(P22-006-25) Beneficial Changes in Total and LDL-Cholesterol, Gut Health Parameters, and Vitamin E Status in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome Consuming Almonds as Snacks

Objectives: Poor gut health and chronic inflammation contribute to the progression of metabolic syndrome and affect the development of cardiometabolic diseases, especially in persons consuming diets with limited bioactive compounds. Almonds are a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesize almond consumption can help disrupt metabolic syndrome progression by improving gut and cardiometabolic health, decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Methods: Adults with metabolic syndrome (n=82) were recruited and randomized to consume almonds (2 oz, whole, dry roasted, n=38) or crackers (control: non-whole grain, equal caloric content, n=39), as a daily snack for 12 weeks. Plasma, urine, and stool samples were collected at 0, 4, and 12 weeks.

Results: Compared with participants consuming crackers, almond consumption resulted in lower plasma total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, a modest improvement in waist circumference (week 4), and improved dietary intakes of α-tocopherol, soluble fiber, copper, biotin, magnesium, and unsaturated fatty acids. Almond consumption improved vitamin E status, as determined by plasma α-tocopherol and urinary α-CEHC. Almond consumption improved biomarkers of gut barrier function and intestinal inflammation (fecal calprotectin, myeloperoxidase) in participants with elevated inflammation at baseline. Total body weight, caloric intake, and markers of carbohydrate metabolism (glucose, insulin), systemic inflammation (plasma IL-6, CRP, LBP, CD14), and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) were not altered by almond consumption. Analysis is underway to determine if almond consumption altered the microbiome α- and β-diversity and differential abundance analysis.

Conclusions: The beneficial dietary and gut health changes observed with almond consumption may contribute to the improvements in cardiovascular health. Overall the study provides evidence for the benefits of almond snacking in people with metabolic syndrome and supports changing dietary recommendations to incorporate almonds into daily diets.

Funding Sources: Almond Board of California, National Institute of Food and Agriculture- Multi-State, Oregon Agricultural Experiment