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A Mediterranean diet intervention rich in walnuts among lactating women: study design and baseline characteristics
Author(s) -
StendellHollis Nicole R,
Thompson Patricia,
Laudermilk Monica,
Winzerling Joy,
Daines Michael,
Thomson Cynthia
Publication year - 2010
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.24.1_supplement.556.2
Subject(s) - medicine , lactation , breastfeeding , overweight , breast milk , physiology , mediterranean diet , obesity , pregnancy , randomized controlled trial , breast feeding , inflammation , pediatrics , biology , genetics , biochemistry
We hypothesize that adoption of a MED diet rich in walnuts will be associated with favorable modulation of fatty acid profiles and thus a decrease in maternal and breast milk‐specific biomarkers of inflammation during the lactational period. A randomized, controlled diet intervention in lactating women comparing the MED diet with walnuts to the USDA's MyPyramid diet for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding was initiated to ascertain differential changes in inflammatory response measured in maternal serum/plasma and breast milk. Secondary outcomes include effects of diet assignment on maternal body weight and composition. To date, 135 lactating women have been screened for eligibility; 56 have been consented and enrolled. The 56 women enrolled into the study are, on average, 29.6 ± 4.7 years of age, overweight (BMI: 28.0 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 ), primarily Caucasian, and have some college education (85.3%). 29.4% are supplementing with infant formula. This is the first clinical intervention trial, to our knowledge, to assess the effects of a MED diet supplemented with walnuts on changes in fatty acid profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, as well as change in body weight and composition during lactation. If the MED diet is associated with a significant reduction in inflammation, this would represent a modifiable dietary behavior to reduce inflammation during lactation. This research was funded by the California Walnut Commission.