BackgroundAnimal studies have suggested beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in reducing body fat mass and improvement in the serum lipid profile and glycemia. However, these effects are controversial in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of microencapsulated CLA supplementation on body composition, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure in sedentary women with metabolic syndrome.MethodsThis study was a placebo-controlled and randomized clinical trial. Fourteen women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome received light strawberry jam enriched or not with microencapsulated CLA (3 g/day) as a mixture of 38.57% cis-9, trans-11, and 39.76% trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers associated with a hypocaloric diet for 90 days. The subjects were monitored to assess variables associated with the metabolic syndrome, in addition to assessing adherence with the intervention.ResultsThere were no significant effects of microencapsulated CLA on the lipid profile or blood pressure. Mean plasma insulin concentrations were significantly lower in women supplemented with microencapsulated CLA (Δ T90 – T0 = −12.87 ± 4.26 μU/mL, P = 0.02). Microencapsulated CLA supplementation did not alter the waist circumference, but there was a reduction in body fat mass detected after 30 days (Δ = −2.68% ± 0.82%, P = 0.02), which was maintained until the 90-day intervention period (Δ = −3.32% ± 1.41%, P = 0.02) in the microencapsulated CLA group. The placebo group showed this effect only after 90 days (Δ = −1.97% ± 0.60%, P = 0.02), but had a reduced waist circumference (Δ T90 – T0 = −4.25 ± 1.31 cm, P = 0.03).ConclusionSupplementation with mixed-isomer microencapsulated CLA may have a favorable effect on glycemic control and body fat mass loss at an earlier time in sedentary women with metabolic syndrome, although there were no effects on lipid profile and blood pressure.

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Our hypothesis is that the fortification of flour with folic acid contributes to the reduction of plasma homocysteine (Hcy). We conducted a cross-sectional study covering 2 periods, before and after fortification (2002-2003 and 2008-2009, respectively), to assess the influence of the consumption of corn and wheat flours prefortification and postfortification with folic acid on Hcy levels and other biomarkers. In the total, 93 women (38 prefortification and 55 postfortification) were included. Levels of lipids and glucose, total Hcy and serum folate, and cobalamin were determined using commercial kits by colorimetric method, competitive immunoassay, and chemiluminescence, respectively The participants' average age was 48.1 ± 9.5 years for the prefortification group and 39.1 ± 4.1 years for the postfortification group (P < .001) but adjusted statistical tests by age. Both groups presented obesity class 1. In the prefortification group, 71.1% (n = 27) of women had a dietary intake of folate, which was lower than the current recommended for adults (< 400 μg/d), whereas in the postfortification group, only 16.4% (n = 9) of women had lower intakes than recommended. In the prefortification group, 42.1% (n = 16) of women had hyperhomocysteinemia (> 10 mmol/L) compared with only 9.1% (n = 5) in the postfortification group. Moreover, statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and dietary fiber. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that fortification of wheat and corn flours with folic acid can possibly be associated with lower concentrations of plasma Hcy, providing probable greater cardiovascular protection in this group.

Dark chocolate has been widely used in research due to its beneficial effects in a variety of organ systems and antioxidant capacity in function of polyphenol content derived from cocoa (Theobroma cacao). There is strong evidence that life stress impacts directly on gastrointestinal function in animals and humans via modulation of key physiological parameters, such as intestinal permeability and secretion and release of biological mediators. Changes of gastrointestinal functional ecology are intimately linked to microbial populations and activities, and abnormal microbiota composition is often observed in the development of irritable bowel syndromes. Studies show that dark chocolate plays a role in various human diseases, which can be by modulation of intestinal microbial species as demonstrated in recent studies published. This study aimed to evaluate research on dark chocolate intake effects on intestinal microbiota through scientific literature, focusing on reciprocal interactions between the intestinal microbiota and polyphenols, mechanisms of action and the consequences of these interactions on human health.