Identification of Plasma Lipid Metabolites Associated with Nut Consumption in US Men and Women
Microbiome
Year Published: 2019
Journal
J Nutr
Authors
Malik VS, Guasch-Ferre M, Hu FB, Townsend MK, Zeleznik OA, Eliassen AH, Tworoger SS, Karlson EW, Costenbader KH, Ascherio A, Wilson KM, Mucci LA, Giovannucci EL, Fuchs CS, Bao Y
Methods
Nut consumption has been previously associated with reduced risk of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These benefits may be through the compounds (metabolites) produced after the breakdown of lipids in nuts. However, how nut intake may affect lipid metabolites remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the plasma lipid metabolites associated with regular nut consumption in US men and women.
Key Findings
Key Findings: Authors identified 17 metabolites associated with nut intake, and 8 of these increased with increased nut intake. Three of these metabolites were specific to peanuts and peanut butter. More research is needed to understand the link between these metabolites and health, but based on previous research, it is possible that nuts protect against cardiovascular disease risk through production of these metabolites.