Effects of acute and chronic nuts consumption on energy metabolism: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials

• Published in: International journal of food sciences and nutrition Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 296 - 306
• Main Authors: Franco Estrada, Yuliana María, Caldas, Ana Paula Silva, da Silva, Alessandra, Bressan, Josefina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.04.2022
• Subjects: Arachis; Corylus; Energy Metabolism; Juglans; Nutrition; Nuts; postprandial energy expenditure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; respiratory quotient; resting energy expenditure; systematic review; thermic effect of food; weight control; resting energy expenditure; thermic effect of food; Nutrition; postprandial energy expenditure; nuts
• ISSN: 0963-7486; 1465-3478; 1465-3478
• DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1984401

Nuts are high-energy density foods and are associated with beneficial effects on health, including weight control. Effects on resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, and diet-induced thermogenesis are suggested mechanisms behind the effects of nuts consumption on weight control. Thus, we revised the randomised clinical trials that assessed acute and chronic nuts consumption effects on energy metabolism. Walnuts (22.1 g to 56 g) consumption appears to modulate energy metabolism markers differently depending on the dose and profile of the evaluated subject. In its turn, 56 g of high-oleic peanuts increased postprandial energy expenditure and thermic effect of food after three hours postprandial compared to consumption of conventional peanuts. Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and a mix of nuts were the nuts studies in the chronic studies, which does not seem to influence energy metabolism markers. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of other types of nuts consumption on energy metabolism.