Review Article
Dietary fats, teas, dairy, and nuts: potential functional foods forweight control?1–3
ABSTRACT
Although it is known that dietary restriction and increased
Functional foods are similar to conventional foods in appearance,
physical activity can lead to weight loss, such lifestyle changes
but they have benefits that extend beyond their basic nutritional
may be difficult to implement and maintain—thus, the high rate
properties. For example, functional foods have been studied for the
of recidivism among weight losers (3). Functional foods that
prevention of osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. They
effect energy metabolism and fat partitioning may be helpful
have yet to be related to the prevention of obesity, although obesity
adjuncts to a dietary approach to body weight control. The cur-
is one of the major health problems today. The inclusion of foods or
rent review examines current literature to identify potential func-
the replacement of habitual foods with others that may enhance
tional foods that may be useful in the prevention of weight gain
energy expenditure (EE) or improve satiety may be a practical way
or as adjuncts to weight-loss efforts. It is not within the scope of
to maintain a stable body weight or assist in achieving weight loss;
this review to examine overall diets or individual food compo-
such foods may act as functional foods in body weight control. Some
nents, such as vegetarian diets and fiber or protein, so that only
foods that might be classified as functional foods for weight control
foods that have been studied for their effects on body weight, EE,
because of their effects on EE and appetite—including medium-
or satiety (or all 3) are reviewed. Such potential functional foods
chain triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, tea, milk, and nuts—are re-
that may be of interest include medium-chain triacylglycerols
viewed here. Only human studies reporting EE, appetite, or body
(MCTs), diacylglycerols, tea, milk, and nuts.
weight are discussed. When studies of whole food items are unavail-able, studies of nutraceuticals, the capsular equivalents of functionalfoods, are reviewed. To date, dietary fats seem to be most promising
DIETARY FATS
and have been the most extensively studied for their effects on body
Medium-chain triacylglycerols
weight control. However, the weight loss observed is small andshould be considered mostly as a measure to prevent weight gain.
MCTs are those triacylglycerols composed of fatty acids that
Carefully conducted clinical studies are needed to firmly ascertain
contain 6 –12 carbon atoms. These triacylglycerols differ from
the effect of tea, milk, and nuts on body weight maintenance, to
long-chain triacylglycerols (LCTs) not only in their chemical
assess their potential to assist in weight-loss efforts, and to ascertain
composition but also in the manner in which they are absorbed
dose-response relations and mechanisms of action for the 4 food
and transported from the gastrointestinal tract to organs. Both
Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:7–15.
MCTs and LCTs are digested to their respective medium- andlong-chain fatty acids (MCFAs and LCFAs, respectively) in the
KEY WORDS
Medium-chain triacylglycerols, diacylglycer-
gastrointestinal tract. Unlike LCFAs, which are repackaged as
LCTs into chylomicrons for transport through the peripheralcirculation, MCFAs, because of their shorter chain lengths, donot require chylomicron formation for their absorption and trans-port (4, 5). As a result, MCFAs travel directly to the liver via the
INTRODUCTION
portal circulation; therefore, they bypass peripheral tissues such
Maintenance of a constant body weight requires a balance
as adipose tissue, which makes them less susceptible to the ac-
between energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE), and
tions of hormone-sensitive lipase and to deposition into adipose
even a slight imbalance in this energy equilibrium can lead to
tissue stores (Figure 1). In fact, MCFAs are mostly oxidized by
significant changes in body weight over time and may eventuallyresult in obesity (1). Obesity is one of the major health problems
1 From the Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Sur-
worldwide, and it is a risk factor for several chronic disorders, but
geons, Columbia University, Obesity Research Center, St. Luke’s/Roosevelt
there is no functional food for obesity, such as there is for car-
diovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. In the Health Professionals
Supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Post-Doctoral
Follow-up Study, mean weight change over a 10-y period was 1.8
3 Reprints not available. Address correspondence to M-P St-Onge, Depart-
kg (2). Even small changes in energy balance may lead to such a
ment of Nutrition Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530
weight gain, which therefore may be prevented by slight modi-
Third Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294. E-mail: [email protected].
fications in food intake, such as the inclusion of functional foods
Accepted for publication July 6, 2004. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:7–15. Printed in USA. 2005 American Society for Clinical Nutrition
extrapolated in the same manner, equated to 263.3 kJ (63 kcal) atbaseline and 179.7 kJ (43 kcal) at the endpoint (11). Althoughbody weights did not change significantly in women, variationsin body weight in both men and women could be explained by thedifferences observed between EE with MCT consumption andthat with LCT consumption. Moreover, total adipose tissue, sub-cutaneous adipose tissue, and upper-body adipose tissue stores inmen decreased significantly with MCT consumption but not withLCT consumption (11).
Furthermore, data suggest that MCT consumption increases
satiety more than does LCT consumption (10). In a subgroup ofmen, we tested the potential effect of MCT consumption on foodintake at a subsequent meal (12). After consuming the fixed-intake breakfast containing either MCTs or LCTs, men were
FIGURE 1. Long- and medium-chain triacylglycerols are digested to
instructed to eat as much as they liked of a different, ad libitum
their respective fatty acids in the gastrointestinal tract. Long-chain fatty acids
lunch that did not contain the experimental fats. Although the
(LCFAs) are packaged into chylomicrons for their transport to peripheral
tissues, whereas medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) travel directly to the
҃ 5), there was a trend toward lower EI at
liver via the portal circulation. As a result, LCFAs are mostly deposited into
the lunch after the MCT-containing breakfast than at the lunch
adipose tissue, whereas MCFAs are mostly oxidized to carbon dioxide in the
after the LCT-containing breakfast. The slightly lower EI [Ҁ925
liver, and small amounts are elongated to LCFAs and incorporated into
kJ (221 kcal)] was due to significantly lower fat intake (Ҁ12.4 g)
at the lunch after the MCT-containing breakfast than at the lunchafter the LCT-containing breakfast (12).
the liver for use as a source of energy and thus have been reported
These results add to the body of literature examining the ef-
to behave more like glucose than like fats (5). The metabolic
fects of MCT consumption on EE and further confirm the po-
differences between MCTs and LCTs prompted researchers to
tential of MCTs to act as dietary adjuncts for improved body
examine their effects on EE and body composition. Several re-
weight maintenance or even, possibly, weight loss. However,
views discussed the physiologic processing of MCTs (4 – 6).
weight-loss studies are needed to confirm this latter role of
Early studies examined the effects of MCTs on EE in humans
MCTs. Found in the form of liquid oil extracted from coconut oil,
(7–9). Those investigators mostly reported a greater thermogenic
MCTs could easily be incorporated into the North American diet
effect of MCTs than of LCTs, but their studies were of a short
as a replacement for other LCT-rich vegetable oils. A study
duration (10). As a result, although it was suggested that the
examining the acceptability (ie, appeal to the consumer) of dif-
consumption MCTs could lead to an energy imbalance that may
ferent food items made with an MCT oil found that the drop
assist in weight loss or in the prevention of obesity (7–9), those
cookies, muffins, and quick loaf breads were acceptable, but the
early studies did not provide evidence of the longer-term effects
rolled cookies were not (13). In clinical studies in which one-half
of MCTs on thermogenesis. Furthermore, the short-term nature
of the total fat intake was from an MCT oil, it was found that
of the studies precluded the possibility of examining body-
incorporation of an MCT-rich oil into cakes and cookies pro-
composition changes that would theoretically result from the
duced acceptable products. Moreover, subjects had no com-
plaints about the taste of the oil or of the mashed potatoes, pasta,
In the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at McGill
or desserts in which it was incorporated (M-P St-Onge, personal
University, we recently used a 4-wk crossover feeding experi-
observations, 1999 –2001). One must keep in mind, however,
ment to compare the effects of MCT and LCT consumption on
that baked goods are typically high in energy, and these foods
EE and body composition in both men (11) and women (12). In
should be consumed sparingly even if the replacement of LCTs
both studies, subjects were fed controlled diets that were de-
by MCTs contributes to the enhancement of EE and satiety. An
signed to maintain body weight and that differed only in the type
oil containing only MCT could be incorporated into foods as part
of added dietary fat: MCTs or LCTs. Diets were fed for 4 wk and
of a salad dressing, but it may not be appropriate for frying
were separated by a 4-wk washout period. EE and body compo-
because of its low smoke point. One possible way to circumvent
sition, measured by magnetic resonance imaging, were assessed
this problem would be to combine an MCT oil with other vege-
at baseline and the endpoint of each experimental phase. As a
table oils having higher smoke points, such as canola oil or
result, we could determine whether the greater effects of MCTs
safflower oil, which would then make the MCT oil more suitable
than of LCTs on thermogenesis were maintained over a 4-wk
period and whether any increase in EE with MCT consumption
There are, however, some concerns regarding the effects of
over that seen with LCT consumption would result in significant
MCT consumption on plasma lipid concentrations (14). In fact,
changes in body composition, regardless of the isoenergetic con-
a recent study (15) found an intake of 70 g MCT oil/d for 21 d
tent of the diets. We found that EE increased with the consump-
increased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol,
tion of MCTs more than it did with that of LCTs at baseline and
and glucose concentrations by 11%, 12%, 22%, and 4%, respec-
at the endpoint in men and women; however, the extent to which
tively, relative to an equivalent intake of high-oleic sunflower oil.
thermogenesis was increased varied slightly. In women, differ-
There is thus some concern regarding the cardiovascular effects
ences in daily EE, extrapolated from 6.5 h of indirect calorimetry
of MCTs. One possible way to prevent adverse cardiovascular
measurements, equated to 167.2 kJ (40 kcal) from measurements
effects would be to combine plant sterols, which have showed
taken at baseline and to 209 kJ (50 kcal) from measurements
benefits for cholesterol concentrations (16), with an MCT oil.
taken at the endpoint (12). In men, differences in daily EE,
When this combination is consumed, total and LDL-cholesterol
concentrations are lower than those observed after LCT con-
in subjects who were supplementing their diets with diacylglycerol-
containing foods than in those who were supplementing their dietswith triacylglycerol-containing foods (body weight change: Ҁ3.6%
Diacylglycerols
and Ҁ2.5%, respectively). The percentage change in intraabdomi-
Diacylglycerols have also been reported to increase thermo-
nal adipose tissue did not differ significantly between the groups.
genesis more than triacylglycerols do and to have the potential to
Although these previous studies did not examine the potential
assist in weight loss (19) because of a mechanism of action
mechanism leading to greater effects of diacylglyerols than of
similar to that of MCTs. Diacylglycerols of the 1,3 conformation
triacylglycerols on loss of fat mass, it seems likely that the effects
are catabolized to 2 free fatty acids and a glycerol moiety, as op-
could be due to greater EE, fat oxidation, or reductions in appetite
posed to 2 free fatty acids and a 2-monoacylglycerol molecule, after
with diacylglycerol than with triacylglycerol consumption rather
hydrolysis of triacylglycerol. In the case of triacylglycerol, the
than to differences in the energy contents of diacylglycerol and
2-monoacylglycerol molecule acts as a backbone for the reforma-
triacylglycerol. Diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol have been
tion of a triacylglycerol molecule for packaging into chylomicrons
shown to have similar energy values [37 kJ/g (9 kcal/g)] (25). In
(20). Because of the absence of 2-monoacylglycerol molecules,
addition, a recent study showed that, when 12% of total daily EI
diacylglycerols cannot be reformed for packaging into chylomi-
was provided by diacylglycerol in foods, fat oxidation was
crons, and thus the free fatty acid and glycerol molecules travel
greater than that when EI was provided by triacylglycerol in
as such in the circulation and are diverted to the liver, where they
foods (23). EE did not differ significantly between the groups,
are mostly oxidized (21). In fact, several enzymes involved in fatty
but subjects reported being less hungry (area under the curve
acid oxidation have been found to increase with diacylglycerol
score: 281 and 472 mm · h, respectively) after diacylglycerol
consumption for 14 d, whereas those involved in synthesis
consumption than after triacylglycerol consumption. This study
provides some information on the reasons for weight loss with
Few studies (19, 23, 24) have compared the effects of diacyl-
diacylglycerol consumption, but much remains to be established.
glyerols and of triacylglycerols on EE and body composition in
Furthermore, the previous feeding experiments (19, 24) were
humans. In the study by Nagao et al (19), 38 normal-weight men
parallel-arm supplementation studies, and therefore the exact
supplemented their diets with 10 g/d of either diacylglycerol or
food intake of subjects could not be established with certainty,
triacylglycerol. The experimental fats were provided in bread,
which may have worked to confound the results obtained.
mayonnaise, and shortbread, which was for consumption at
Diacylglycerols occur naturally in small concentrations in
breakfast only. The remainder of the diet was self-selected, and
several edible oils; the 9.5% concentration in cottonseed oil is
subjects were not counseled to reduce EIs to promote weight loss.
among the highest (26). A diacylglycerol-rich cooking oil has
The authors measured body composition by using single-slice
been produced that contains 80% diacylglycerols and that
computed tomography scanning and air-displacement plethys-
looks and tastes like a conventional oil (26). Such an oil could
mography. After 16 wk of supplementation, there was a signif-
therefore be incorporated into foods or consumed as a salad
icant decrease in body weight (Ҁ2.6 kg) in the diacylglycerol-
dressing without imparting a distinct flavor to the food.
supplemented group, whereas the weight increase in the
Studies examining the effect of changes in dietary fat type (11,
triacylglycerol-supplemented group was 1.1 kg. The reductions
12, 19, 24) seem to indicate that this slight dietary modification
in body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2), waist circumference, and
may be beneficial for body weight control and weight loss. In
visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue at the level of the um-
fact, the Japanese government has approved diacylglycerol as a
bilicus were significantly greater with diacylglycerol than with
food for specific health use to control postmeal blood lipids and
triacylglycerol supplementation. The authors concluded that di-
body fat (26). However, the magnitude of this effect is small
acylglycerol supplementation suppresses body weight and re-
when observed in a controlled setting, and therefore dietary fats
gional fat deposition. However, in both groups, total fat con-
may be most helpful in the prevention of weight gain when used
sumption, including the test or control fat, did not meet the 50 g/d
alone or in the enhancement of weight loss when incorporated in
requirement and was assessed to be 43 g/d. This lack of compli-
ance with the study protocol may have been partly responsible forthe changes observed in body composition. Furthermore, energyand fat intakes for each group were not provided. BEVERAGES
A weight-loss study including overweight and obese men and
women found that body weight and fat mass decreased to a
greater extent in subjects consuming diacylglycerols than in
Tea is the beverage with the greatest consumption worldwide
those consuming triacylglycerols (24). All men and women in-
(27). There are 3 categories of tea— black, green, and oolong—
cluded in this randomized, parallel-arm experiment had a waist
and the consumption of black tea accounts for 80% of total tea
circumference 90 cm (men) or 87 cm (women). Subjects
intake (27). Black tea leaves are fermented and contain mostly
were asked to reduce their caloric intakes by 2090 –3344 kJ/d
theaflavins and thearubigins as active components (27). Green
(500 – 800 kcal/d) for a period of 24 wk, during which they
tea is a nonoxidized, nonfermented tea, which contains polyphe-
incorporated foods containing diacylglycerols or triacylglycer-
nolic compounds such as epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epi-
ols. Foods provided 16 – 45 g/d of either diacylglyerols or tria-
gallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), whereas
cylglycerols, or 15% of the subjects’ energy requirements. Body
oolong tea is partially oxidized and contains a considerable
composition was assessed by whole-body dual-energy X-ray ab-
amount of polyphenols (27). Tea polyphenols have been found to
sorptiometry and single-slice computed tomography scanning at
be powerful antioxidants that may reduce LDL oxidation and the
the level of the L4 –L5 vertebrae. Both groups lost a significant
formation of oxidized DNA metabolites, thus contributing to
amount of body weight and fat mass, but the changes were greater
Few studies have carefully examined the effects of tea con-
in capsular or nonfood format (32). Healthy young men under-
sumption on body weight or EE. In fact, only 2 studies have
went three 24-h testing periods in a metabolic chamber to exam-
examined the effect of tea consumption, as a beverage, on EE (29,
ine whether 2 capsules of a green tea extract containing 50 mg
30). Rumpler et al (29) tested whether oolong tea increased EE or
caffeine and 90 mg EGCG, taken 3 times/d, stimulated thermo-
modulated substrate oxidation rates more than did control bev-
genesis to a greater extent than did caffeine alone or placebo.
erages. Four different beverages were consumed 5 times/d for 3 d
Twenty-four-hour EE with green tea extract treatment was
each: full-strength oolong tea (3 g tea leaves in 300 mL water),
greater than that with caffeine and placebo—9867 kJ (2360.5
half-strength oolong tea (1.5 g tea leaves in 300 mL water), water,
kcal) and 9599 (2296.4 kcal) and 9538 kJ (2281.8 kcal), respec-
and water ѿ caffeine (caffeine content equivalent to that of
tively—which corresponds to an increase of 2.8% and 3.5% [268
full-strength tea). Each serving of full-strength oolong tea con-
kJ (64.1 kcal) and 329 kJ (78.7 kcal), respectively] over the EE
tained 48.7 mg EGCG and 53.7 mg caffeine, for a total intake of
with caffeine and placebo, respectively. The 24-h respiratory
244 mg EGCG and 270 mg caffeine. Servings were consumed
quotient with green tea extract treatment was lower than that with
every 1.5 h from 0830 to 1430 as part of a controlled diet pro-
caffeine and placebo— 0.852 compared with 0.873 and 0.881,
viding 115% of energy requirements during the initial 2 d and
respectively—which is indicative of greater fat oxidation with
100% of energy requirements on the 3rd day. Twenty-four-hour
green tea extract treatment. It was concluded that oral adminis-
EE with full-strength tea and water ѿ caffeine consumption was
tration of a green tea extract stimulated thermogenesis and fat
significantly greater than that with water alone. The increase in
oxidation and, therefore, that green tea extract has the potential to
EE with consumption of full-strength tea and for water ѿ caf-
influence body weight and body composition. However, the
feine was, respectively, 2.9% [281 kJ (67 kcal)] and 3.4% [331 kJ
short-term nature of the study prevented the direct observation of
(79 kcal)] greater than that for water. Fat oxidation increased by
the effect of green tea extract intake on body composition.
12% relative to baseline for full-strength tea and by 8% for
Dulloo et al (33) also confirmed the mechanism of action of the
water ѿ caffeine. However, only the consumption of full-
green tea extract in an in vitro experiment. This experiment
strength tea resulted in significantly greater fat oxidation
showed that the green tea extract significantly increased the rate
(13.1%) than did the consumption of water. The authors con-
of intrascapular brown adipose tissue oxygen uptake, but caf-
cluded that oolong tea stimulated EE and fat oxidation in normal-
feine alone did not. The authors concluded that the green tea
weight males and could have some beneficial effects on a per-
extract was a more effective potentiator of sympathetically me-
son’s ability to maintain lower body fat. However, they also
diated thermogenesis than was caffeine alone. In humans, this
cautioned that weight maintenance would be facilitated only if
green tea extract was also found to reduce body weight by 4.6%
the effects of tea consumption on EE and fat oxidation were
and waist circumference by 4.5% when 2 capsules were taken
sustainable and if no dietary compensation occurred to offset the
twice daily for 12 wk as part of a regular, self-selected diet (34).
Each capsule contained 375 mg catechins, including 270 mg
Another recent study examined the effects of oolong tea and
EGCG. However, this study did not include a control group or a
green tea consumption on fasting EE (30). Eleven healthy
report of the statistical procedures, and therefore clear conclu-
normal-weight women were tested after drinking water and again
sions cannot be drawn from these results.
after drinking oolong and green tea in random order. Oolong tea
To date, no study has established the potential of tea as a
was prepared by brewing 15 g tea leaves in 300 mL water, and
functional food for weight maintenance. The only studies that
each serving contained 77 mg caffeine and 81 mg EGCG. Green
examined tea as a functional food found modest effects on EE and
tea was prepared by dissolving 5 g powdered green tea in 300 mL
were of very short duration (29, 30). Whether these slight in-
water. Each serving of green tea contained 161 mg caffeine and
creases in EE and fat oxidation persist over a long period remains
156 mg EGCG. EE was measured by using the Douglas bag
to be established. Therefore, more research is necessary to as-
method both at baseline and for 2 h after beverage consumption.
certain whether tea can be of assistance in better weight mainte-
Resting EE was similar in the 2 groups before consumption of the
nance or in weight-loss programs and whether its effects are more
different beverages and remained low after water and green tea
than those exerted by its caffeine content. Moreover, differences
consumption but increased significantly after oolong tea con-
between types of tea with respect to their effect on EE should be
sumption. The cumulative increase in EE over resting EE after
explored further. As yet, the quantity of tea that must be con-
the consumption of oolong tea, green tea, and water was 110.7
sumed to obtain an effect on body weight has not been estab-
(26.5 kcal), 49.5 (11.8 kcal), and 11.2 kJ (2.7 kcal), respectively,
lished. A study in rats in which intraperitoneal injections of 100
over the 2-h measuring period. Respiratory quotients did not
mg EGCG/kg body weight for 7 d resulted in losses in body
differ between the 3 treatments. The authors concluded that,
weight and fat mass found that plasma concentrations of EGCG
because oolong tea had less caffeine and EGCG than did green
after injection were 24, 2, 4, 1, and 1 mol/L at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and
tea, the rise in EE must be due to the presence in oolong tea of
24 h, respectively (35). A concentration of 1 mol/L would be
more polymerized polyphenols than are found in green tea. How-
similar to that in a 70-kg person 1 h after drinking 6 –12 200-mL
ever, the measurement period in this study was very short, and it
is not known whether the increased EE would extend over the fullpostprandial period—typically 6 –7 h— or whether increases
would be observed on subsequent tea-drinking occasions.
Although a meta-analysis of calcium consumption and weight
Another study that examined the effects of tea on thermogen-
loss has not shown that calcium consumption is linked to greater
esis (31) used tea as a nutraceutical rather than a functional food.
loss of body weight (36), there is increasing evidence that dairy
Nutraceuticals are components that are isolated or purified from
calcium may play a role in body weight regulation (37, 38).
a food or beverage, that have been shown to have health benefits
Recently, Heaney (39) reported the effects of calcium consump-
or reduce the risk of chronic disease, and that are usually found
tion on body weight and the rate of body weight change in a
longitudinal cohort of women. This study showed that predictedBMI decreased with an increased ratio of calcium to protein, sothat a ratio of 10 predicted a BMI of 22.5, whereas a ratio of 20predicted a BMI of 19.3. Calcium:protein of 9, corresponding toapproximately the 25th percentile of the currently recommendedintakes, predicted weight gain at midlife is 0.425 kg/y. The ob-served rate of weight gain was, however, 1 kg/y. If calcium:protein was 20, representative of the current recommendations,the predicted weight change would be Ҁ0.011 kg/y, and only3.7% of women would be predicted to gain 1 kg/y. The authorsuggested that the prevalence of obesity could be decreased by60 – 80% in women if their calcium intakes were at recom-mended amounts (39). These observations corroborate those ofothers (40, 41), who reported associations between calcium in-takes and body weight. From the third National Health and Nu-trition Examination Survey, it was found that the risk of obesitywas 85% lower in those in the highest quartile of calcium intakes,after adjustment for age, sex, race, and EIs, than in those in thelowest quartile (41). Similarly, in the Coronary Artery Risk De-velopment in Young Adults Study, dairy consumption was in-
FIGURE 2. An increase in dietary calcium reduces 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin
D [1,25(OH )D] concentrations, resulting in down-regulation of calcium trans-
versely associated with the prevalence of obesity (40), and Da-
fer into adipose and pancreatic cells. Inside adipocytes, a reduction in intra-
vies et al (42) reported that the odds ratio for overweight with
cellular calcium leads to decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) transcription
calcium:protein below the median (Ȃ12 mg/g) was 2.25.
that results in a lowering of lipogenesis and increased lipolysis. In pancreatic
Moreover, calcium intakes recently were reported to be neg-
cells, reduced intracellular calcium concentrations decrease insulin output,which results in reduced lipogenesis and enhanced lipolysis in adipocytes. In
atively associated with fat mass in the Quebec Family Study (43).
combination, these processes would help reduce fat deposition into and
The authors of this study found that women who consumed 600
storage in adipose tissue. Adapted with permission from J Nutr 2003;133:
mg calcium/d had greater body weight (82.3 kg compared with
69.8 and 65.0 kg for those consuming 600 –1000 mg and 1000
mg calcium/d, respectively), BMI (31.8 compared with 27.0 and25.0, respectively), percentage fat mass (37.3% compared with31.3% and 28.9%, respectively), absolute fat mass, waist cir-
Cross-sectional studies (40, 41, 43) have thus found a relation
cumference, and abdominal adipose tissue than did women who
between milk or calcium consumption and body weight. Such
consumed greater amounts of calcium, even after adjustments for
cross-sectional studies, however, do not establish causal rela-
EI, percentage of energy consumed as fat, dietary protein intake,
tions, and, therefore, whether the relation between milk con-
sumption and body weight is due to other characteristics of milk
A potential mechanism of action of milk in the promotion of
consumers is not known. For example, adults who do not eat fast
weight loss has already been put forth (44). It is proposed that
food drink more milk than do those who do eat fast food (50). In
intracellular calcium plays a role in adipocyte metabolism and
addition, milk may be replacing other, more energy-dense bev-
that its concentrations are modulated by calcitrophic hormones.
erages in the diet. This, however, is debatable, because some find
An increase in calcium intake in foods would down-regulate 1,
lower milk intakes in those who consume more soft drinks (51)
25-dihydroxyvitamin D, which would result in a decrease in the
and others find that soft drink intake is not associated with lower
absorption of calcium into adipocytes and pancreatic islet cells
calcium intakes in children and adolescents (52). Furthermore,
(Figure 2). Within the adipocyte, intracellular calcium increases
results have been ambiguous in clinical studies: some showed no
fatty acid synthase transcription and inhibits lipolysis. Within the
effect of calcium (53, 54), and another showed a beneficial effect
pancreas, intracellular calcium stimulates insulin release, which
(55) on weight loss. One randomized clinical study recently
further acts to inhibit lipolysis and stimulate fatty acid synthase
examined the effects on bone turnover of protein-rich weight-
transcription. Therefore, any reduction in intracellular calcium
loss diets that are high in dairy protein and calcium and in mixed
would lead to a reduction in lipogenesis and the stimulation of
protein sources (53). Diets were not strictly controlled, but each
lipolysis (44). This is supported by recent data showing that acute
subject was given instructions on dietary requirements and was
dietary calcium intake was correlated positively with 24-h fat
provided with a digital kitchen scale and foods to cover 60% of
oxidation and negatively with the 24-h respiratory quotient (45).
their total energy prescription. The entire study consisted of 2
However, in a controlled feeding experiment in which subjects
phases, an energy-restriction phase of 12 wk and a subsequent
were given diets containing 500 or 1400 mg dairy calcium/d in a
energy-balance phase of 4 wk. The dairy protein diet contained
crossover design for 7 d each, EE and substrate oxidation did not
2371 mg calcium, compared with 509 mg calcium for the mixed
differ significantly between diets (46). However, other com-
protein diet, and 62% of its total protein content was from dairy
pounds within dairy products may act in concert with dietary
products. Overall body weight loss was 10% during the energy-
calcium to produce antiobesity effects. Such compounds that
restriction phase, irrespective of dietary treatment. As planned,
have been proposed are whey proteins (44), conjugated linoleic
there was no weight loss during the energy-balance phase. Al-
acid (47), and branched-chain amino acids (48). However, a
though the primary endpoint of interest in this study was not
recent study showed no effect of various conjugated linoleic acid
weight loss per se, these results show that, as part of a weight-loss
isomers on body weight loss over a period of 18 wk (49).
diet, high dairy protein and calcium consumption does not lead to
greater weight loss than does a diet consisting of mixed protein
calcium as part of a weight-loss program, but data for all of the
subjects initially enrolled in the study were not reported (55).
Similarly, in a study examining the effects of calcium supple-
Other clinical studies were post hoc analyses and were not spe-
mentation in limiting bone loss during weight loss (54), there was
cifically designed to test the hypothesis that calcium may play a
no effect of calcium on body weight and fat mass loss. Obese
role in body weight regulation (53, 54). More studies are there-
postmenopausal and premenopausal women were randomly al-
fore needed to draw definitive conclusions about the effects of
located to a weight-loss diet with a 2100 kJ/d (500 kcal/d) energy
calcium and dairy products on weight management. There is also
deficit with or without 1000 mg elemental calcium/d for 25 wk.
some concern regarding a possible link between milk consump-
Calcium supplements were provided as 2 pills to be taken at
tion and prostate cancer. A recent meta-analysis found an odds
breakfast and dinner. The control group received placebo pills.
ratio of 1.68 for prostate cancer in subjects with high milk con-
Weight loss did not differ significantly between groups— 6.2 and
sumption when examining 11 case-control studies (56). How-
7.0 kg for the placebo and the calcium supplement group, re-
ever, other longitudinal studies have found either no association
spectively. Accordingly, fat-mass loss also did not differ signif-
(57) or a weak positive association (58) between higher milk
icantly between placebo and calcium groups— 4.5 and 5.5 kg,
consumption and prostate cancer (odds ratio: 1.34).
respectively. However, this study was not powered to detectchanges in body weight and fat mass between groups, and a posthoc power analysis showed that 500 subjects/group would have
been necessary to detect a 0.8-kg difference in body weight, and
Nuts vary widely in caloric content and fat composition and
265 subjects/group would have been required to detect a 1.0-kg
have often been excluded from diets because of their high fat
difference in fat mass between groups, with 80% power and 95%
content (59). As a result, some concern existed with respect to the
CIs. The authors thus proposed that the direction of change ob-
potential effects on body weight of incorporating nuts in the diet.
served in this study suggests that, over longer periods and with an
However, many of the supplementation studies that have exam-
adequate number of subjects, calcium may have an effect on body
ined the effects of nuts on lipid profiles have not found negative
weight loss. Moreover, this study provided calcium in its ele-
effects on body weight (60 – 68), but they did show that nuts—
mental form, and it may be that calcium from dairy products has
whether almonds (61, 65, 68, 69), walnuts (60, 67, 68), pecans
a greater effect than does elemental calcium because of other
(63), pistachios (66), or peanuts (62, 64)—improve plasma lipid
components present in dairy foods. However, the results ob-
profiles and can have a beneficial effect on CVD risk. Because
tained by Bowen et al (53) suggest that this may not be the case.
very few studies have specifically examined the effects of nuts on
A recent clinical trial aimed to ascertain whether dairy or
body weight (70, 71), those studies that examined the effects of
elemental calcium supplementation enhanced weight loss in
nut consumption on plasma lipids and also reported body weight
obese men and women (55). Subjects were examined after a 2-wk
at baseline and endpoint (60 – 69) will be reviewed here. These
lead-in period and were then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups:
studies were not designed to produce weight loss.
group 1 consisted of control subjects who were restricting their
Studies examining the effect of almonds on plasma cholesterol
caloric intake by 2100 kJ/d (500 kcal/d) and consuming 0 –1
concentrations have also reported body weight changes during
serving dairy products/d while taking a 400 –500 mg calcium
the experimental and control feeding periods (61, 65, 69). In the
supplement and a placebo pill (low-dairy group); group 2 re-
study of Spiller et al (61), male and female subjects were exam-
ceived the same dietary prescription as group 1, but the placebo
ined after a 2-wk baseline period of no intervention and again
pill was replaced by 800 mg calcium carbonate (high-calcium
after 9 wk of supplementation with 100 g almonds/d [2424.4 kJ/d
group); and group 3 had the same dietary prescription as group 1
(580 kcal/d)]; half of the almonds were whole blanched almonds,
but consumed 3 servings dairy products/d (high-dairy group).
and the other half were ground almonds. Subjects were also
Diets were followed for 24 wk. All subjects initially consumed
provided with almond oil to replace other, normally used cooking
1 serving dairy products/d. Of the 41 subjects enrolled, 32
fats, and they were asked to eliminate margarine, butter, vege-
completed the study; the data reported include completers only.
table oils, mayonnaise, most meats, shellfish, whole-fat dairy,
At the end of the weight-loss period, subjects in the low-dairy,
high-fat bakery products, potato chips, ice cream, avocado, and
high-calcium, and high-dairy groups lost 6.4%, 8.6%, and 10.9%
all other nuts from their diet. Total fat intake increased from 67
of body weight, respectively. Fat-mass loss followed the same
to 90 g/d, and protein intake increased from 88 to 103 g/d,
trend: the low-dairy, high-calcium, and high-dairy groups lost
whereas carbohydrate intake decreased by 33 g/d. Although total
8.1%, 11.6%, and 14.1%, respectively, of total fat mass. Fat loss
EI, assessed from 3-d food records at baseline and at weeks 4 and
from the abdominal region represented 19% of the total fat loss
8 of the intervention period, increased by 338.6 kJ/d (81 kcal/d)
in subjects in the low-dairy group and 50.1% and 66.2% for those
over the study period, body weights did not change (74.9 kg at
in the high-calcium and high-dairy groups, respectively. These
baseline and 74.3 kg at week 9). On the basis of the difference in
data show that calcium, particularly that from dairy products, can
daily EIs, a theoretical weight gain of 0.66 kg would have been
enhance weight loss in obese persons. However, only data from
expected over the 9-wk period. Moreover, if the subjects had not
those who completed the study were analyzed, and thus results
partially compensated for the added calories provided by the
may not represent all subjects. Furthermore, it is not known
almonds, a weight gain of 10 kg would have been expected.
whether similar results would be obtained in persons who regu-
More recently, Jenkins et al (65) studied 3 supplements in a
larly consume larger amounts of dairy products.
randomized crossover design: control muffin, full-dose almond,
A potential mechanism has been postulated to explain a pos-
and half-dose muffin ѿ half-dose almond. The subjects, who
sible role of calcium in body weight control, and yet it remains
were hyperlipidemic men and women, consumed self-selected
unclear whether there is a weight-loss effect of calcium. Only one
National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 diets and were
clinical study was specifically conducted to examine the role of
counseled to maintain a stable body weight. Depending on
each subject’s energy requirements, full supplement doses pro-
weights nor BMI changed during the supplementation period,
vided 1200 (287 kcal/d), 1797.4 (430 kcal/d), and 2399.3 kJ/d
despite an increase in EIs and fat intakes.
(574 kcal/d) for total energy requirements of 6688 (1600 kcal/d),
In a study of pistachio nuts, men and women maintained their
6688 –10 032 (1600 –2400 kcal/d), and 10 032 kJ/d (2400
regular diets for 3 wk and replaced 20% of their energy intakes
kcal/d), respectively. Authors found a dose effect of almonds on
with pistachio nuts for the subsequent 3 wk (66). As assessed by
CVD risk factors but no change in body weights over the 1-mo
food records, subjects consumed the same number of calories and
supplementation periods. In this study, the lack of body weight
macronutrients during the 2 phases. As expected, there was no
change with all supplements may have been due to good com-
significant change in body weight during the study, which
pliance with counseled weight-management strategies and not
showed good compliance with the dietary replacement protocol.
necessarily to a satiating effect of the almonds. Nevertheless,
Although of short duration, this study shows that subjects can
food records during the supplementation periods indicated an
successfully substitute pistachio nuts for other foods in a regular,
energy intake during the full-dose almond phase that was 560.1
free-living diet without increasing their body weights.
kJ/d (134 kcal/d) more than that during the full-dose muffin
All of the above-mentioned studies except that of Lovejoy et
phase. This greater caloric intake should theoretically have led to
al (69) found no weight gain with nut consumption, despite
a weight gain during the full-dose almond phase that was 0.5 kg
increases in EIs. If we assume adequate reporting of EIs, this
more than the gain during the full-dose muffin phase. Therefore,
absence of body weight gain may have been due to some degree
assuming consistent reporting of dietary intakes during all phases
of malabsorption of energy in nuts or to an increase in EE with nut
of this study, there may be some unabsorbable energy in almonds
consumption. The absence of body weight gain with nut supple-
that negated the energy imbalance caused by the greater intakes.
mentation led to studies that examined the effects of nut con-
Another supplementation study, however, found slight but
sumption on body weight and energy balance (70, 71).
significant body weight gains when men and premenopausal
The study by Fraser et al (71) tested the effect of consuming
women supplemented their diets with 100 g almonds/d for 4 wk
1338 kJ almonds/d (320 kcal/d) for 6 mo on body weight in men
(69). This slight weight gain of 0.9 kg for men and 0.3 kg for
and women ranging in age from 25 to 70 y and with a BMI 95thpercentile. The almond supplement provided 15% of daily en-
women occurred despite recommendations to reduce EIs by an
ergy requirements for each person, and no dietary advice or
amount equivalent to that provided by the almonds: Ȃ2424.4
recipes were provided. Subjects could incorporate the nuts as
they wished. There was a nonsignificant weight gain of 0.4 kg for
One study examined the effect of walnut consumption on
the group overall, but, when subjects were separated by sex, the
plasma lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men and
men gained 0.65 kg (P 0.01), and the women gained only 0.11
women (60). Two different diets were tested in a randomized
kg (P ҃ 0.79). When the sexes were studied together, only
crossover design for 6 mo each. During both phases, subjects
persons in the lowest and middle tertiles of BMI gained weight.
were instructed to consume a Mediterranean diet of prescribed
The estimated compensation for total EI was 78.2%. This study
energy content, which emphasized vegetable products and fish
showed that incorporating nuts in a regular, free-living diet does
and limited red meat and eggs. For the control phase, olive oil was
not lead to weight gain; however, no concurrent group without
advised for cooking, and nuts were not allowed. During the
the almond supplement was studied during that same period. It is
walnut phase, subjects consumed 41–56 g walnuts/d in partial
therefore not known whether study participation had an influence
replacement of the olive oil and other fatty foods in the control
on compliance or whether it helped improve dietary compensa-
diet. Despite a trend toward greater EIs during the walnut phase
than during the control phase [x Ȁ SD: 7624.3 Ȁ 744 kJ/d
Another study examined the effects of peanut consumption on
(1824 Ȁ 178 kcal/d) and 7402.8 Ȁ 635.4 kJ/d (1771 Ȁ 152
energy balance and the hedonic ratings for peanuts and other
kcal/d), respectively; P ҃ 0.11], body weights remained the same
snack foods (70). Normal-weight men and women were given
during both phases (69.9 and 70.1 kg for walnut and control
Ȃ89 g peanuts/d, which is equivalent to 2113 kJ/d (505 kcal/d),
phases, respectively). The difference in EIs between diets theo-
to consume as they wished for 8 wk (free-feeding phase); this
retically should have led to a weight gain of 1.2 kg over the 6-mo
phase was followed by a 3-wk phase during which the peanuts
were added to the baseline diet (addition phase) and an 8-wk
Another study examined the effect of walnut consumption on
phase during which peanuts replaced fat in the diet (substitution
plasma lipid concentrations by feeding a habitual diet and a
phase). The phases of the study were separated by 4-wk washout
low-fat, free-living diet (67). Men and postmenopausal women
periods. During the free-feeding phase, mean energy compensa-
consumed their habitual diets for 4 wk and then supplemented
tion was 66%, and the observed weight gain was 1.0 kg, which is
those diets with 48 g walnuts/d for 6 wk; they then followed a
significantly lower than the theoretical, expected weight gain of
low-fat (20% of energy) diet for 6 wk and, finally, a low-fat ѿ
3.6 kg. Weight gain (0.6 kg) was also significantly lower during
walnut diet for 6 wk. The walnut dose provided 1570 kJ/d (375.6
the addition phase than predicted (1.4 kg), and there was no
kcal/d). EIs during the walnut phases exceeded those during the
change in body weight during the substitution phase. Resting EE
walnut-free phases by 1651 kJ/d (395 kcal/d) for the habitual diet
increased by 11% after 19 wk of regular peanut consumption,
and 1514 kJ/d (362.2 kcal/d) for the low-fat diet. Regardless of
even after adjustment for changes in body weight. These results
the additional EIs during the walnut supplementation phases,
show that nut consumption may have a small effect on EE, which
body weights did not increase during the walnut phases.
may partly explain the lower-than-expected weight gain ob-
Similar observations were made when subjects consumed
served in the free-feeding and addition phases.
self-selected 8-wk diets with 68 g pecans/d or no nuts (63). Pecan
Finally, results from nut supplementation studies do not imply
supplementation provided an extra 1918.6 kJ/d (459 kcal/d) and
that nut consumption can assist in weight loss, and there are no
44 g fat/d. As was observed with walnuts (67), neither body
definitive data on their ability to assist in the maintenance of
stable weight. Nevertheless, their satiating power may play a role
8. Scalfi L, Coltorti A, Contaldo F. Postprandial thermogenesis in lean and
in weight maintenance. In addition, the Nurses’ Health Study
obese subjects after meals supplemented with medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:1130 –3.
(72) and the Seventh Day Adventist Study (73) found lower body
9. Seaton TB, Welle SL, Warenko MK, Campbell RG. Thermic effect of
weights with increased nut consumption. However, these cross-
medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides in man. Am J Clin Nutr
sectional studies may also reflect a healthier lifestyle pattern
associated with nut consumption. Weight-loss studies incorpo-
10. St-Onge M-P, Jones PJ. Physiological effects of medium-chain triglyc-
rating nuts should be conducted to ascertain whether nuts may
erides: potential agents in the prevention of obesity. J Nutr 2002;132:329 –32.
assist in weight loss. At present, available research allows us only
11. St-Onge M-P, Ross R, Parsons WD, Jones PJ. Medium-chain triglycer-
to speculate that nuts may assist in controlling body weight,
ides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight
perhaps via increased satiety levels, increased resting EE, or
12. St-Onge M-P, Bourque C, Jones PJ, Ross R, Parsons WE. Medium-
versus long-chain triglycerides for 27 days increases fat oxidation andenergy expenditure without resulting in changes in body composition inoverweight women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2003;27:95–102. CONCLUSION
13. Bowman F. MCT cookies, cakes, and quick breads: quality and accept-
The studies reviewed here show that some foods have the
ability. J Am Dietet Assoc 1973;62:180 –5.
potential to enhance weight loss or prevent weight gain. The body
14. Hill JO, Peters JC, Swift LL, et al. Changes in blood lipids during six days
of overfeeding with medium or long chain triglycerides. J Lipid Res
of literature seems to provide more support for the replacement
of dietary LCTs with dietary MCTs or diacylglycerols than for
15. Tholstrup T, Ehnholm C, Jauhiainen M, et al. Effects of medium-chain
the inclusion of other potential functional foods as part of the diet.
fatty acids and oleic acid on blood lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, insulin,
However, available data suggest that beverages such as tea and
and lipid transfer protein activities. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:564 –9.
16. St-Onge M-P, Jones PJ. Phytosterols and human lipid metabolism: ef-
milk may also be of value. Additional clinical studies are needed
ficacy, safety, and novel foods. Lipids 2003;38:367–75.
to ascertain whether tea and milk consumption can help improve
17. St-Onge M-P, Lamarche B, Mauger JF, Jones PJ. Consumption of a
body weight maintenance and perhaps also assist in weight loss.
functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil
More research is also necessary to reach conclusions about the
improves plasma lipid profiles in men. J Nutr 2003;133:1815–20.
effects of nut consumption on body weight, and weight-loss
18. Bourque C, St-Onge MP, Papamandjaris AA, Cohn JS, Jones PJ. Con-
sumption of an oil composed of medium chain triacyglycerols, phyto-
studies with a control group are necessary to determine with
sterols, and N-3 fatty acids improves cardiovascular risk profile in over-
greater accuracy the possible effects of all of the potential func-
weight women. Metabolism 2003;52:771–7.
tional foods reviewed here. Such studies would, however, re-
19. Nagao T, Watanabe H, Goto N, et al. Dietary diacylglycerol suppresses
quire a very large sample size because the effect size is expected
accumulation of body fat compared to triacylglycerol in men in a double-blind controlled trial. J Nutr 2000;130:792–7.
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As yet, no weight-loss claim can be made for any of the foods
rat intestinal mucosa. Can J Biochem 1975;53:1170 – 83.
examined here. Nevertheless, the data do suggest that incorpo-
21. Murata M, Hara K, Ide T. Alteration by diacylglycerols of the transport
rating some of these foods in a healthy and balanced diet could be
and fatty acid composition of lymph chylomicrons in rats. Biosci Biotech
beneficial for weight maintenance. Perhaps the individual effect
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of each dietary component on weight control might be too small
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to result in meaningful body-composition changes, but, if the
dietary components were combined, their effects could be sig-
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affect substrate oxidation and appetite in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;
bined with energy restriction and increased physical activity to
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The author has no personal or financial conflicts of interest with respect to
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