MedPath

Eating Peanuts for Health

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Obesity
Overweight
Hyperlipidemia
Interventions
Other: Consumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Registration Number
NCT01886326
Lead Sponsor
Purdue University
Brief Summary

Evidence is accumulating that peanut consumption confers health benefits, such as reduction of cardiovascular disease risk and possibly diabetes risk (Jenkins et al., 2008; Mattes et al., 2008). However, peanuts are a high fat, energy dense food and concerns about weight gain are widespread. Although research indicates that other characteristics of peanuts offset these properties, and that peanuts may be incorporated into diets without posing a threat to weight gain (Mattes et al., 2008), concern remains among policymakers, healthcare providers, and consumers. Furthermore, worry exists that eating salted peanuts may elevate blood pressure and that eating honey-roasted peanuts make elevate blood sugar. These fears create substantial obstacles to increased peanut consumption.

Recommendations to increase peanut consumption may be made, but if they are not followed, there will be no impact on health. Additional knowledge is needed on: (1) the acceptability of peanuts consumed on a chronic basis, (2) the chronic intake of moderate levels of peanuts and body weight, and 3) the effects of peanuts on blood pressure and blood sugar. The proposed research will examine the acceptability of long-term inclusion of a single form versus varied forms of peanuts in the diet. It is expected that responses will be varied among individuals with different personality characteristics (e.g., prefer sweet versus savory foods, hedonic versus non-hedonic eaters). A better understanding of how different segments of the population choose to include peanuts in their diet and how to optimize long-term consumption should provide insights for better marketing and improved health. Furthermore, it is anticipated that eating salty peanuts will not raise blood pressure and that eating honey-roasted peanuts will not raise blood sugar. Documenting this will add credibility to the evidence that peanuts do not cause weight gain, as well as reinforce recommendations to increase peanut consumption for their health benefits.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
196
Inclusion Criteria
  • Between 18 and 50 years of age
  • Weight stable (< 3 kg weight change within last 3 months)
  • Constant habitual activity patterns (no deviation > 1x/wk at 30 min/session within last 3 months)
  • Constant habitual diet patterns within last 3 months
  • Willingness to eat all test foods (peanuts daily for 12 weeks)
  • No allergy to foods provided in the study (peanuts)
  • Not a daily peanut or tree nut consumer
  • Not planning to change use of medications known to influence appetite or metabolism
  • Not diabetic or hypertensive
  • No history of gastrointestinal pathology
  • Non-smoker for one year or more
Exclusion Criteria

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Consumption of 42 g of salted peanutsConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Consumption of 42 g of unsalted peanutsConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Consumption of 42 g of spicy peanutsConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Consumption of 42 g of honey peanutsConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Consumption of 42 g of 3 diff. varietiesConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Consumption of 42 g of var. of typesConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts dailyConsumption of 42 grams of peanuts daily
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Weight2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks
Change in Blood Lipids4, 8, and 12 weeks
Change in Blood Pressure2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks
Change in Hedonics of peanut consumption12 weeks

Participants will rate their liking of the sample each day using a visual analog scale.

Change in Body Composition2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks
Change in Fasting Blood Glucose4, 8, and 12 weeks
Change in Cortisol4, 8, and 12 weeks
Change in Insulin4, 8, and 12 weeks
Change in Pulse2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Personality QuestionnairesAt baseline visit
Flavor attribute liking measuresAt baseline
Compliance12 weeks

Participants will self-report compliance to study protocol using record sheets.

Appetitive Ratings4, 8, and 12 weeks

Collected on handheld computer

Consumption Parameters12 weeks

Participants will note if peanuts were eaten as a meal or snack, at what time, and with what other foods daily.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Purdue University

🇺🇸

West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

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