Comment on “Vegan diet reduces neutrophils, monocytes and platelets related to branched-chain amino acids - A randomized, controlled trial”

Abstract. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), with vitamin B6 have been reported to improve fat metabolism and muscle synthesis. We hypothesized that supplementation with BCAA and vitamin B6 would result in more weight loss and improve body composition and blood markers related to cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to determine whether the mentioned supplementation would affect weight loss, body composition, and cardiovascular risk factors during weight loss intervention. To this end, we performed a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial in 42 overweight and obese women (BMI = 25–34.9 kg/m2). Taking a four-week moderate deficit calorie diet (–500 kcal/day), participants were randomized to receive BCAA (6 g/day) with vitamin B6 (40 mg/day) or placebo. Body composition variables measured with the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis, homeostatic model assessment, and plasma insulin, Low density lipoprotein, High density lipoprotein, Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar were measured. The result indicated that, weight loss was not significantly affected by BCAA and vitamin B6 supplementation (–2.43 ± 1.02 kg) or placebo (–1.64 ± 1.48 kg). However, significant time × treatment interactions in waist to hip ratio (P = 0.005), left leg lean (P = 0.004) and right leg lean (P = 0.023) were observed. Overall, supplementation with BCAA and vitamin B6 could preserve legs lean and also attenuated waist to hip ratio.

Download Full-text

A randomized controlled trial of an emollient with ceramide and filaggrin‐associated amino acids for the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis in high‐risk infants

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ◽

10.1111/jdv.15786 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (11) ◽

pp. 2087-2094 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

D. McClanahan ◽

A. Wong ◽

S. Kezic ◽

A. Samrao ◽

T. Hajar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Primary Prevention ◽

High Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

High Risk Infants

Download Full-text

Changes of Plasma Amino Acid Profiles in Infants With a Nutrient-Fortified Complementary Food Supplement: Evidence From a 12-Month Single-Blind Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.606002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Chie Furuta ◽

Wataru Sato ◽

Hitoshi Murakami ◽

Devika J. Suri ◽

Gloria E. Otoo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Food Supplement ◽

Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Complementary Food ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

End Point ◽

Cluster Randomized ◽

Single Blind

Stunting is reportedly associated with low circulating levels of essential amino acids (EAAs). This study examined the effect of a macronutrient- and micronutrient-fortified complementary food supplement (KOKO Plus) on specific plasma EAA levels and stunting in infants aged 6–18 months. In a single-blind cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in Ghana, infants were enrolled at 6 months and followed until 18 months. Thirty-eight communities were randomly assigned to receive KOKO Plus (KP, fourteen communities, n = 321), multiple-micronutrient powder (MN, thirteen communities, n = 327), or only nutritional education as control group (NE, eleven communities, n = 318), and all groups received nutrition education. Plasma amino acids (AAs) were measured at 6, 12, and 18 months (end point). Mixed-effects models were used to assess the effect of the intervention on plasma AAs, and the relationship between plasma branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) and the risk of stunting was assessed. At the end point, total BCAA concentrations (±standard error) significantly exceeded baseline in the KP (284.2 ± 4.3 μM) and NE (289.1 ± 4.4 μM) groups but not the MN group (264.4 ± 4.1 μM). After adjustment for compliance at 200 sachets, plasma BCAAs exceeded in the KP group (284.5 ± 4.2 μM) compared to the MN group (264.6 ± 4 μM). Plasma BCAAs were positively correlated with changes in length-for-age Z-score from baseline (R = 0.327, p = 0.048). In conclusion, the plasma BCAA concentrations of infants that received KP and the NE group was significantly higher compared to the MN group but there were no differences between the KP and NE group at end point. Improved plasma BCAAs may be due to improved nutrient intake by infants exposed to KP or NE. Low BCAAs were associated with stunting, replicating the previous finding.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03181178?term=NCT03181178&draw=2&rank=1, identifier: NCT03181178.

Download Full-text