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A High Flavonoid Diet Does Not Improve Markers of Insulin Resistance and Subclinical Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Men and Women
Author(s) -
Lefevre Michael,
Ward Robert,
Bergeson Janet,
Hergert Nancie,
Hergert John,
Aguilar Sheryl
Publication year - 2016
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.30.1_supplement.904.10
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , insulin resistance , flavonoid , creatinine , overweight , insulin , renal function , body mass index , biology , biochemistry , antioxidant
Populations consuming healthy diets high in flavonoids have lower levels of subclinical inflammation, better insulin sensitivity and reduced risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that providing a diet high in flavonoids would reduce insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation relative to a low flavonoid diet. To test this hypothesis, 29 overweight/obese (BMI; 25.2–34.5 kg/m 2 ) men (N=16) and women (N=13) were provided two well‐controlled diets that were identical in macronutrient content (Protein, 17% en; Fat, 30% en; Carbohydrate, 53% en), but differed markedly in flavonoid content (Low Flavonoid Diet, 10 mg/1000 Kcals; High Flavonoid Diet, 340 mg/1000 Kcals). All meals for both diets were prepared and fed for 6 weeks each in a randomized cross‐over design with endpoints determined in duplicate during the last week of each diet period. All meals were well tolerated by the participants and overall compliance as assessed by questionnaires and direct observations was excellent. Relative to the Low Flavonoid Diet (LFD), the High Flavonoid Diet (HFD) did not significantly affect serum chemistry (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO 2 , calcium, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase). Surprisingly, the HFD had no significant effects on blood pressure and plasma lipids (triglycerides, LDL‐C, HDL‐C) and tended to increase (all non‐significant) markers of inflammation (C‐reactive protein, soluble TNFα receptor‐1, soluble TNFα receptor‐2, interleukin‐6). Contrary to expectations, markers of insulin resistance (fasting insulin, glucose, HOMA‐IR) were modestly, but significantly higher on the High Flavonoid Diet relative to the Low Flavonoid Diet. Under the conditions of this study, diets high in flavonoids failed to improve plasma lipids, insulin sensitivity or subclinical inflammation. Our results are at odds with the reported beneficial effects of high flavonoid diets on CVD risk factors, insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation observed in both preclinical and epidemiological studies. Support or Funding Information This work was supported by USDA/NIFA grant 2014‐67017‐21749.