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Carbohydrate restriction improves metabolic syndrome parameters in Emirati subjects: Comparisons with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Diet
Author(s) -
AlSarraj Taif,
Saadi Hussein,
Calle Mariana C,
Volek Jeff S,
Fernandez Maria Luz
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.722.2
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , metabolic syndrome , waist , adiponectin , overweight , body mass index , obesity , insulin , insulin resistance
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically in the United Arab Emirates. We examined the effects of a carbohydrate restricted diet (CRD) in 39 overweight/obese Emirati subjects (15 male/ 24 female) 18 to 50 y classified with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). All subjects were prescribed a CRD for 6 wk (energy distribution: 23% CHO: 24% protein: 52% fat). During this period all subjects experienced significant decreases in weight (P< 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), waist circumference (WC) (P < 0.0001), plasma triglycerides (TG) (P< 0.0001), glucose (P < 0.0001) and blood pressure (P < 0.001). However, there were no changes in HDL or LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C). In addition, all subjects had increases in adiponectin (P < 0.01) and decreases in insulin (P < 0.01). Following the initial 6 wk, 20 subjects were randomly assigned to continue with the CRD and 19 were switched to the ADA diet (30%fat: 55%CHO 15% protein) for additional 6 wk. Comparisons between groups indicated that subjects consuming the CRD had lower TG (P < 0.01), lower BMI (P < 0.01), lower WC and plasma insulin (P < 0.01) at wk 12 compared to those in the ADA group. All subjects had a decrease in LDL‐C at wk 12 and no changes in HDL‐C. These results confirm the unique benefits of a CRD on markers of MetS in Emirati subjects. The improvement in MetS parameters was greater in subjects who continued a CRD compared to those who switched to a conventional diet emphasizing fat restriction.