interventions (p > 0.05). As expected, glucose and insulin parameters remained stable over the duration of the study, as well as self-reported physical activity level, total calorie consumption, and macronutrient intake. However, trans-fat was reported to be significantly higher during the cherry arm of the study as compared to the placebo arm (p < 0.05), potentially confounding other results. Although the results of this study were equivocal, it is feasible that a higher dose, longer treatment duration, or more susceptible target population may be required to elicit significant effects. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to clarify this research.
ContributorsColes, Katie (Author) / Martin, Keith R. (Thesis advisor) / Traustadottir, Tinna (Committee member) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
Among the general US population, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality for Mexican-Americans. CVD is less prevalent among Mexican-Americans than non-Hispanic Whites or African Americans. However, there is limited research regarding the factors associated with increased CVD risk among Mexican-Americans. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non-biological factors (income, education, employment, acculturation) and diet on CVD risk factors in 75 Mexican-American adults (26 males, 49 females; age=37.6±9.3 y, BMI=28.9±5.3 kg/m2, systolic BP=117±11 mmHg, diastolic BP=73±9 mmHg, LDL cholesterol=114±32 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol=44±11 mg/dL, triglycerides=115±61 mg/dL, serum glucose=92±7 mg/dL). Aside from collecting anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and measuring fasting blood lipids, glucose, and insulin, information about participants' socioeconomic status, income, employment, education, and acculturation were gathered using a survey. Diet data was collected using the Southwestern Food Frequency Questionnaire. Weight, BMI, and waist circumference were significantly greater for those with a monthly income of <$3000 than for those earning >$3000 (81±15 kg vs. 71±15 kg; 29.8±4.6 kg/m2 vs. 26.5±5.1 kg/m2; 98±12 cm vs. 89±14 cm; respectively) and with an education level of high school graduate or less than for those with some college (84±16 kg vs. 72±14 kg; 30.6±4.2 kg/m2 vs. 26.9±4.9 kg/m2; 100±11 cm vs. 91±13 cm; respectively). HDL-C was higher for those with a monthly income of >$3000 than those earning <$3000 (49±12 mg/dL vs. 41±10 mg/dL), those with some college education than those with high school or less (47±10 mg/dL vs. 37±9 mg/dL), and for those employed than those not employed (46±10 mg/dL vs. 40±12 mg/dL). There was no association between acculturation and CVD risk factors. Percent of energy consumed from fat was greater and percent of energy from carbohydrates was lower in those earning <$3000 monthly than those earning >$3000 (32±5% vs. 29±3%; 52±8% vs. 56±4%; respectively). Greater acculturation to the Anglo culture was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (r=-0.238, p=0.043) and serum glucose (r=-0.265, p=0.024). Overall, these results suggest that factors related to sociocultural and socioeconomic status may affect cardiometabolic disease risk in Mexican-Americans living in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
ContributorsFarr, Kristin Jennette (Author) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Thesis advisor) / Shaibi, Gabriel Q (Committee member) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra N (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Background Hemodialysis (HD) patients elicit an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in addition to a selenium deficiency, possibly contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Objective To evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on CVD outcomes and antioxidant status in HD patients. Design A randomized controlled intervention trial conducted from October 2012 to January 2013. Participants/setting The study included 27 maintenance HD patients (61.1+17.5y, 14M, 13F) receiving HD in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Intervention Patients received one of three treatments daily: 2 Brazil nuts, (5g, 181µg/day of selenium as selenomethionine [predicted]), 1 tablet of selenium (200µg/day of selenium as selenomethionine), or control (3 gummy bears). Main outcome measures Antioxidant status outcome measures included total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, and RBC and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). CVD outcomes measures included brain natriuretic peptide; plasma cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides; blood pressure, and thoracic cavity fluid accumulation. Statistical analyses performed Repeated measures ANOVA analyzed changes over time and between groups at months 0 and 2 and months 0 and 3. Results Independent analysis showed the Brazil nuts provided 11µg of selenium/day and the pill provided 266µg of selenium/day. Consequently, the Brazil nut group was combined with the placebo group. 21 patients completed 2 months of the study and 17 patients completed the study in its entirety. Data was analyzed for months 0, 1 and 2. No significant differences were noted for antioxidant status outcome measures with the exception of plasma GSH-Px. Patients receiving the selenium pill had a significant increase in plasma GSH-Px compared to the placebo group (6.0+11 and -4.0+7.6, respectively, p=0.023 for change between month 0 and month 2). No significant differences were seen in total antioxidant capacity or for CVD outcome measures over time or between groups. Conclusions These data indicate that selenium supplementation increased plasma GSH-Px concentration in HD patients; however, oxidative stress was not altered by selenium supplementation. The low vitamin C status of HD patients warrants further research, specifically in conjunction with selenium supplementation.
ContributorsSussman, Elizabeth Jessica (Author) / Johnston, Carol S (Thesis advisor) / Boren, Kenneth (Committee member) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Vaughan, Linda (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
The Western Pattern diet has been characterized by having greater than 50 percent consumption coming from fat and sugar. This macronutrient allocation has been shown to have deleterious effects on endothelial function and metabolic markers of cardiovascular disease. Exercise has been shown to improve vascular reactivity and metabolic markers related to cardiovascular health. The objective of the study was to determine if exercise training can prevent the anticipated deleterious effects of a fat-sugar supplemented diet on endothelial function and blood markers of cardiovascular risk in young men. Twenty-one, healthy college-aged males were randomly assigned to either the doughnut + exercise or doughnut only groups. Both groups were fed 2 doughnuts per day, 6 days per week, for three weeks, while maintain their current diet. The exercise group completed 4 exercise training sessions per week consisting of 2 high intensity interval training bouts (up to 95% VO2peak) on a cycle ergometer and two moderate intensity, steady-state bouts (at 75% VO2peak) on a treadmill. Changes in body weight and composition, markers of endothelial function, oxidative stress, serum lipids, and blood glucose were measured in each group. As expected, cardiovascular fitness increased significantly in the doughnut-supplemented + exercise group as compared to the doughnut-supplemented (p=0.005). Significant increases in body weight (p=0.036), fat mass (p=0.013), and body fat percentage (p=0.014) were seen in the doughnut only group as compared to the doughnut + exercise group. The doughnut + exercise group showed significant improvements in fasting serum triglycerides (p=0.036), plasma insulin (p=0.039) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA; p=0.05) as compared to the doughnut only group. The doughnut + exercise group saw a significant improvement in nitric oxide availability whereas the doughnut only group experienced a significant decline (p=0.014). There were no significant changes in other markers. Despite the addition of a fat/sugar supplement of ~11,600 kcal over three weeks, 4 exercise sessions per week were sufficient to prevent a gain in body weight and fat mass, and also improve some measures of cardiometabolic risk. These results suggest that exercise may be necessary to prevent some adverse health outcomes associated with transient periods of excessive energy consumption.
ContributorsBlack, Laurie (Author) / Gaesser, Glenn (Thesis advisor) / Cataldo, Donna (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Swan, Pamela (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Background: Evidence about the purported hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) is limited. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of nopales for improving cardiometabolic risk factors and oxidative stress, compared to control, in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Design: In a randomized crossover trial, participants were assigned to a 2-wk intervention with 2 cups/day of nopales or cucumbers (control), with a 2 to 3-wk washout period. The study included 16 adults (5 male; 46±14 y; BMI = 31.4±5.7 kg/m2) with moderate hypercholesterolemia (low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c] = 137±21 mg/dL), but otherwise healthy. Main outcomes measured included: dietary intake (energy, macronutrients and micronutrients), cardiometabolic risk markers (total cholesterol, LDL-c, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], triglycerides, cholesterol distribution in LDL and HDL subfractions, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment, and C-reactive protein), and oxidative stress markers (vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity, oxidized LDL, and LDL susceptibility to oxidation). Effects of treatment, time, or interactions were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There was no significant treatment-by-time effect for any dietary composition data, lipid profile, cardiometabolic outcomes, or oxidative stress markers. A significant time effect was observed for energy, which was decreased in both treatments (cucumber, -8.3%; nopales, -10.1%; pTime=0.026) mostly due to lower mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids intake (pTime=0.023 and pTime=0.003, respectively). Both treatments significantly increased triglyceride concentrations (cucumber, 14.8%; nopales, 15.2%; pTime=0.020). Despite the lack of significant treatment-by-time effects, great individual response variability was observed for all outcomes. After the cucumber and nopales phases, a decrease in LDL-c was observed in 44% and 63% of the participants respectively. On average LDL-c was decreased by 2.0 mg/dL (-1.4%) after the cucumber phase and 3.9 mg/dL (-2.9%) after the nopales phase (pTime=0.176). Pro-atherogenic changes in HDL subfractions were observed in both interventions over time, by decreasing the proportion of HDL-c in large HDL (cucumber, -5.1%; nopales, -5.9%; pTime=0.021) and increasing the proportion in small HDL (cucumber, 4.1%; nopales, 7.9%; pTime=0.002). Conclusions: These data do not support the purported benefits of nopales at doses of 2 cups/day for 2-wk on markers of lipoprotein profile, cardiometabolic risk, and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic adults.
ContributorsPereira Pignotti, Giselle Adriana (Author) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Thesis advisor) / Gaesser, Glenn (Committee member) / Keller, Colleen (Committee member) / Shaibi, Gabriel (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Objectives Through a cross-sectional observational study, this thesis evaluates the relationship between food insecurity and weight status, eating behaviors, the home food environment, meal planning and preparation, and perceived stress as it relates to predominantly Hispanic/Latino parents in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of this study was to address gaps in the literature by examining differences in "healthy" and "unhealthy" eating behaviors, foods available in the home, how time and low energy impact meal preparation, and the level of stress between food security groups. Methods Parents, 18 years or older, were recruited during two pre-scheduled health fairs, from English as a second language classes, or from the Women, Infants, and Children's clinic at a local community center, Golden Gate Community Center, in Phoenix, Arizona. An interview, electronic, or paper survey were offered in either Spanish or English to collect data on the variables described above. In addition to the survey, height and weight were collected for all participants to determine BMI and weight status. One hundred and sixty participants were recruited. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for weight status, education, race/ethnicity, income level, and years residing in the U.S., were used to assess the relationship between food security status and weight status, eating behaviors, the home food environment, meal planning and preparation, and perceived stress. Results Results concluded that food insecurity was more prevalent among parents reporting lower income levels compared to higher income levels (p=0.017). In adjusted models, higher perceived cost of fruits (p=0.004) and higher perceived level of stress (p=0.001) were associated with food insecurity. Given that the sample population was predominately women, a post-hoc analysis was completed on women only. In addition to the two significant results noted in the adjusted analyses, the women-only analysis revealed that food insecure mothers reported lower amounts of vegetables served with meals (p=0.019) and higher use of fast-food when tired or running late (p=0.043), compared to food secure mothers. Conclusion Additional studies are needed to further assess differences in stress levels between food insecure parents and food insecure parents, with special consideration for directionality and its relationship to weight status.
ContributorsVillanova, Christina (Author) / Bruening, Meg (Thesis advisor) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
In 2002, a scientifically derived food guide pyramid for vegetarians, the Modified Food Guide for Lacto-ovo-vegetarians and Vegans was published and well received. Now that 10 years have passed, new scientific literature regarding the bioavailability of the nutrients of key concern in vegetarian diets has been published, and the graphical format of the nation's food guide has evolved from a pyramid shape into a circular plate. The objective of this research was to examine the post-2002 literature regarding the bioavailability of key nutrients in vegetarian diets; to use this information to update the recommendations made in the 2002 Modified Food Guide Pyramid for Lacto-ovo-vegetarians and Vegans; and to adapt this revised food plan to the new USDA MyPlate format. This process involved reviewing the scientific literature to determine if the DRIs for the nutrients of key concern in vegetarian diets are adequate for the vegetarian population and using this information to develop new recommendations for vegetarians if necessary, analyzing the nutrient content of representative foods in different food groups, reconfiguring the food groups so that foods with like nutrient components were grouped together, determining the number of servings of each food group required to meet vegetarians' nutrient requirements at three caloric levels, and developing sample menus. A circular plate graphic, the Vegetarian Plate, was designed to illustrate the recommendations of this updated food guide. This updated, scientifically derived food guide provides a sound base for diet planning for lacto-ovo-vegetarians and vegans. Further research is needed to assess the Vegetarian Plate's adequacy for children, pregnant and lactating women, athletes, and individuals with medical conditions or chronic diseases.
ContributorsFladell, Lauren (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Vaughan, Linda (Committee member) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013