Snack Foods for Muscle Strength

Overseen By Mark Kern, PhD, RD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Musculoskeletal limitations, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

Duration: 8 weeks

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you do not use medications known to impact inflammation, so you may need to stop taking such medications if you are currently using them.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment involving almonds and snack bars for muscle strength?

Almonds, a key component of the treatment, have been shown to improve body composition and lipid profiles, which may indirectly support muscle health. Additionally, almonds are rich in protein and healthy fats, which are important for muscle maintenance and strength. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is there any safety information available for the use of almonds or related products in humans?

The research articles provided do not contain specific safety information about almonds or related products like cereal bars, energy bars, granola bars, or protein bars in humans. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the snack food treatment for muscle strength differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it uses whole grain cereals, which are rich in fibers, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, to enhance muscle strength by activating specific pathways in the body. Unlike traditional treatments, it focuses on dietary components to improve muscle mass and strength, particularly in the context of obesity-induced muscle atrophy. ^{2 4 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the research is two-fold. One goal is to determine if post-exercise almond or cereal bar consumption can promote muscle gain as well as increasing muscular strength throughout an eight-week weight training program. The other goal is to assess the short-term effects of almonds or cereal bar on recovery that may explain the overall long-term adaptations.

Research Team

Mark Kern, PhD, RD

Principal Investigator

San Diego State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with BMIs between 18.5-30 who do less than 3 hours of structured exercise per week. It aims to see if eating almonds or cereal bars after working out can help build muscle and strength over an eight-week training program.

Inclusion Criteria

Participate in no more than 3 hours of structured exercise per week

BMIs of 18.5-30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria

Weight training more than 30 min/week

Smoking

I am taking medication that affects inflammation.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a weight training program with post-exercise consumption of either almonds or cereal bars

8 weeks

Regular visits for exercise sessions and assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for muscle damage, body composition, and strength changes

1 week

Assessments at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-baseline

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Almond
• Cereal Bar

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of consuming almonds or cereal bars immediately post-exercise on muscle recovery and growth during an eight-week weight training regimen, as well as their short-term recovery benefits.

Participant Groups

Group I: Cereal bar arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

weight lifting exercise and post-exercise cereal bar consumption

Group II: Almond arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

weight lifting exercise and post-exercise almond consumption

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Findings from Research

Prunus amygdalus (PA) nuts significantly improved cognitive functions in rats with scopolamine-induced amnesia, showing promise as a memory-restorative agent after 7 and 14 days of treatment at various doses.

PA nuts also reduced brain cholinesterase activity and lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, suggesting they may help counteract factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy study of Prunus amygdalus (almond) nuts in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Kulkarni, KS., Kasture, SB., Mengi, SA.[2021]

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed new data since their 1983 assessment and confirmed that Sweet Almond Seed Meal is safe for topical use.

The safety conclusion is based on updated information regarding product types, usage frequency, and concentrations, ensuring it remains appropriate for human application.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal. Burnett, CL., Bergfeld, WF., Belsito, DV., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 36 normolipidemic male albino rabbits over 60 days, Prunus amygdalus (almond) demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects, reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Whole almond seeds were the most effective form, showing the greatest reduction in harmful cholesterol levels compared to almond oil and defatted seeds.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Prunus amygdalus seeds on lipid profile. Teotia, S., Singh, M., Pant, MC.[2013]

An 8-week study involving 46 overweight and obese women showed that a diet enriched with baru almonds led to a significant reduction in waist circumference and improved high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which are beneficial for heart health.

The baru almond diet also decreased cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression, suggesting a positive impact on lipid metabolism, making it a potentially effective dietary intervention for improving cardiovascular health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A baru almond-enriched diet reduces abdominal adiposity and improves high-density lipoprotein concentrations: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. de Souza, RGM., Gomes, AC., de Castro, IA., et al.[2019]

In a 12-week study involving 20 patients with type 2 diabetes, adding approximately 60 grams of almonds daily improved glycemic control and reduced body fat compared to a control diet.

The almond diet significantly lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits for patients with diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Li, SC., Liu, YH., Liu, JF., et al.[2022]

Microinjections of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol into the central nucleus of the amygdala significantly reduced food intake in both satiated and fasted rats, indicating that this area of the brain plays a crucial role in controlling feeding behavior.

The inhibitory effects of muscimol on food intake were blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, suggesting that GABAA receptor activation is essential for inducing reduced appetite, while the GABAB agonist baclofen did not affect food intake, highlighting the specific role of GABAA receptors in this process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

GABAA receptors in the amygdala: role in feeding in fasted and satiated rats. Miñano, FJ., Meneres Sancho, MS., Sancibrián, M., et al.[2019]

Amygdalin, when injected into rats, significantly reduced pain caused by formalin, showing effectiveness in both early and late phases of pain response, particularly at doses below 1 mg/kg.

Molecular analysis indicated that amygdalin decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, supporting its potential as an analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antinociceptive effect of amygdalin isolated from Prunus armeniaca on formalin-induced pain in rats. Hwang, HJ., Kim, P., Kim, CJ., et al.[2022]

The mu opioid receptor agonist DAGO significantly increased food intake in rats when injected into the central nucleus of the amygdala, indicating its role in regulating appetite.

Other opioid peptides, such as delta and kappa agonists, did not affect food intake at the tested doses, suggesting that mu receptors are primarily responsible for this effect, while the roles of delta and kappa receptors remain uncertain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Involvement of mu opioid receptors in the amygdala in the control of feeding. Gosnell, BA.[2019]

Intermittent access to palatable foods in male Wistar rats led to increased anxiety-like behavior and excessive intake of these foods, which were reversible by blocking the CRF1 receptor in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA).

The study found that the CRF-CRF1 receptor system in the CeA plays a crucial role in managing maladaptive eating behaviors, while the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BlA) influences regular chow intake, highlighting the complex mechanisms behind compulsive eating.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CRF-CRF1 receptor system in the central and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala differentially mediates excessive eating of palatable food. Iemolo, A., Blasio, A., St Cyr, SA., et al.[2021]

Infusing the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol into the amygdala of male Syrian hamsters significantly reduced submissive behavior, indicating that GABAergic neurotransmission plays a crucial role in both acquiring and expressing conditioned defeat.

This study provides the first evidence that the neural circuits involved in fear conditioning are also relevant in understanding stress-related behavioral changes, highlighting the amygdala's importance in emotional responses to social defeat.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Activation of GABA(A) receptors in the amygdala blocks the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. Jasnow, AM., Huhman, KL.[2019]

Whole grain cereal (WGC) significantly reduced body weight gain, fat mass, and improved the serum lipid profile in obese mice, indicating its potential to combat obesity-related health issues.

WGC not only increased muscle mass and strength by activating key cellular pathways but also promoted muscle growth while reducing factors associated with muscle atrophy, suggesting it could be a beneficial functional food for preventing obesity-induced muscle loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole grain cereal attenuates obesity-induced muscle atrophy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in obese C57BL/6N mice. Lee, S., Kim, MB., Kim, C., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 46 overweight and obese women over 8 weeks, baru almond supplementation significantly increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), suggesting a potential benefit for improving antioxidant status.

However, there were no significant changes in other inflammatory markers or oxidative stress indicators between the baru almond group and the placebo group, indicating that while baru almonds may enhance GPx activity, their overall impact on inflammation and oxidative stress may be limited.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Baru Almonds Increase the Activity of Glutathione Peroxidase in Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. de Souza, RGM., Gomes, AC., Navarro, AM., et al.[2023]

Apigenin, a natural compound found in foods like parsley and celery, promotes skeletal muscle growth and differentiation in mice by enhancing the expression of key muscle proteins and activating important cellular pathways.

The study identified that apigenin works through specific mechanisms involving the Prmt7-PGC-1α-GPR56 and Prmt7-p38-myoD pathways, which could help prevent muscle weakness and improve muscle health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Apigenin enhances skeletal muscle hypertrophy and myoblast differentiation by regulating Prmt7. Jang, YJ., Son, HJ., Choi, YM., et al.[2019]

References

1. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy study of Prunus amygdalus (almond) nuts in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal. [2023]

3. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Prunus amygdalus seeds on lipid profile. [2013]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A baru almond-enriched diet reduces abdominal adiposity and improves high-density lipoprotein concentrations: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [2022]

6. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

GABAA receptors in the amygdala: role in feeding in fasted and satiated rats. [2019]

7. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antinociceptive effect of amygdalin isolated from Prunus armeniaca on formalin-induced pain in rats. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Involvement of mu opioid receptors in the amygdala in the control of feeding. [2019]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CRF-CRF1 receptor system in the central and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala differentially mediates excessive eating of palatable food. [2021]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Activation of GABA(A) receptors in the amygdala blocks the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. [2019]

11. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole grain cereal attenuates obesity-induced muscle atrophy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in obese C57BL/6N mice. [2022]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Baru Almonds Increase the Activity of Glutathione Peroxidase in Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [2023]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Apigenin enhances skeletal muscle hypertrophy and myoblast differentiation by regulating Prmt7. [2019]