Dose Response Effects of Pecan Consumption

Study Summary

The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. The specific aims of this study are to: * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on fasting and postprandial blood lipids. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on plasma markers associated with overall health. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on subjective and physiologic postprandial measures of hunger and satiety. Participants will be asked to: * Consume pecans daily for 28 days or maintain their current habitual diet. * Attend three short weekly visits for fasting blood craws, body measurements, and collect their next week's supply of study materials. * Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits which include consuming a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare pecan LOW, pecan MID, pecan HIGH, and the Control group to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating various dosages of pecans into one's diet.

Primary Outcome

The concentration of fasting serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (mg/dl).

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Pecan LOW
• OTHER Pecan MID
• OTHER Pecan HIGH
• OTHER CONTROL

Study Locations (1)