Hasil untuk "Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases"

K. Y. Forrest, W. Stuhldreher

Ritu G, Ajay Gupta

Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population. In India, widely consumed food items such as dairy products are rarely fortified with vitamin D. Indian socioreligious and cultural practices do not facilitate adequate sun exposure, thereby negating potential benefits of plentiful sunshine. Consequently, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in both urban and rural settings, and across all socioeconomic and geographic strata. Vitamin D deficiency is likely to play an important role in the very high prevalence of rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and infections such as tuberculosis in India. Fortification of staple foods with vitamin D is the most viable population based strategy to achieve vitamin D sufficiency. Unfortunately, even in advanced countries like USA and Canada, food fortification strategies with vitamin D have been only partially effective and have largely failed to attain vitamin D sufficiency. This article reviews the status of vitamin D nutrition in the Indian subcontinent and also the underlying causes for this epidemic. Implementation of population based educational and interventional strategies to combat this scourge require recognition of vitamin D deficiency as a public health problem by the governing bodies so that healthcare funds can be allocated appropriately.

Daisy C. P. Crick, Wenhao Liu, Liang-Dar Hwang

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether taste perception of two artificial sweeteners—aspartame and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC)—is causally associated with the risk of site-specific cancers. Design: A two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study. Setting: Genetic instruments for taste perception (6 for aspartame; 13 for NHDC) were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Australian adolescents, and cancer outcome data were sourced from publicly available GWAS datasets. Participants: Genetic data for taste perception from 1757 Australian adolescents and genetic data for cancers from large-scale GWAS cohorts, including UK Biobank (n 500 000) and FinnGen (n 500 000). Results: A one sd increase in the genetically predicted perceived intensity of NHDC was associated with an increased risk of male genital cancer (OR = 1·11, 95 % CI: 1·04, 1·19) and prostate cancer (OR = 1·03, 95 % CI: 1·01, 1·08) based on FinnGen data. These associations persisted after multivariable MR adjustment for glucose and aspartame perception but were not replicated in the UK Biobank. A weak protective association between aspartame perception and cervical cancer (OR = 0·998, 95 % CI: 0·997, 0·999) was observed, but this attenuated to null in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This study found no compelling evidence that perception of aspartame or NHDC during adolescence causally influences later-life cancer risk. The findings highlight the importance of evaluating individual artificial sweeteners separately in future research examining potential health effects.

K. Badura, Jędrzej Janc, Joanna Wąsik et al.

Anemia is one of the most common chronic kidney disease (CKD) complications. It negatively affects patients’ quality of life and clinical outcomes. The pathophysiology of anemia in CKD involves the interplay of various factors such as erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency, iron dysregulation, chronic inflammation, bone marrow dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies. Despite recent advances in understanding this condition, anemia still remains a serious clinical challenge in population of patients with CKD. Several guidelines have been published with the aim to systematize the diagnostic approach and treatment of anemia; however, due to emerging data, many recommendations vary between publications. Recent studies indicate a potential of novel biomarkers to evaluate anemia and related conditions such as iron deficiency, which is often present in CKD patients. Our article aims to summarize the pathophysiology of anemia in CKD, as well as the diagnosis and management of this condition, including novel therapeutic approaches such as hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHI). Understanding these complex subjects is crucial for a targeted approach to diagnose and treat patients with anemia in CKD effectively.

Juan Liu, Yuna Wang, Songsong Yuan et al.

Abstract Background Hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients possess adverse lipid homeostatic alterations, subsequently affecting their treatment regimens and prognoses. However, the precise association between one lipid homeostasis indicator, remnant cholesterol (RC), and HBV-ACLF prognoses have not been fully elucidated. In this retrospective study, the relationship between RC with 28- and 90-day HBV-ACLF prognoses was delineated. Methods 595 HBV-ACLF patients were recruited, and data collected for laboratory parameters at admission, as well as whether poor 28- and 90-day prognoses occurred during the follow-up period, in the form of mortality, or liver transplantation. Patients were divided into 3 groups, based on RC tertiles (Q1-3), and 4 multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the associations between RC levels and ACLF prognoses; these analyses excluded different confounding factors, based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Stratified analysis was conducted to investigate the association between RC and ACLF risk among different subgroups, based on age, sex as well as complications and artificial liver treatment. RC accuracy versus that of other lipid indicators to predict 28- and 90-day ACLF survival was evaluated by restricted cubic spline and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, while Kaplan-Meier curves measured cumulative 28- and 90-day mortality risks. Results For all 4 regression models, higher RC were associated with worse liver function, coagulation, and HBV-ACLF prognoses. Restricted cubic spline analysis identified a non-linear relationship between RC and HBV-ACLF prognoses, in which the Q3 RC tertile had the lowest 28-day and 90-day HBV-ACLF survival rates; this was further confirmed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, subgroup analysis found that higher RC correlated to worse ACLF prognoses among hypoproteinemia patients. Moreover, RC, compared to total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as non-high density lipoprotein, was the most accurate in predicting poor 28- and 90-day ACLF prognoses. Conclusions Elevated RC was significantly associated with poorer 28- and 90-day HBV-ACLF prognoses, even after accounting for all other traditional risk factors. Therefore, monitoring RC, along with interventions to reduce their levels, could aid in improving ACLF patient outcomes.

Jalandhar Pradhan, Manacy Pai, Rinshu Dwivedi et al.

Abstract Background This study examines the incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Asia, exploring the environmental, metabolic, and behavioural risk factors, and exploring changes in deaths and DALYs driven by population growth, aging, and mortality rates. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, we estimated age-standardized incidence, prevalence, deaths, and DALYs for four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases from 2010 to 2021. Gender and age-specific estimations were conducted across all NCDs, with 95% uncertainty intervals and a decomposition analysis was employed to estimate change in death and DALYs attributable to NCDs. Findings The burden of NCDs in South Asia increased by 3.00% in incidence from 2010 to 2021, while overall prevalence decreased by 1.00%, yet the age-standardized prevalence rate remains above the global rate (91,570 per 100,000 population). Incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases declined by 3.00% and 13.00%, respectively, whereas diabetes and cancer rose by 21.00% and 13.00% in South Asia. Nepal faced the highest environmental impact (23.4% of DALYs), Bangladesh the greatest metabolic impact (25.62%), and India the highest from behavioural factors (23.95%). Population growth and aging were primary drivers of changes in deaths and DALYs across the region. Conclusion This finding emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions addressing environmental, metabolic, and behavioral risks for NCDs in South Asia, alongside strategies to support healthy aging and effective disease management across diverse demographic groups.

C. Romano, Myriam van Wynckel, J. Hulst et al.

F. Nielsen

Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency induces an inflammatory response that results in leukocyte and macrophage activation, release of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins, and excessive production of free radicals. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the primary mechanism through which magnesium deficiency has this effect is through increasing cellular Ca2+, which is the signal that results in the priming of cells to give the inflammatory response. Primary pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1; the messenger cytokine IL-6; cytokine responders E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; and acute-phase reactants C-reactive protein and fibrinogen have been determined to associate magnesium deficiency with chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammatory stress). When magnesium dietary intake, supplementation, and/or serum concentration suggest/s the presence of magnesium deficiency, it often is associated with low-grade inflammation and/or with pathological conditions for which inflammatory stress is considered a risk factor. When magnesium intake, supplementation, and/or serum concentration suggest/s an adequate status, magnesium generally has not been found to significantly affect markers of chronic low-grade inflammation or chronic disease. The consistency of these findings can be modified by other nutritional and metabolic factors that affect inflammatory and oxidative stress. In spite of this, findings to date provide convincing evidence that magnesium deficiency is a significant contributor to chronic low-grade inflammation that is a risk factor for a variety of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Because magnesium deficiency commonly occurs in countries where foods rich in magnesium are not consumed in recommended amounts, magnesium should be considered an element of significant nutritional concern for health and well-being in these countries.

O. Ramos-López, F. Milagro, F. Milagro et al.

Aim and objective Emerging translational evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and histone modifications) occur after external stimuli and may contribute to exacerbated inflammation and the risk of suffering several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the harmful effects of high-fat/high-sugar diets, micronutrient deficiencies (folate, manganese, and carotenoids), obesity and associated complications, bacterial/viral infections, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, air pollution, and chemical exposure on inflammation through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, the epigenetic phenomena underlying the anti-inflammatory potential of caloric restriction, n -3 PUFA, Mediterranean diet, vitamin D, zinc, polyphenols (i.e., resveratrol, gallic acid, epicatechin, luteolin, curcumin), and the role of systematic exercise are discussed. Methods Original and review articles encompassing epigenetics and inflammation were screened from major databases (including PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, etc.) and analyzed for the writing of the review paper. Conclusion Although caution should be exercised, research on epigenetic mechanisms is contributing to understand pathological processes involving inflammatory responses, the prediction of disease risk based on the epigenotype, as well as the putative design of therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenome.

Manon Rouche, Thérésa Lebacq, Anna Dzielska et al.

Background: Despite its significant usefulness in adolescent health studies, the single-item “body size perception” question, developed within the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, has yet to undergo multidimensional validation. Objectives: To assess the convergent, divergent and concurrent validity of the HBSC body size perception question among adolescents. Methods: The single-item HBSC body size perception question is as follows: “Do you think your body is…?,” with answers ranging from “much too thin” to “much too fat.” Fifteen-year-old participants included in the analysis were 72,086 from 45 HBSC countries in 2017/18 (concurrent validity), and 595, 127, and 615 in 2021/22 in French-speaking Belgium, Ireland, and Poland, respectively. The convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity was assessed with body dissatisfaction, social desirability, and selfesteem, respectively. The concurrent validity was also examined with body mass index (BMI) from the 2017/18 HBSC data. All analyses were sex-stratified. Results: Cohen’s Kappa values were 0.67 [confidence interval (CI): 95%: 0.62, 0.72] and 0.64 (0.59, 0.69) for boys and girls, respectively, in all 3 countries together. Body size perception was associated with social desirability, selfesteem, and BMI, with a stronger association in girls than that in boys. For instance, girls with higher social desirability were less likely to perceive themselves as “too thin” [Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 0.78 (0.69, 0.89)] rather than as the “right size.” Boys with higher selfesteem were less likely to perceive themselves as “too fat” [0.93 (0.90, 0.97)] rather than the “right size.” Girls with underweight were less likely to perceive themselves as “too fat” [0.38 (0.34, 043)] rather than “right size” and girls with overweight/obesity were more likely to perceive themselves as such [8.19 (7.49, 8.95)]. Conclusions: The single-item HBSC body size perception question demonstrated good convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity. It reflects adolescents’ own perception of body size, possibly influenced by societal norms and ideals.

Yaqi Wen, Laixi Zhang, Shengping Li et al.

Abstract Objective: We aimed to examine the association between dietary Se intake and CVD risk in Chinese adults. Design: This prospective cohort study included adults above 20 years old in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), and they were followed up from 1997 to 2015 (n 16 030). Dietary data were retrieved from CHNS, and a 3-d, 24-h recall of food intake was used to assess the cumulative average intake of dietary Se, which was divided into quartiles. The Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to analyse the association between dietary Se intake and incident CVD risk. Setting: CHNS (1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015) Results: A total of 663 respondents developed CVD after being followed up for a mean of 9·9 years (median 9 years). The incidence of CVD was 4·3, 3·7, 4·6 and 4·0 per 1000 person-years across the quartiles of cumulative Se intake. After adjusting all potential factors, no significant associations were found between cumulative Se intake and CVD risk. No interactions were found between Se intake and income, urbanisation, sex, region, weight, hypertension and CVD risk. Conclusion: We found no association between dietary Se and CVD.

Boonsub Sakboonyarat, Jaturon Poovieng, Ram Rangsin

Abstract Background In Thailand, the epidemiological data on the relationship between obesity and heart failure (HF) among high-risk populations was limited. We assessed the association between body mass index (BMI) and the new-onset HF among people with hypertension (HTN), and also assessed the effect modifier of uncontrolled HTN on this association. Methods We analyzed the data obtained from the 2018 Thailand DM/HT study database. Thai people with HTN aged 20 years and older receiving continuous care at outpatient clinics in hospitals nationwide were included. The new-onset HF was defined regarding the ICD-10 as I50 in the medical records within 12 months. Obesity was defined as BMI $$\ge$$ ≥ 25 kg/m2. Multivariable log-binomial regression analysis was used to determine the association between BMI and new-onset HF and presented as the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A total of 35,756 participants were included in the analysis. In all, 50.0% of the participants had BP control for the last two consecutive visits. The mean BMI was 25.1 $$\pm$$ ± 4.7 kg/m2. New-onset HF occurred in 75 participants (0.21%; 95% CI 0.17–0.26). After adjusting for potential confounders, an elevated BMI was associated with new-onset HF (p value for quadratic trend < 0.001). In comparison with participants with normal BMI (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), the aRR for new-onset HF was 1.57 (95% CI 0.80–3.07) and 3.97 (95% CI 1.95–8.10) in those with BMI 25.0–29.9, and ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. For participants with obesity, aRR for new-onset HF was 2.05 (95% CI 1.24–3.39) compared to non-obese participants. The study found that among patients with control BP, obesity was associated with a higher risk of new-onset HF with an adjusted RR of 2.33 (95% CI 1.12–4.83). For those with uncontrolled BP, the adjusted RR was 1.83 (95% CI 0.93–3.58), but there was no heterogeneity with p value = 0.642. Conclusion An increased BMI had a higher risk for new-onset HF among Thai people with HTN. Obesity was independently associated with new-onset HF among people with HTN, regardless of uncontrolled HTN. Our findings highlight that weight reduction is crucial for mitigating the risk of HF development in HTN patients, regardless of their BP control status.

Jinman Li, Honglin Sun, Ying Wang et al.

Abstract Background Both estrogen and apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) play crucial roles in lipid metabolism. But the link between them remains unclear, and it is unknown whether estrogen regulates triglyceride (TG) levels via ApoC3. Researchers hypothesized that estrogen exerts a regulatory effect on ApoC3 metabolism, and that this regulation could play a significant role in lipid metabolism. To explore this potential link, the present investigation aimed to examine the associations between estradiol (E2), ApoC3, and TG levels in both males and females. Methods A total of 519 obese people (133 males and 386 premenopausal females) were recruited. Based on their TG levels, the participants were split into two groups [hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) group: TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L; control group: TG < 1.7 mmol/L]. Serum ApoC3, E2, and TG levels were measured and compared in those two groups for both sexes separately. To ascertain the connection among E2, ApoC3, and TG, linear regression and mediation analysis were used. Results Participants in the HTG group presented higher levels of ApoC3 (P < 0.001). In contrast, they tend to have lower E2 levels than the control. Linear regression analysis proposed that in both sexes, E2 was negatively associated with ApoC3 levels. The relationship remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors (male: standardized β = -0.144, t = -2.392, P < 0.05; female: standardized β = -0.077, t = -2.360, P < 0.001). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed the relationship between reduced E2 levels and elevated TG levels is directly mediated by ApoC3. Conclusions In obese men and premenopausal women, ApoC3 was negatively and linearly correlated with serum E2 levels. The findings showed that estrogen may suppress ApoC3 expression and thus lower TG levels.

Cassandra D’Amore, Stephanie Saunders, Neera Bhatnagar et al.

Abstract Introduction Physical activity (PA) is critical for disease prevention and maintaining functional ability with aging. Despite this, as many as 50% of older adults in populations worldwide are considered insufficiently active. There is a recognized need to mobilize policies targeted toward modifiable determinants of healthy aging like PA. This umbrella review aimed to summarize the evidence for determinants of PA in community-dwelling older adults. Methods A research librarian searched six databases. Systematic and scoping reviews were included if they investigated community-dwelling people with a mean age of 60 + years and examined a relationship between a determinant and any type of PA. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data from all reviews. JBI methodology and Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses were followed and information on the quality of the evidence was extracted. Results From 17,277 records screened,11 reviews representing > 300 unique primary papers were ultimately included. Only 6% of studies included in all reviews had longitudinal designs. Included studies used a large variety of PA measures, with 76% using only self-report, 15% using only direct measures (e.g., accelerometry), 3% using both types, and 6% with no outcome measure reported. Only four reviews provided a definition of PA and there was substantial inconsistency in the way PA was categorised. Community level influences, which only included the physical environment, were the most commonly assessed (6/11) with more than 70% of the summarized relationships demonstrating null associations. Three out of four reviews reported a positive relationship between walkability and PA in general community-dwelling older adults. There was also evidence supporting relationships between presence of social support for PA, younger age, and men having higher PA from a single systematic review. None of the included reviews assessed the quality of evidence but over 60% performed a risk of bias assessment. Conclusions Walkability, age, gender, and social support for PA were the most supported PA determinants identified. Further research should focus on interpersonal and intrapersonal influences and incorporate direct measures of PA with clear operational definitions. There is a need for longitudinal study designs to further understand determinants of PA behaviour trajectories.

Marco Altarelli, N. Ben-Hamouda, A. Schneider et al.

BACKGROUND The metabolism of the essential trace element copper remains incompletely understood and, until recently, nearly ignored in acute medicine. Menkes disease was for long the only known copper deficiency condition, but several case reports and investigations conducted over the last 2 decades have shown that deficiency is more frequent than previously suspected, with devastating individual consequences and potential public health consequences. The copper needs in healthy individuals are 0.9 mg/d, which translates to 0.3 mg/d intravenously in parenteral nutrition; the present review aims at gathering actual knowledge. METHOD AND RESULTS A review of literature was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane systematic reviews to identify the most recent information about copper deficiency and generate a narrative review. Copper deficiency has hereditary and acquired origins, the latter being the most frequent. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific but affect all organs and systems, particularly the hematologic (anemia) and the neurologic (myeloneuropathy) systems. Deficiency also affects the cardiovascular, cutaneous, and immune systems. Severe copper deficiency due to reduced absorption after bariatric bypass surgery has become frequent. CONCLUSION Deficiency is more frequent than previously recognized, probably because of changing nutrition patterns but also because of some treatments that have become very common such as bypass bariatric surgery and, in acute medicine, prolonged continuous renal replacement therapy. The patients may present with severe hematologic and neurologic complications that go untreated because copper deficiency was not considered in the differential diagnosis: These complications often need active intravenous repletion with doses 4-8 times the usual nutrition recommendations.

Shiqian Hu, M. Rayman

A. Yu. Tokmakova, E. A. Kogan, E. L. Zaitseva et al.

Background: Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy is a serious disabling complication of diabetes mellitus, which, in the absence of timely correct treatment, can lead to high amputations of the affected limb. At present, the reasons and mechanism of the development of Charcot’s foot are not completely clear. It is extremely important to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms of DNOAP formation and to search for reliable markers-predictors of this pathology.Aim: To study the immunohistochemical characteristics of the bone tissue of the lower extremities in patients with diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy in comparison with patients with diabetes mellitus without this pathology.Materials and methods: During the foot surgery, a bone fragment of the foot was harvested for immunohistochemical study of receptor markers for PINP, PIIINP, and RAGE in the group of patients with DNOAP compared with the control group.Results: The study included 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and were divided into 2 groups: 10 patients with DNOAP made up group 1, 10 patients without DNOAP — group 2.Patients in both groups were comparable in AGE, experience with type 2 diabetes, and glycemic control.During the immunohistochemical study, a significant increase in the staining intensity of receptor markers for PINP, PIIINP, and AGE was recorded in the group of patients with DNOAP compared with the control group (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: For the first time, an immunohistochemical study of markers of bone resorption and AGE was carried out in persons with DNOAP. The results obtained indicate impaired collagen formation and, as a consequence, impaired bone formation and bone resorption in patients with DNOAP: in group 1, a statistically significant increase in the expression of PINP, PIIINP, and RAGE was revealed.

Geir Bjorklund, Maryam Dadar, J. Pen et al.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is known as a multi-systemic and complex illness, which induces fatigue and long-term disability in educational, occupational, social, or personal activities. The diagnosis of this disease is difficult, due to lacking a proper and suited diagnostic laboratory test, besides to its multifaceted symptoms. Numerous factors, including environmental and immunological issues, and a large spectrum of CFS symptoms, have recently been reported. In this review, we focus on the nutritional intervention in CFS, discussing the many immunological, environmental, and nutritional aspects currently investigated about this disease. Changes in immunoglobulin levels, cytokine profiles and B- and T- cell phenotype and declined cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, are commonly reported features of immune dysregulation in CFS. Also, some nutrient deficiencies (vitamin C, vitamin B complex, sodium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, l-carnitine, l-tryptophan, essential fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10) appear to be important in the severity and exacerbation of CFS symptoms. This review highlights a far-driven analysis of mineral and vitamin deficiencies among CFS patients.

S.L. Nyankovskyy, О.S. Nyankovska, M.S. Yatsula et al.

Early life feeding habits may potentially alter future metabolism and health in adulthood. The period of the first complementary feeding is the time when children introduce new food different from breast milk and forms a new diet model for their family. This period is important in the transition of the baby from breastfeeding to adult food and is necessary both to provide nutrients for body growth and mental and social development. The timing of supplementation and model of complementary feeding changed over time. Recent literature data show the growing interest and concern of the scientific community about the impact of terms and methods of supplementation on the onset of some diseases, such as iron deficiency anemia, obesity, allergic diseases, celiac disease, diabetes, and others. Nutritional preferences formed in early childhood impact health and eating patterns in adulthood.

Yishu Liu, Nan Li, Ni Yan et al.

Abstract Background Consumption of nuts improves cardio-metabolic risk factors in clinical trials and relates to lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in prospective observational studies. However, there has not been an adequately powered randomized controlled trial to test if nuts supplementation actually reduces incident CVD. In order to establish the feasibility of such a trial, the current study aimed to assess the acceptability and adherence to long-term nut supplementation amongst individuals at high CVD risk in China. Methods This protocol described a 6-month trial performed in Ningxia Province in China among participants with a history of CVD or older age (female ≥65 years, male ≥60 years) with multiple CVD risk factors. Participants were randomized to control (received non-edible gift), low dose walnut (30 g/d), or high dose walnut (60 g/d) groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Walnuts were provided at no cost to participants and could be consumed according to personal preferences. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. The primary outcome was fasting plasma alpha linolenic acid (ALA) levels used as an indicator of walnut consumption. Secondary outcomes included self-reported walnut intake from the 24 h dietary recalls. The target sample size of 210 provided 90% statistical power with two-sided alpha of 0.05 to detect a mean difference of 0.12% (as percent of total fatty acid) in plasma ALA between randomized groups. Results Two hundred and ten participants were recruited and randomized during October 2019. Mean age of participants was 65 years (SD = 7.3), 47% were females, and 94% had a history of CVD at baseline. Across the three study groups, participants had similar baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Discussion This trial will quantify acceptability and adherence to long-term walnut supplementation in a Chinese population at high risk of CVD. The findings will support the design of a future large trial to test the effect of walnut supplementation for CVD prevention. Trial registration NCT04037943 Protocol version: v3.0 August 14 2019