A Mediterranean dietary intervention in healthy American women changes plasma carotenoids and fatty acids in distinct clusters

Abstract

This study examined patterns of changes in plasma fatty acids and carotenoids when women were asked to follow a novel, Greek-Mediterranean exchange list diet. A total of 69 healthy, non-obese, women ages 25–59, were randomized to either continue their own usual diet or to follow a modified Mediterranean diet for six months. There were no significant changes in blood lipids, triacylglycerol, insulin, glucose or C-reactive protein. Mean plasma carotenoids increased by 55%, which is consistent with a large increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. Likewise, changes in fat intakes were reflected in blood fatty acids, with a 25% increase in mean plasma monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Principal component analysis was conducted to examine the sources of inter-individual variation for changes in carotenoid and fatty acid levels. Changes in the Mediterranean diet were clustered together in four components that accounted for 78% of the variance in plasma levels. Increases in plasma lutein, α- and β-carotene clustered together in a “vegetable” pattern, and increases in carotenoids found in fruit, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, also clustered together but accounted for less of the variance. Increases in plasma MUFA were clustered with a decrease in plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, consistent with substitution in the type of oils consumed. The only association of fatty acid levels with carotenoids was that of lycopene, which clustered together with an increase in saturated fatty acids. The changes in blood levels indicate the exchange list diet was effective for targeting Mediterranean nutrient intakes using foods available in the United States.

Biomarkers for Personalizing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dosing

“…Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were prepared by adding 10 μL of METH-PREP II derivatization reagent (0.2 N methanolic (m-trifluoromethylphenyl) trimethylammonium hydroxide, Alltech, Deerfield, IL). GC-MS was conducted as previously described using selected ion monitoring (30). …”

Effect of a hyperlipidic diet rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 on aberrant crypt formation in rat colonic mucosa

“…The hyperlipidic and hypercaloric diet used in this study resembles the Mediterranean diet (rich in -3 fatty acids, >50% ω-9 fatty acids, low in saturated fat) which is known to be toxin-free and protective against cardiovascular disorders [20][21][22] . Similar diets have been shown to influence colorectal carcinogenesis [23][24][25] .…”

Effects of Vitamin E From Supplements and Diet on Colonicα- andγ-tocopherol Concentrations in Persons at Increased Colon Cancer Risk

“…Protein in the homogenate was assayed using the Bio-Rad Protein Assay Dye Reagent Concentrate (product #500-0006, Life Sciences, Hercules, CA). Both serum and biopsy tocopherols were extracted and analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography as previously described (12, 15). Briefly, serum or colon homogenates were extracted with hexane using Tocol as the internal standard.…”