Snack selection influences nutrient intake, triglycerides, and bowel habits of adult women: a pilot study.

Because appropriate snacking can promote a healthy body weight and serve as an important contributor to a healthy diet for women, identification of suitable foods for incorporation between meals is essential. We investigated the influence of short-term (2 weeks) incorporation of 100-kcal servings of snacks of dried plums vs low-fat cookies twice daily on total energy and nutrient intake, biochemical parameters, and bowel habits in a randomized crossover design of two 2-week trials separated by a 2-week wash-out period in 26 women aged 25 to 54 years with a body mass index between 24 and 35. Incorporation of dried plums or low-fat cookies into the diet did not alter energy intake or weight; however, compared to cookies, dried plums promoted greater (P< or =0.05) intake of fiber, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and calcium. Total fat intake tended (P=0.094) to decrease with dried plum consumption, as did cholesterol intake (P=0.098). Plasma triglyceride concentration remained unchanged (P>0.05) by dried plum consumption and was 17.0+/-29.2 mg/dL (0.19+/-0.33 mmol/L) higher (P< or =0.05) after consumption of low-fat cookies vs dried plums at the end of 2 weeks. Dried plums promoted a softer (P< or =0.05) stool consistency vs usual intake and in comparison to intake of low-fat cookies. These results suggest that relative to a commercially processed low-fat cookie snack, dried plums promote more favorable plasma triglyceride responses, improved dietary quality, and slightly improved bowel function. Copyright 2010 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes