Nut-enriched low-calorie diet reduces weight, improves inflammation markers

A low-calorie diet (LCD) complemented with nuts helps reduce weight and enhance plasma concentration of inflammatory factors, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin (IL)-6, a recent study has shown.

“Weight loss through an LCD could improve low-grade inflammation evident in the obese state,” the investigators said.

This randomized controlled parallel trial compared the effects of a nut-enriched LCD (NELCD) with a nut-free LCD (NFLCD) on body weight and inflammatory markers in overweight or obese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Stable CAD patients of both genders were randomized to 8-week NELCD or NFLCD. The investigators then assessed body weight, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, ICAM-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) at baseline and 8 weeks.

Sixty-seven patients (mean age 58.8±7.4 years, body mass index 30.9±3.9 kg/m²) completed the study. Weight reduction was comparable among participants in both groups. A decrease in ICAM-1 (p=0.04) and IL-6 (p=0.02) concentrations was observed in patients in the NELCD vs the NFLCD group. No significant between-group difference was seen in MCP-1, IL-10, or CRP concentrations.

“Nuts are healthy energy-dense foods that if included in controlled amounts in a weight management program can still result in weight reduction and may improve some plasma concentration of inflammatory factors,” the investigators said.