Nuts and seeds consumption impact on adolescent obesity: sex-specific associations from 2003 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
The nutritional benefits and immunological advantages of consuming nuts and seeds are well-established. However, the link between nuts and seeds consumption and the susceptibility of being overweight or obese among adolescents is not clear. This study aims to explore this relationship in adolescents aged 12-19. Using a weighted multiple logistic regression model, we analysed data of the Food Patterns Equivalents Database and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018. We found a significant association between nuts and seeds consumption and a reduced odds of being overweight or obese in females. Specifically, females who habitually consumed nuts and seeds had lower odds of being overweight or obese (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.94). Additionally, we found an L-shaped relationship between nuts and seeds consumption and appropriate waist-to-height ratio in males. The findings suggest that nuts and seeds consumption may contribute to healthier physical development in adolescents. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2024.2314682
Nut consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old Japanese children
Objectives: Nuts are nutrient-dense foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The present prebirth cohort study examined the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems in 5-year-old Japanese children. Methods: Study subjects were 1199 mother-child pairs. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustments were made for a priori-selected nondietary confounders and potentially related dietary factors. Results: Compared with mothers who had not eaten nuts during pregnancy, mothers who had eaten nuts had a significantly reduced risk of peer problems in children; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.97). There were no measurable associations between maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy and the risk of childhood emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, and low prosocial behavior. Conclusions: Maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old children. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.12177
Bean and Nut Intake Were Protective Factors for Comorbid Hypertension and Hyperuricemia in Chinese Adults: Results from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015-2017)
This study aimed to describe the prevalence of comorbid hypertension and hyperuricemia (HH) and detected the dietary factors for HH in Chinese adults aged 18 to 64 years. All of the data were collected from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2015–2017, with a stratified, multistage, random sampling method on a national scale. A total of 52,627 adult participants aged 18~64 years from the CNHS 2015–2017 were included in this study. HH was identified as SUA level cut-offs for males and females of 420 μmol/L and 360 μmol/L, respectively, with mean systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and/or received antihypertensive treatment within two weeks. The differences in HH prevalence between or among the subgroups were compared by the Rao–Scott chi-square test. The correlations between HH and covariates or metabolic factors were detected by a weighted two-level multivariate survey logistic regression. The total weighted sufficient intake ratios of beans and nuts, vegetables, and red meat were 59.1%, 46.6%, and 64.8%, respectively. The weighted prevalence of HH in the total participants was 4.7% (95% CI: 4.3–5.0%). The positive effects of bean and nut on HH were observed. The participants who had sufficient bean and nut intake showed lower risk for HH (for the total participants: OR = 0.734, 95% CI = 0.611–0.881). The prevalence of HH might have been a public health problem, and bean and nut intake might be a protective factor for HH in the Chinese population. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020192
Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials
Background and objective: Almond consumption has an inverse relationship with obesity and factors related to metabolic syndrome. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the results of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of almond consumption with subjective appetite scores and body compositions. Methods: Net changes in bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percent, fat-free mass (FFM), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subjective appetite scores were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: This meta-analysis was performed on 37 RCTs with 43 treatment arms. The certainty in the evidence was very low for appetite indices, body fat percent, FFM, VAT, and WHR, and moderate for other parameters as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight (WMD: -0.45 kg, 95% CI: -0.85, -0.05, p = 0.026), WC (WMD: -0.66 cm, 95% CI: -1.27, -0.04, p = 0.037), FM (WMD: -0.66 kg, 95% CI: -1.16, -0.17, p = 0.009), and hunger score (WMD: -1.15 mm, 95% CI: -1.98, -0.32, p = 0.006) compared with the control group. However, almond did not have a significant effect on BMI (WMD: -0.20 kg m-2 , 95% CI: -0.46, 0.05, p = 0.122), body fat percent (WMD: -0.39%, 95% CI: -0.93, 0.14, p = 0.154), FFM (WMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.47, 0.34, p = 0.748), WHR (WMD: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.12, 0.02, p = 0.203), VAT (WMD: -0.33 cm, 95% CI: -0.99, 0.32), fullness (WMD: 0.46 mm, 95% CI: -0.95, 1.88), desire to eat (WMD: 0.98 mm, 95% CI: -4.13, 2.23), and prospective food consumption (WMD: 1.08 mm, 95% CI: -2.11, 4.28). Subgroup analyses indicated that consumption of ≥50 g almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, WC, FM, and hunger score. Body weight, WC, FM, body fat percent, and hunger scores were decreased significantly in the trials that lasted for ≥12 weeks and in the subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Furthermore, a significant reduction in body weight and WC was observed in those trials that used a nut-free diet as a control group, but not in those using snacks and other nuts. The results of our analysis suggest that almond consumption may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores when consumed at a dose of ≥50 g/day for ≥12 weeks by individuals with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Conclusion: However, further well-constructed randomized clinical trials are needed in order ascertain the outcome of our analysis.
https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13711
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 were used to calculate the effect size.
Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight and hunger score compared with the control group. Subgroup analyses showed that consuming at least 50 grams of almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, waist circumference, fat mass and hunger score. Body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, body fat percent and hunger scores decreased significantly in trials that lasted for 12 weeks or more, and in participants with a body mass index higher than 30 kg/m2. Moreover, a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference was observed in trials that used a nut-free diet as a control group.
The findings suggest that consuming at least 50 grams of almonds per day for at least 12 weeks may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores in individuals with a body mass index higher than 30 kg/m2.
Chahibakhsh, N., Rafieipour, N., Rahimi, H., RajabiNezhad, S., Momeni, S. A., Motamedi, A., Malekzadeh, J., Islam, M. S., & Mohammadi-Sartang, M. (2024). Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials. Obesity Reviews, 10.1111/obr.13711. Advance online publication.
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.
The study was a prospective randomized trial of high environmental versus low environmental peanut exposure. Researchers evaluated the allergic status of younger siblings who resided in the home of LEAP participants at any time during the LEAP intervention. The study included a total of 144 younger siblings of peanut avoiders and 154 younger siblings of peanut consumers.
Among younger siblings of peanut consumers, those who started eating peanut in the first year of life had a significantly lower rate of sensitization than those who did not introduce peanut in the first year of life. The researchers concluded that the trend towards increased sensitization and allergy in younger siblings of peanut consumers was greatly reduced if the sibling introduced peanut early.
Lack, G., Du Toit, G., Radulovic, S., Feeney, M., Fischer, H., Byron, M., ... & Huffaker, M. (2024). An Unintentional Randomized Trial of Early Environmental Exposure to Peanut: The Younger Siblings of LEAP Participants. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 153(2), AB367.
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, hyperactivity problems, peer problems and low prosocial behavior.
Compared with children whose mothers who had not eaten nuts during pregnancy, children whose mothers did eat nuts had a significantly reduced risk of peer problems. The findings suggest that maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in children at five years of age. The researchers acknowledge the need for additional epidemiological studies and studies to investigate the mechanisms underlying the observed preventive association.
Nguyen, M. Q., Miyake, Y., Tanaka, K., Hasuo, S., Nakamura, Y., Okubo, H., Sasaki, S., & Arakawa, M. (2024). Nut consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old Japanese children. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 10.1002/jpn3.12177. Advance online publication.
Food Safety Update: March 2024
FAO: Updated General Standard for Food Additives Database is Now Online
In February, Codex Alimentarius unveiled an updated version of its online General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) database. With this update, the searchable database now reflects the 2023 revision of the GSFA, which sets forth the conditions under which permitted food additives may be used in all foods.
EU: Commission Publishes First Monthly Report on EU Agri-Food Fraud Suspicions
In January, the Commission published its first Report on EU Agri-Food Fraud Suspicions. These reports, which henceforth will be published monthly, include “non-compliances with fraud suspicions” of a cross-border nature identified and shared between members of the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) and retrieved from its three components: the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed network (RASFF), the Administrative Assistance and Cooperation network (AAC) and the Agri-Food Fraud Network (FFN).
EU: Plant Protection Product Update
The European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Commission Implementing Regulation renewing the approval of the active substance metconazole as a candidate for substitution, given that metconazole is considered a persistent and toxic substance.
The EU also notified the WTO of a draft Commission Implementing Regulation withdrawing the approval of the active substance acibenzolar-S-methyl.
In March, the Commission published Implementing Regulations renewing the approval of hydrolyzed proteins, urea and trinexapac, as well as an Implementing Regulation approving magnesium hydroxide E528.
UK: Increased Official Controls on Imports of Non-Animal Products
The government of the United Kingdom has published the Official Controls (Import of High-Risk Food and Feed of Non-Animal Origin) (Amendment of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793) Regulations 2024. These regulations seek to control high-risk food and food not of animal origin imported into Great Britain. The changes are summarized in the table below:
| Country of origin | Product | Hazard | Frequency of physical and identity checks |
| Argentina | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 10% |
| Bolivia | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Brazil | Peanuts and some derived products | Pesticide residues | 20% |
| Brazil nuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% | |
| China | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 10% |
| Egypt | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 20% |
| The Gambia | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Georgia | Hazelnuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 20% |
| Ghana | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| India | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Iran | Pistachios and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Madagascar | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Senegal | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Sudan | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% |
| Türkiye | Dried figs and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 20% |
| Pistachios and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 50% | |
| United States | Peanuts and some derived products | Aflatoxins | 10% |
| Uzbekistan | Dried apricots | Sulfites | 50% |
For more information, see the regulations for England, Wales and Scotland.
USA: Public Meeting Sponsored by U.S. Codex Office
The U.S. Codex Office is sponsoring a public meeting on March 21, 2024. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft US positions to be discussed at the 17th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF17). Agenda items to be discussed at the meeting include the definition of ready-to-eat peanuts for the establishment of a maximum level for total aflatoxins in this product.
Marketing Orders: March 2024
USA: Assessment Rate Decreased for Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington
A rule issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implements a recommendation from the Hazelnut Marketing Board to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2023–2024 marketing year and subsequent marketing years. This rule decreases the assessment rate from US$0.006 per pound to US$0.005 per pound for the 2023–2024 marketing year and subsequent marketing years. The rule takes effect on April 5, 2024, and will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.
USA: Suspension of Federal Marketing Order for Dried Prunes Produced in California
The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule suspending the federal marketing order regulating dried prunes produced in California effective August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2030. After operating for 18 years without handling regulations, the Prune Administrative Committee recommended that AMS indefinitely suspend the order. After reviewing the Committee’s recommendation, AMS determined that regulatory suspension with a sunset provision of seven years is appropriate. This suspension period extends through the end of the 2029/30 crop year and provides the industry sufficient time to assess whether the order’s reinstatement is beneficial. If no recommendation is made by the Committee to reinstate the order by the end of the 2029/30 crop year, AMS will proceed to terminate the order.
USA: USDA Sets Dates for Peanut Promotion Research and Information Program Continuance Referendum
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will conduct a referendum from April 8-19, 2024, for eligible US producers of peanuts to decide whether to continue their research and promotion program. Persons engaged in the production and sale of peanuts at the time of the referendum and during the representative period of January 1 to December 31, 2022, are eligible to vote. The order will continue if it is favored by a majority of producers voting in the referendum.
Latest Trade News and Agreements: March 2024
Chile: Phytosanitary Requirements on Imported Cashew
Exempt Resolution No. 5934/2024 establishing phytosanitary import requirements for cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) from any country of origin was published in Chile’s official gazette on February 1, 2024. Aspects covered include the following:
- Official phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin, with the following additional declaration: “The shipment has been treated for Trogoderma granarium (Col., Dermestidae), and Corcyra cephalonica (Lep., Pyralidae)”
- Fumigation treatments accepted
- Alternative additional declaration accepted
- Requirements concerning shipment, transport and inspection
The regulation will enter into force 60 days after publication.
China: Almond Hulls Gain Market Access
On January 12, 2024, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the addition of almond hulls to its official feed ingredients catalogue, paving the way for the import of these products. Companies interested in exporting feed ingredients to China must ensure that their products are included in the feed ingredients catalogue and that the facilities are listed by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) before the products are shipped.
Kenya: Draft Standard on Almond Kernels
In January, Kenya notified the World Trade Organization of the publication of a draft standard on almond kernels. The document specifies requirements, methods of sampling and test for shelled raw, roasted, blanched and fried almond kernels intended for human consumption. The feedback period ends on March 26, 2024.
Panama: Updated Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Prunes
Panama has notified the World Trade Organization of an update to its phytosanitary import requirements for prunes from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Spain and the United States.
Sri Lanka–Thailand: Free Trade Deal
Sri Lanka and Thailand signed the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) in early February. The agreement is comprehensive in scope, covering trade in goods, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and more.
Türkiye: Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Dates and Dried Corinthian Grapes
The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has notified the World Trade Organization that, as of March 31, 2024, Türkiye will require dates and dried Corinthian grapes to have a phytosanitary certificate upon entry into Türkiye and will subject them to phytosanitary control. These products will be returned or destroyed if they do not have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the exporting country or if they are found to be non-compliant as a result of the phytosanitary control.