Improving Heart Health with a Special Diet and Supplements
Author Information
Author(s): Robert H. Lerman, Deanna M. Minich, Gary Darland, Joseph J. Lamb, Barbara Schiltz, John G. Babish, Jeffrey S. Bland, Matthew L. Tripp
Primary Institution: Functional Medicine Research Center, MetaProteomics, LLC
Hypothesis
Can enhancing a modified Mediterranean-style diet with specific phytochemicals improve cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol?
Conclusion
The study found that adding specific phytochemicals to a modified Mediterranean diet significantly improved heart health markers in participants.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants in the phytochemical group had greater reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the diet-only group.
- 43% of participants in the phytochemical group resolved their metabolic syndrome compared to 22% in the diet-only group.
- The Framingham 10-year CVD risk score decreased more significantly in the phytochemical group than in the diet-only group.
Takeaway
Eating a special diet with added plant nutrients can help people with heart health problems feel better and healthier.
Methodology
The study was a randomized, 12-week trial with 49 participants divided into two groups, one following a modified Mediterranean diet and the other receiving additional phytochemical supplements.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to funding from a company that produces the supplements used in the study.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to a specific age range and health condition.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 25-80, with a majority being women and 82% classified as obese.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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