Research

Higher intake of flavonoids may contribute to weight maintenance

Previous studies have revealed associations between intake of certain fruits and vegetables and weight maintenance. An increased intake of blueberries, apples, pears, prunes, strawberries, and grapes has contributed to weight control.  According to animal models and short term human studies, flavonoids decrease energy intake, increase glucose uptake in muscle, and decrease glucose uptake in adipose tissue. Flavonoids are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, flavonoids may decrease fat absorption, increase energy expenditure, and inhibit adipogenesis (the process during which fibroblast develop into mature adipocytes).

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between consumption of certain flavonoids and weight gain. The results would provide guidance on which fruits and vegetables should be chosen in order to prevent weight gain. Even small increases in weight can have a significant effect on the risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore strategies to help people to maintain a healthy weight are critically needed.

Methods

Three large prospective cohorts were used as a study population, consisting of 124 086 American men and women. In the beginning of the study, the average ages of men and women were 46.9 and 42.4 years, respectively. The total length of study period was 20 or 24 years, depending on the program.

All participants reported their weight via a questionnaire every two years. Weight change was calculated within each four year period as the difference in weight between the beginning and end of each period. Participants also reported their diet every four years using a questionnaire. A flavonoid intake was calculated for each participant. Furthermore, participants reported their lifestyle habits and recent diseases via a questionnaire every two years. Multivariable generalized linear regression model was used to examine the association between change in weight and change in intake of flavonoids.

Results

Over each four year period, men gained an average of 2.2 lbs (1 kg), women 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg). Men had a median intake of 224 mg/d of total flavonoids, women 242 mg/d. Increased intake of most flavonoid subclasses was inversely associated with weight gain.  The strongest magnitude of association was seen for anthocyanins, flavonoid polymers and flavonols.

According to results, the main food sources for anthocyanins were blueberries and strawberries, while flavanols and their polymers were mainly derived from tea and apples (Figure 1). Orange juice and oranges were the main sources of flavanone and flavone intakes, and tea and onions were the main sources of flavonols. However, the questionnaire did not include all fruits and vegetables, and some good sources of flavonoids, such as blackberries and raspberries, were not included.

Figure 1. Major dietary sources of flavonoids for women. Blueberries and strawberries were the main food sources for anthocyanins. Figure has been redrawn from: Bertoia ym. (2016): Dietary flavonoid intake and weight maintenance: three prospective cohorts of 124 086 US men and women followed for up to 24 years. BMJ 2016, 352:i17.

Conclusions

The authors wish that these results will help to refine previous dietary recommendations for the prevention of obesity. The results suggested that choosing high flavonoid fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, berries, and peppers, may help with weight control. Most Americans consume less than one cup of fruits and less than two cups of vegetables daily, while two cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables are recommended. People could maximise their health benefit by including optimal fruits and vegetables in their daily diets.

Author's comment:
Blueberry used in this study is a cultivated highbush blueberry. The wild bilberry in Finland is three to four times richer in anthocyanins than the related highbush blueberry.

Text:
Anni Koskela, Arctic Flavours Association
anni.koskela(at)arktisetaromit.fi
+358 40 164 6177

 

Avainsanat:
mustikka  flavonoidit  painonhallinta  ylipaino  blueberry  flavonoids  weight control  obesity 


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