Nut consumption, gut microbiota, and body fat distribution: results of a large, community-based population study

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationships among nut consumption, gut microbiota, and body fat distribution. Methods: We studied 2255 Chinese adults in the Lanxi Cohort living in urban areas in Lanxi City, China. Fat distribution was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and nut consumption was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was performed on stool samples from 1724 participants. Linear regression and Spearman correlation were used in all analyses. A validation study was performed using 1274 participants in the Lanxi Cohort living in rural areas. Results: Nut consumption was beneficially associated with regional fat accumulation. Gut microbial analysis suggested that a high intake of nuts was associated with greater microbial α diversity. Six genera were found to be associated with nut consumption, and the abundance of genera Anaerobutyricum, Anaerotaenia, and Fusobacterium was significantly associated with fat distribution. Favorable relationships between α diversity and fat distribution were also observed. Similar relationships between gut microbiota and fat distribution were obtained in the validation analysis. Conclusions: We have shown that nut consumption is beneficially associated with body fat distribution and gut microbiota diversity and taxonomy. Furthermore, the microbial features related to high nut intake are associated with a favorable pattern of fat distribution. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.24099


Regulation of Intestinal Inflammation by Walnut-Derived Bioactive Compounds

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) have shown promising effects in terms of ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), attributed to their abundant bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively illustrates the key mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of walnuts in IBD management, including the modulation of intestinal mucosa permeability, the regulation of inflammatory pathways (such as NF-kB, COX/COX2, MAPCK/MAPK, and iNOS/NOS), relieving oxidative stress, and the modulation of gut microbiota. Furthermore, we highlight walnut-derived anti-inflammatory compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; e.g., ω-3 PUFA), tocopherols, phytosterols, sphingolipids, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. We also discuss unique anti-inflammatory compounds such as peptides and polysaccharides, including their extraction and preparation methods. Our review provides a theoretical foundation for dietary walnut supplementation in IBD management and provides guidance for academia and industry. In future, research should focus on the targeted isolation and purification of walnut-derived anti-inflammatory compounds or optimizing extraction methods to enhance their yields, thereby helping the food industry to develop dietary supplements or walnut-derived functional foods tailored for IBD patients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162643

 


NUTS 2025 to Be Held at INC Headquarters

The meeting will bring together renowned health researchers from across the globe

After the success of NUTS 2022, another historic gathering of top health researchers is on the horizon. From October 9-10, 2025, the INC’s headquarters in Reus, Spain, will host NUTS 2025, a conference that will bring together some of the world’s top health researchers.

The aims of the NUTS 2025 conference are to summarize all the scientific evidence on the beneficial effects of nuts and dried fruit on health; to define new topics, needs and opportunities in research; to share knowledge with the food industry and set new primary objectives; and to prepare a white paper on the most important research developments for publication in a scientific journal.

The conference is being organized by Rovira i Virgili University and sponsored by the INC. Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at Rovira i Virgili University and Chairman of the INC World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination, will serve as Chairman of the event. The Scientific Program Committee is chaired by Prof. Salas-Salvadó and also includes Prof. Joan Sabaté (Loma Linda, USA), Dr. Emilio Ros (Barcelona, Spain), Dr. Marta Guasch-Ferré (Copenhagen, Denmark) and Dr. Cyril Kendall (Toronto, Canada). The International Advisory Council consists of Prof. Cesarettin Alasalvar (Gebze, Türkiye), Dr. John Sievenpiper (Toronto, Canada), Prof. Penny Kris-Etherton (Pennsylvania, USA), Dr. Viswanathan Mohan (Chennai, India), Prof. Gang Liu (Wuhan, China) and Prof. Frank Hu (Boston, USA).

Further information about NUTS 2025 is available on the website.


Regular Intake of Brazil Nuts Shows Promise for Women With Overweight or Obesity

Eating Brazil nuts may control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition assessed the effect of daily Brazil nut intake on inflammation and intestinal permeability in overweight and obese women following an energy-restricted diet.

In this non-randomized controlled trial, 56 women with overweight or obesity were allocated into one of two groups. Both groups followed an energy-restricted diet (−500 kcal/d) for eight weeks. The control group consumed a nut-free diet, while the Brazil nut group consumed 8 grams of Brazil nuts per day. Inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in plasma and intestinal permeability was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol ratio.

Both groups achieved similar weight loss. The Brazil nut group showed lower values of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1β, interleukin-8, percentage lactulose excretion, and lactulose/mannitol ratio than the control group.

The findings suggest that regular intake of Brazil nuts may be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving intestinal permeability in overweight or obese women undergoing energy-restricted treatment.

Silveira, B. K. S., Silva, A. D., Rocha, D. M. U. P., Waskow, K., Martino, H. S. D., Bressan, J., & Hermsdorff, H. H. M. (2024). Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study). The Journal of Nutrition, 154(9), 2670–2679.


Nut Consumption May Be Beneficially Associated With Body Fat Distribution

High nut intake was also associated with greater microbial diversity

A recent study published in Obesity set out to examine the relationships among nut consumption, gut microbiota and body fat distribution.

This large, community-based population study included 2,255 Chinese adults living in urban areas in Lanxi City, China. Fat distribution was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and nut consumption was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Stool samples from 1,724 participants underwent 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.

The findings showed that nut consumption was associated with a healthy distribution of body fat. Gut microbial analysis suggested that high nut intake was associated with greater microbial alpha-diversity. Six genera were found to be associated with nut consumption. Abundance of the genera Anaerobutyricum, Anaerotaenia and Fusobacterium was significantly associated with fat distribution. Favorable associations between alpha-diversity and fat distribution were also found.

The researchers concluded that nut consumption may be beneficially associated with body fat distribution as well as gut microbiota diversity and taxonomy.

Shi, Y., Kan, J., Wang, W., Cao, Y., Wu, Y., Chen, X., Zheng, W., Yang, F., Du, J., He, W., & Zhu, S. (2024). Nut consumption, gut microbiota, and body fat distribution: results of a large, community-based population study. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 32(9), 1778–1788.


Eating Prunes Daily May Reduce Negative Bone Effects of Oral Contraceptives

The findings suggest that prunes offer health benefits for young women

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition explored whether consuming 50 grams of prunes per day for 12 months could prevent bone loss or increase bone accrual in young women who use oral contraceptives.

Ninety women between the ages of 18 and 25 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group that did not use oral contraceptives, a group that used oral contraceptives and did not consume prunes, or a group that ate 50 grams of prunes per day for 12 months. Bone mineral density was measured at baseline and after 12 months, and blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months to assess biomarkers.

The findings showed that bone mineral density at the ultradistal radius increased significantly after 12 months among women using oral contraceptives and eating 50 grams of prunes daily. The ultradistal radius is a region abundant in trabecular bone —a porous material composed of both hard and soft tissue components— and therefore prone to fracture due to osteoporosis. The authors concluded that consumption of prunes may mitigate the harmful bone effects of oral contraceptives in young women.

This study was funded by the California Prune Board.

DeMasi, T., Tsang, M., Mueller, J., Giltvedt, K., Nguyen, T. N., Kern, M., & Hooshmand, S. (2024). Prunes may blunt adverse effects of oral contraceptives on bone health in young adult women: a randomized clinical trial. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8(9), 104417.


NUTPOOL Study: Progress Update

Over one million participants will take part in this groundbreaking study

Through an extensive meta-analysis involving over one million participants across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, the INC-funded NUTPOOL study aims to evaluate the association between total and specific types of nut consumption and the prevention of non-communicable diseases, namely type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) and mortality. This groundbreaking research will undoubtedly represent a turning point in nutritional epidemiology in relation to nuts and health.

NUTPOOL is progressing according to plan. The study is currently in the preliminary stage of obtaining data for analyses, with a total of 26 cohorts having answered an initial survey and showed interest in taking part in the study. The NUTPOOL team is currently in the process of finalizing the study’s standardized data protocol and is preparing to develop the standardized analytical code that will be shared with the different cohorts. The NUTPOOL team has also launched a dedicated website featuring further information about the rationale and aims of the study, the members of the research team, and much more.


UN Working Party to Discuss Revised Agricultural Quality Standards

UNECE standards are internationally recognized as the minimum quality requirements

 The 79th session of the UNECE Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards will be held on November 11-13, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The quality standards approved by this body establish the minimum quality requirements for different foodstuffs. They are recognized internationally by governments, producers, traders, importers, exporters and international organizations.

During this meeting, the following revised standards will be presented for approval:

Revised standard for almond kernels

Revised standard for blanched almond kernels

Revised standard for inshell almonds

Revised standard for dates

Revised standard for inshell walnuts

In addition, two posters will be presented for approval. These explanatory materials provide photographic representations that help operators determine whether a particular quality defect is allowed under the UNECE standards.

Explanatory material for almond kernels

Explanatory material for cashew kernels

INC members are welcome to contact the INC with any concerns or comments they may have regarding the standards and posters that will be presented at the meeting.


September 2024 News Brief

INC Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2024 Is Just Around the Corner!

Connect with leading industry professionals at this unmissable event

There's just one month to go until SIAL Paris! From October 19-23, prepare for the INC Pavilion, set to be the ultimate nut and dried fruit industry hub. Located in Hall 8, Booth E049, exhibitors and visitors alike will have the chance to connect with clients, network and engage in important industry discussions. But that’s not all! Join us for an exclusive INC Cocktail event on Sunday, October 20, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy a curated selection of premium cocktails, perfectly paired with nuts and dried fruits. Reserve your spot by completing the form below. Thanks to Orienco for sponsoring the INC Cocktail and our social area sponsors Al Jameel and Starline. [Please confirm your attendance here]

 

INC Academia Launched on September 15

Join other industry professionals today and benefit from early-bird savings!

The 2024/2025 edition of the INC Academia has opened its doors, offering participants the chance to deepen their expertise in the nut and dried fruit industry. Enroll before October 15 to secure a 40% early-bird discount. Choose from two flexible online programs tailored to meet your needs, providing comprehensive industry knowledge to accelerate your career growth and elevate your company's value. [Enroll now]

 

 

Elevate Your Brand with Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities

Discover ways to expose your brand in front of a niche audience!

From May 8-10, 2025, the beautiful island of Mallorca will host the annual INC Congress, gathering leading professionals from the global nut and dried fruit industry. Become a sponsor or exhibitor at the INC Congress and see your brand receive visibility among numerous professionals in the INC network via pre-event communications, website ads and over 1,500 expected attendees in Mallorca! Take advantage of an environment fully oriented to the nut and dried fruit industry, and don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. [Apply now]

 

UN Working Party to Discuss Revised Agricultural Quality Standards

UNECE standards are internationally recognized as the minimum quality requirements

The 79th session of the UNECE Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards will be held on November 11-13, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The quality standards approved by this body establish the minimum quality requirements for different foodstuffs. They are recognized internationally by governments, producers, traders, importers, exporters and international organizations. [Read more]

 

 

Call for Data on Total Aflatoxins in Ready-to-Eat Peanuts

Towards establishing a Codex maximum level

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has issued a request for data on total aflatoxins in ready-to-eat peanuts. The information collected will inform the Committee’s work towards establishing a maximum level for total aflatoxins in ready-to-eat peanuts. Specifically, the Committee calls for: data on occurrence of total aflatoxins for the last 10 years; data collected with methods with a LOQ of 4 µg/kg or below; data on ready-to-eat peanuts, for which it can reasonably be assumed that at least 90% or more of the food item consists… [Read more]

 

Worldwide Adoption of Nut-Rich Diet Would Reduce Food-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The decrease is primarily attributed to shifts from red meat to nuts and legumes

Climate goals cannot be achieved without efforts to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions, which account for approximately one-third of human-induced emissions. A new study published in Nature Climate Change modeled the changes in food-related emissions associated with worldwide adoption of the Planetary Health Diet (PHD), a healthy dietary pattern proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission that could feed the growing global population sustainably. [Read more]

 

Research Finds Cashews May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults on Weight-Loss Treatment

Participants who ate cashews also saw improvements in liver function biomarkers

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition set out to assess the effect of eating cashews and cashew nut oil on body fat as well as adiposity, cardiometabolic and liver function indicators during weight-loss treatment. The study was a randomized controlled-feeding study involving 68 adults with overweight or obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The cashew group ate 30 grams of cashews per day, the cashew nut oil group consumed 30 mL of cashew nut oil per day, and the control group did not… [Read more]

 

Study Suggests Dried Fruit Intake Could Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The findings provided insights into daily primary prevention measures for type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Nutrition & Metabolism set out to examine the association between dried fruit consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study used data on dried fruit intake, as well as genotypic and phenotypic data, from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising approximately 500,000 individuals in Europe. The researchers conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the causal association between dried fruit intake and T2D. [Read more]

 

Peanut Allergy News Round-up

Recent developments offer hope for better allergy management

Significant progress is being made in the battle against peanut allergy. Several recent milestones in different countries mark positive steps towards more effective treatments and better management. On July 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the oral immunotherapy drug Palforzia for initiation of treatment, up-dosing and maintenance in individuals aged 1 to 3 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy… [Read more]

 

Sustainability Updates

The INC’s latest installment of sustainability news includes information about MOSH/MOAH regulations in the European Union, an Italian initiative that will provide funding for projects relating to nut production, an international partnership to sustainably enhance Cambodia’s cashew industry, and more.  [Read more]

 

 

 

International Trade News

This month’s trade update covers a new agreement to allow the tariff-free import of Mozambican macadamias and cashews into China, a virtual trade corridor agreement signed by India and the UAE, Ukraine’s ratification of a free trade agreement with the UK, and more. [Read more]

 

 

 

Food Safety Updates

This month, the INC’s food safety update focuses on several decisions by the European Commission to renew the approval or extend the approval period of active substances found in plant protection products. [Read more]

 

 

 

Marketing Orders

In this month’s news on marketing orders, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a recommended decision proposing to amend Marketing Order No. 989, which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. [Read more]


Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2024 

Catch the live stream on YouTube September 20-21

The Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2024, organized by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), will take place on September 20-21, during World Food India 2024. In addition to the in-person summit in New Delhi, which is expected to bring together more than 5,000 attendees, the event will also be live-streamed on YouTube.

This second edition of the GFRS will provide a platform where food regulators from various countries can share information on food product regulatory and safety requirements, with an emphasis on fostering cooperation among nations in the realm of food safety standards. It will engage a diverse range of stakeholders from the food value chain, including food manufacturers, processors, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, in discussions about the global landscape of food safety and regulatory compliance.

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including food safety, food testing technologies, sustainable packaging practices and innovative approaches to regulatory frameworks. For more information, visit the event schedule.

To follow the live stream, visit the following links:

September 20 event

September 21 event