Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Profile, Glucose Regulation, and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Children

Abstract

Consumption of fruits reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease; however, very few studies have investigated the effect of fruit consumption in overweight and obese children. We examined whether consuming dried apple as a snack is a practical solution for weight loss and improves body composition and metabolic markers. Thirtyeight overweight or obese children aged 10 to 16 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups consuming twice daily 120 kcal serving per day of either dried apple or a control snack (muffin) for 8 weeks. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were determined during an initial visit and after 8 weeks of intervention. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of blood lipids, glucose, insulin, proinsulin, total adiponectin, and C-reactive protein, as well as total antioxidant capacity and activity of glutathione peroxidase. Body weight increased in the muffin group (P = .01). BodPod and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that fat-free mass increased (P < .05) only in the muffin group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased (P = .04) after the 8-week treatment within the apple group. Overall, minor differences were detected in growing children who consumed snacks of either dried apples or muffins with similar macronutrient profiles for 8 weeks. Future research should evaluate the effects of consuming fresh apples that include the peel.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Polyphenol Intake: Current Status and Future Possibilities

“…Apples are associated with decreased risk of obesity in children according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2010) [ 121 ]. Dried apple can be recommended as a snack for overweight and obese children thanks to its high-fiber and polyphenol content [ 122 ]. Thirty-eight overweight or obese children consumed 120 kcal serving per day of either dried apple or a control snack (muffin) for 8 weeks; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased within the apple group.…”

“…Some intervention clinical trials with an apple juice showed a significant reduction in body fat mass but not in body weight, BMI, nor waist circumference [ 123 ]. Future research should evaluate the effects of consuming fresh apples that include the peel [ 122 ].…”

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of two varieties of apple cultivated in different areas in Morocco

“…Fruits are an inexhaustible source of bioactive constituents 2,3 . Apple serves as a source of different dietary phytonutrients, which possess many pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic [3][4][5] .…”

“…Apples are one of the best sources of bioactive compounds 10 . Several studies correlated the bioactive compounds with health-protective activities 2,[4][5][6]11 . In the last decades, bioactive compounds earned remarkable attention for their biological activies 12 .…”

Comparing the efficacy of apple peels and a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (ipragliflozin) on interstitial glucose levels: A pilot case study

“… 1 For example, research reveals its extract is protective against lipid peroxidation and inflammation in diabetic rats, 2 and dried apples have been discovered to improve body composition, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese children. 3 Curiously, this food has not been found to be effective at correcting plasma glucose levels, 2 although it may be because its phlorizin has been inactivated upon exposure to heat. 1 Thus, we investigated whether intake of fresh apple peels, in particular, would decrease plasma glucose levels in a healthy adult.…”