Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study
Background: Estrogen withdrawal during menopause is associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile. Prunes (dried plums) represent an emerging functional food and have been previously demonstrated to improve bone health. However, our understanding of the effects of daily prune intake on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women is limited. Objectives: We conducted an ancillary investigation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), The Prune Study, to evaluate the effect of 12-mo prune supplementation on cardiometabolic health markers in postmenopausal women. Methods: The Prune Study was a single-center, parallel-design, 12-mo RCT in which postmenopausal women were allocated to no-prune control, 50 g/d prune, or 100 g/d prune groups. Blood was collected at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post to measure markers of glycemic control and blood lipids. Body composition was assessed at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effect of time, treatment, and their interaction on cardiometabolic health markers, all quantified as exploratory outcomes. Results: A total of 183 postmenopausal women (mean age, 62.1 ± 4.9 y) completed the entire 12-mo RCT: control (n = 70), 50 g/d prune (n = 67), and 100 g/d prune (n = 46). Prune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d did not alter markers of glycemic control and blood lipids after 12 mo compared with the control group (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, gynoid percent fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) indices did not significantly differ in women consuming 50 g/d or 100 g/d prunes compared with the control group after 12 mo of intervention. However, android total mass increased by 3.19% ± 5.5% from baseline in the control group, whereas the 100 g/d prune group experienced 0.02% ± 5.6% decrease in android total mass from baseline (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Prune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d for 12 mo does not improve glycemic control and may prevent adverse changes in central adiposity in postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02822378.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.03.012
Gut microbes differ in postmenopausal women responding to prunes to maintain hip bone mineral density
Foods high in phenolics such as prunes have been shown to exert protective effects on bone mineral density (BMD), but only certain individuals experience these benefits. This post-hoc analysis of a 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to identify the relationship among the gut microbiome, immune responses, and bone protective effects of prunes on postmenopausal women. Subjects who consumed 50-100 g prunes daily were divided into responders (n = 20) and non-responders (n = 32) based on percent change in total hip bone mineral density (BMD, ≥1% or ≤-1% change, respectively). DXA scans were used to determine body composition and BMD. Immune markers were measured using immunoassays and flow cytometry. Targeted phenolic metabolites were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The fecal microbiota was characterized through 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicon sequencing. After 12 months of prune consumption, anti-inflammatory markers showed responders had significantly lower levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. QIIME2 sequence analysis showed that microbiomes of responders and non-responders differed in alpha (Shannon and Faith PD, Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.05) and beta diversity (unweighted Unifrac, PERMANOVA p < 0.04) metrics both before and after prune treatment. Furthermore, responders had a higher abundance of bacterial families Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (ANCOM-BC p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence that postmenopausal women with initial low BMD can benefit from prunes if they host certain gut microbes. These insights can guide precision nutrition strategies to improve BMD tailored to diet and microbiome composition.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1389638
Study Highlights Options for Managing Tree Nut Allergy
Several approaches are available to improve health and quality of life in allergic patients
A new systematic review and narrative synthesis published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology set out to comprehensively describe current and exploratory therapeutic options for managing tree nut allergy.
Researchers searched three bibliographic databases for studies published until January 2024, looking for active treatments of IgE-mediated allergy to tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pistachio and walnut). The authors identified a total of 19 studies that met their criteria: three studies that investigated sublingual immunotherapy, five that studied oral immunotherapy to a single tree nut, and six that used multi-food oral immunotherapy.
The authors found that there is growing evidence about implementing tree nut immunotherapy in clinical practice. They identified three main strategies that have been tested in clinical trials and real-life studies: sublingual immunotherapy, oral immunotherapy (single or multiple, with or without omalizumab), and the use of monoclonal antibodies interfering with allergic responses. Although further research is needed, the strategies identified in this study may ameliorate the burden of tree nut allergy on patients’ health and quality of life.
Pasioti, M., Xepapadaki, P., Mathioudakis, A. G., Lakoumentas, J., Efstathiou, E., & Papadopoulos, N. G. (2024). Current options in the management of tree nut allergy: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 35(5), e14132.
Eating Prunes May Help Prevent Increase in Belly Fat in Postmenopausal Women
Preventing changes in abdominal fat distribution may decrease risk of cardiovascular disease
An increase in belly fat is common in postmenopausal women and, when excessive, can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition set out to evaluate the effect of 12-month prune supplementation on cardiometabolic health markers in postmenopausal women, including android total mass.
The study was a single-center, parallel-design, 12-month randomized controlled trial in which a total of 183 postmenopausal women were allocated to a no-prune control group, a group that ate 50 grams of prunes daily or a group that ate 100 grams of prunes daily.
Android total mass increased by 3.19% ± 5.5% from baseline in the no-prune control group, whereas the 100-gram prune group experienced a 0.02% ± 5.6% decrease in android total mass from baseline (P < 0.01).
The findings suggest that prune supplementation may help prevent adverse effects of menopause on fat distribution, especially belly fat.
This project was supported by the California Prune Board.
Damani, J. J., Rogers, C. J., Lee, H., Strock, N. C., Koltun, K. J., Williams, N. I., Weaver, C., Ferruzzi, M. G., Nakatsu, C. H., & De Souza, M. J. (2024). Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study. The Journal of Nutrition, 154(5), 1604–1618.
Prunes Associated with Bone-Protective Effects in Postmenopausal Women With Certain Gut Microbes
Several microbiome species may be involved in the bone-protective effects of prunes
A rapid decline in bone mineral density is a common effect of menopause. Prunes have been shown to protect against postmenopausal bone loss, but these benefits are only seen in certain individuals. A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined the relationship among the gut microbiome, immune responses and bone-protective effects of prunes on postmenopausal women.
A total of 52 women who consumed 50-100 grams of prunes daily were divided into responders (n = 20) and non-responders (n = 32) based on percent change in total hip bone mineral density (≥1% or ≤−1% change, respectively).
After 12 months of prune consumption, sequence analysis showed that responders had more diverse gut microbiota both before and after prune treatment, in particular a higher abundance of the bacterial families Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae.
These results suggest that postmenopausal women with initial low bone mineral density can benefit from eating prunes if they host certain gut microbes. These findings could open new avenues of research into modulating bone mineral density through precision nutrition, including through prune supplementation.
This study was funded by the California Prune Board.
Simpson, A. M. R., De Souza, M. J., Damani, J., Rogers, C. J., Williams, N. I., Weaver, C. M., Ferruzzi, M. G., & Nakatsu, C. H. (2024). Gut microbes differ in postmenopausal women responding to prunes to maintain hip bone mineral density. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1389638.
India’s New Dietary Guidelines Include Nuts in Definition of “Healthy Meal”
Recommended daily intake of nuts is 40-45 grams for men and 30-40 grams for women
India has released new dietary guidelines that include nuts in the definition of a “healthy meal” and outline recommended daily nut intake levels for men, women and children. The guidelines also envisage a key role for nuts in meeting daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids.
Released on May 8 by India’s National Institute of Nutrition, the new guidelines represent the first update to India’s dietary recommendations in 13 years.
The document defines a healthy meal as follows: “A healthy meal (food) includes generous amounts of vegetables, adequate whole grains and pulses or beans, along with modest portions of nuts or seeds, complemented by a selection of fruits and plain fermented yogurt or curd. It is free of added sugars or contains very minimal amounts, and is seasoned with minimal oils/fats and salt for taste.”
For a balanced diet to meet daily nutrient requirements, the guidelines recommend a daily nut intake of 40 grams for sedentary men, 45 grams for moderately active men, 30 grams for sedentary women and 40 grams for moderately active women. Daily nut intake recommendations for children range from 7 grams to 50 grams, depending on age and gender.
The guidelines also set out a key role for nuts in meeting daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids. Guideline 7 states: “Use fats/oils in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts, nutricereals, and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFA).” The document goes on to explain: “If one consumes adequate amounts of nuts, oilseeds, pulses and beans, the required amounts of 6.6g of n-6 PUFA and 2.2g of n-3 PUFA are easily met for all the essential functions in the body; and hence, there is no need for visible fats.”
41st INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress Will Bring Together Over 1,200 Professionals from Across the Globe in Vancouver
- The nut and dried fruit industry’s most exclusive global event will take place on May 8-10 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
- Marc Low, Director, Innovation & Emerging Technology at KPMG Canada, and Prof. Janice Gross Stein, Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management at the University of Toronto, will deliver keynote addresses.
- Exclusive sessions will cover topics shaping the nut and dried fruit landscape, including crops, product and market trends, sustainability and the latest scientific breakthroughs in nutrition research.
May 1, 2024
From May 8-10, 2024, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) will host the most prestigious gathering of company owners, presidents, and CEOs from across the globe at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With over 1,200 distinguished attendees representing more than 60 countries, the event promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to converge, collaborate, and chart the course for the future of the nut and dried fruit sector.
The three-day program is designed to provide a dynamic platform for dialogue, debate, and discovery. Attendees will delve into a myriad of topics shaping the industry landscape, including crops, product and market trends, sustainability and the latest scientific breakthroughs in nutrition research. Moreover, participants will have exclusive access to premier networking opportunities in the exhibition area and at iconic Vancouver venues such as BC Place Stadium and the Atrium at the Pan Pacific Hotel, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
Congress Sessions
- Nutrition Research Seminar: Led by esteemed Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, this session will showcase cutting-edge insights into the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. Renowned speakers, including Dr. John L. Sievenpiper of the University of Toronto (Canada) and Dr. Kristina Petersen of Penn State University (USA), will illuminate recent advances in nutritional science, empowering attendees with actionable knowledge to promote health and wellness.
- Sustainability Seminar: Chaired by Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the INC Sustainability, Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, this session will address pressing industry challenges, from climate change to geopolitical tensions. Panelists Julie Adams of the Almond Board of California (USA), Miriam Gautier of Bösch Boden Spies (Germany) and Dr. Miriam Villen King of Stahmann Webster (Australia) will explore strategies for fostering a sustainable future for the sector.
- Keynote Presentations: Marc Low of KPMG Canada will dissect the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business and society, while Prof. Janice Gross Stein of the University of Toronto will offer insights into navigating today's complex geopolitical landscape.
- Thematic Round-table Discussions: top industry leaders from around the world will lead engaging discussions on various nuts and dried fruits, providing invaluable perspectives and insights.
INC Awards Ceremony
Recognizing excellence in the industry, the Congress will bestow prestigious awards upon deserving individuals and organizations. This year, honoring excellence in the nut and dried fruit industry, the Corporate Golden Nut Award will go to PLANTERS®. Chef Andrea Carlson of Vancouver’s renowned Burdock & Co. will receive the INC Award for Excellence in Gastronomy, while Prof. Cesarettin Alasalvar of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center will be honored with the INC Award for Excellence in Research. Additionally, winners of the INC Innovation Award and the Award for Excellence in Sustainability will be revealed during the event, highlighting groundbreaking contributions and initiatives driving positive change in the sector.
The event will be an unforgettable convergence of industry leaders, thought-provoking discussions, and celebration of excellence in the nut and dried fruit sector.
For more information and registration, visit the Congress website.
About the INC
The INC is the international umbrella organization for the nut and dried fruit industry. Its members include more than 900 nut and dried fruit sector companies from over 85 countries. INC membership represents over 85% of the world’s commercial trade in nuts and dried fruit. The INC’s mission is to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth in the global nut and dried fruit industry. It is the leading international organization on health, nutrition, statistics, food safety and international standards and regulations regarding nuts and dried fruits.
Press contact: e-mail press@nutfruit.org and telephone +34 977 331 416.
INC Participates in 17th Food Exhibition for China Nuts and Dried Fruits
The event brought together more than 100,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors in Hefei, China
From April 17-20, the INC participated at the 17th Food Exhibition for China Nuts and Dried Fruits in Hefei, China. The event opened with a conference on April 17 that brought together around 300 industry professionals for a full day of sessions. The event was hosted by the Specialized Committee for Nuts and Dried Fruits of the China National Food Industry Association, represented by Mr. Zhang Liaoyuan, CNA Executive Chairman and founder and CEO of Three Squirrels, Ms. Christina Chen, CNA Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of ChaCha Food Co. Ltd., and Ms. Weng Yangyang, CNA Executive Vice Chairman.
Mr. Zhang Liaoyuan opened the conference with a brief speech in which he underscored the importance of China’s nut and dried fruit industry. Mr. Michael Waring, INC Chairman, participated remotely via a video address, in which he highlighted the INC’s global reach and activities to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry paying attention to China’s role in this expansion. Also representing the INC, Mr. Mike Hohmann, member of the INC Board of Trustees and Executive Vice President and CFO of Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, gave a global statistical review reflecting on the size of the industry and its future. During the sessions, participants reflected on the promising outlook for many products, including pistachios, pecans and macadamias. Echoing the INC’s dissemination campaign in China, participants also highlighted the health benefits of products that are less well known in the country.
The conference closed with a formal dinner where all international guests gathered for an exquisite Chinese banquet. Ms. Weng Yangyang gave an insightful speech on the economic value of the industry in which she shared her strategic vision for industry growth and highlighted the key role of Asia and China in the globalization of the industry.
On April 18 and 19, the exhibition brought together over 2,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors to showcase the latest innovations in product development and machine technology. Throughout the exhibition, activity abounded at the INC stand, as ties were forged in the Chinese market and contacts were made with potential members. The INC also held meetings with both Three Squirrels and ChaCha to further our online collaboration and explore new ways to spread the health benefits of nut and dried fruit consumption in China.
April 2024 News Brief
Join Us and Elevate Your Business at SIAL With the INC Pavilion!
Unleash your brand's potential at SIAL Paris!
Secure your spot now before it’s too late —the last booths are available! Position your brand in front of thousands from October 19-23, 2024, at our largest-ever INC Pavilion at SIAL Paris. With over 310,000 expected visitors from over 200 countries, SIAL Paris presents the perfect opportunity to forge long-lasting global connections and business relationships.
What are the benefits of showcasing your brand at our INC Pavilion at SIAL Paris?
- Global Exposure: Connect with a diverse audience from around the world.
- Networking Opportunities: Forge invaluable connections with top trade buyers.
- Brand Visibility and Prestige: Present your products to thousands of potential customers and schedule appointments in the designated meeting areas.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to propel your brand into the limelight. Submit your application for the INC Pavilion and secure your spot! [Become an exhibitor]
The INC Congress Is Just Around the Corner, Don't Miss Out!
Get your calendar ready for the industry's exclusive event!
The INC Congress in Vancouver is quickly approaching, just three weeks away, from May 8-10. Don’t miss out on the premier event in the nut and dried fruit sector. Over 1,200 leading industry professionals from 519 companies have already secured their attendance! [Register now]
With time running out before we see each other again, it’s time to start filling out your calendar with meetings. Visit the Meeting Point to maximize your INC Congress experience! Explore the program packed with exciting keynote and guest speakers, informative round tables, insightful seminars, and not-to-be-missed social events! Get ready for the greatest event in the nut and dried fruit industry! It will be here before we know it! [Program] [Social Events]
What are you waiting for? Share on social media that you will be attending the INC Congress in Vancouver, and don’t forget to add #NutfruitCongress! [See here!]
INC Participates in 17th Food Exhibition for China Nuts and Dried Fruits
The event brought together more than 100,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors in Hefei, China
From April 17-20, the INC participated at the 17th Food Exhibition for China Nuts and Dried Fruits in Hefei, China. The event opened with a conference on April 17 that brought together around 300 industry professionals for a full day of sessions. The event was hosted by the Specialized Committee for Nuts and Dried Fruits of the China National Food Industry Association, represented by Mr. Zhang Liaoyuan, CNA Executive Chairman and founder and CEO of Three Squirrels, Ms. Christina Chen, CNA Executive Chairman and... [Read more]
Nut Consumption During Pregnancy Associated With Lower Risk of Peer Problems in 5-Year-Olds
Study confirms relationship between maternal nut intake and childhood behavioral problems
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition explored the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems in 5-year-old children in Japan. A total of 1,199 mother-child pairs were included in this prebirth cohort study. Researchers assessed dietary intake using a diet history questionnaire. The parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess emotional problems, conduct problems... [Read more]
Early Introduction of Peanut Associated With Lower Sensitization and Allergy
Younger siblings of peanut consumers fared better when peanut was introduced early
In a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers tested the hypothesis that peanut allergy develops as a result of cutaneous exposure in the absence of oral consumption. Evaluation of the younger siblings of participants in the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) study provided an opportunity to understand the impact of environmental peanut exposure during infancy and early childhood on the development of peanut sensitization and allergy. [Read more]
Almond Consumption May Improve Body Composition Indices and Hunger Scores
Eating at least 50 grams of almonds per day was associated with improvements across several indicators
In a study published recently in the journal Obesity Reviews, researchers set out to understand the relationship between almond consumption and subjective appetite scores and body composition. The study was a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials with a total of 43 treatment arms. Net changes in bodyweight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, body fat percent, fat-free mass, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral adipose tissue and subjective appetite scores… [Read more]
Codex Committee to Consider Proposed Definition of Ready-to-Eat Peanuts
The definition will inform the establishment of a maximum level for total aflatoxins
The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) is poised to discuss a proposed definition of ready-to-eat peanuts at its 17th Session (CCCF17), which is being held in Panama City this week. At its last meeting, in April 2023, the CCCF directed an Electronic Working Group (EWG) chaired by India to prepare a proposal on a clear definition for ready-to-eat (RTE) peanuts with a view to establishing a maximum level for total aflatoxins in RTE peanuts... [Read more]
European Commission Issues Monitoring Recommendation for Nickel
Member States and food operators are asked to share monitoring data with the EFSA
On March 22, 2024, the European Commission published Recommendation (EU) 2024/907 on the monitoring of nickel in food. On the basis of occurrence data collected between 2016 and 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an updated risk assessment in 2020 and a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 13 μg/kg bw was established. However, the Commission concluded that, for some foods, insufficient occurrence data were available... [Read more]
Sustainability Updates
The INC’s latest installment of sustainability news includes updates on key hurdles cleared by two pieces of legislation —a ban on products made with forced labor and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation— as the EU legislative term draws to a close. [Read more]
International Trade News
The latest trade news compiled by the INC includes information about the United Kingdom’s suspension of tariffs on raw kernel and in-shell almonds, Russia’s plans to introduce an export duty on in-shell pine nuts, a free trade agreement signed by India and the European Free Trade Association, and more. [Read more]
Food Safety News
The INC’s latest food safety update covers the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s request for comments on recommended maximum residue levels (MRLs), a new draft of the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts, updates on plant protection products in the European Union, and more. [Read more]
Labeling Updates
This month, the INC’s labeling round-up covers a WHO-FAO report on whether certain foods and ingredients can be exempted from mandatory allergen labeling, as well as updated labeling rules in Thailand. [Read more]
Marketing Orders
In this month’s news on marketing orders, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a continuance referendum on the pecan research and promotion program. [Read more]
Marketing Orders: April 2024
USA: Pecan Research and Promotion Program Continuance Referendum
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will conduct a referendum from May 10 to June 10, 2024, for eligible producers and importers of pecans to decide whether to continue their research and promotion program. Current producers that domestically produced 50,000 pounds of in-shell pecans (25,000 pounds of shelled pecans) and current importers that imported 50,000 pounds of in-shell pecans (25,000 pounds of shelled pecans) during the representative period of October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, are eligible to vote.