Evaluation of the effect of wheat aleurone-rich foods on markers of antioxidant status, inflammation and endothelial function in apparently healthy men and women

Br J Nutr. 2012 Nov 14;108(9):1644-51. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511007070. Epub 2012 Jan 16.

Abstract

Observational data show an inverse association between the consumption of whole-grain foods, and inflammation and related diseases. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear, whole grains, and in particular the aleurone layer, contain a wide range of components with putative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the effects of a diet high in wheat aleurone on plasma antioxidants status, markers of inflammation and endothelial function. In this parallel, participant-blinded intervention, seventy-nine healthy, older, overweight participants (45-65 years, BMI>25 kg/m²) incorporated either aleurone-rich cereal products (27 g aleurone/d), or control products balanced for fibre and macronutrients, into their habitual diets for 4 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and on day 29. Results showed that, compared to control, consumption of aleurone-rich products provided substantial amounts of micronutrients and phytochemicals which may function as antioxidants. Additionally, incorporating these products into a habitual diet resulted in significantly lower plasma concentrations of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (P = 0·035), which is an independent risk factor for CVD. However, no changes were observed in other markers of inflammation, antioxidant status or endothelial function. These results provide a possible mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of longer-term whole-grain intake. However, it is unclear whether this effect is owing to a specific component, or a combination of components in wheat aleurone.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / blood
  • Aging / immunology*
  • Aging / physiology
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / analysis*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Endosperm / chemistry*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / immunology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage
  • Micronutrients / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Overweight / blood
  • Overweight / immunology*
  • Overweight / physiopathology
  • Seed Storage Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Triticum / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Micronutrients
  • Seed Storage Proteins
  • C-Reactive Protein

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN93336504