Consumption of fruits reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease; however, very few studies have investigated the effect of fruit consumption in overweight and obese children. We examined whether consuming dried apple as a snack is a practical solution for weight loss and improves body composition and metabolic markers. Thirtyeight overweight or obese children aged 10 to 16 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups consuming twice daily 120 kcal serving per day of either dried apple or a control snack (muffin) for 8 weeks. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were determined during an initial visit and after 8 weeks of intervention. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of blood lipids, glucose, insulin, proinsulin, total adiponectin, and C-reactive protein, as well as total antioxidant capacity and activity of glutathione peroxidase. Body weight increased in the muffin group (P = .01). BodPod and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that fat-free mass increased (P < .05) only in the muffin group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased (P = .04) after the 8-week treatment within the apple group. Overall, minor differences were detected in growing children who consumed snacks of either dried apples or muffins with similar macronutrient profiles for 8 weeks. Future research should evaluate the effects of consuming fresh apples that include the peel.

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Objectives Traditionally, osteoporosis has been viewed as a disease mostly affecting women, but cases in men are increasing. Fractures due to osteoporosis can lead to a decreased quality of life in vulnerable populations and lead to increased mortality in men. Although several studies of male and female animals and adult women have demonstrated bone protective effects of dried plum (prunes), no human study has evaluated the effect of dried plum on bone health in men. The objective of the current study was to examine the long-term effects of 100 g dried plum on bone density and strength in men. Methods Sixty-six men (50–79 years old) were randomly assigned into two treatment groups for 12 months: (1) 100 g/day of dried plums; (2) control (0 g/day dried plum). Bone mineral density was measured at baseline, 6- and 12-months at the total body, hip, lumbar spine, and ulna via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Evaluation of volumetric bone density and strength of the left tibia occurred at baseline, 6- and 12-months using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Results There were no statistically significant changes in bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline to 6 months and 12 months for total body, spine (L1-L4), right and left hip BMD in the control group (0 g/day dried plum) or 100 g/day dried plum group. Modest beneficial effects of dried plums were observed for changes in bone geometry as detected by pQCT including a tendency for BMD to increase as well as increases in periosteal and endosteal circumferences at the 66% region of the tibia, which may promote greater bone strength. Conclusions Dried plums have the potential to improve bone morphometry of the proximal tibia in healthy adult men when consumed for 12 months. Future studies should examine the impact on men with low bone density to further evaluate the bone protective effects of dried plum in male populations. Funding Sources This study was funded by the California Dried Plum Board.

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