The merits of fat replacers in low-calorie food

Carbohydrate and protein replacers of fat are frequently used by food manufacturers in response to the increased risk of diseases, which are connected with oversupply of energy and lipids in the diet. Low-calorie replacers such as inulin can limit hunger and normalize blood cholesterol levels. Increases in the nutritional value of food products can be achieved by partially replacing fat by soy protein isolates. Amino acids and deficient minerals like calcium and iron can be provided by food containing protein-based fat substitutes. Some fat substitutes, like maltodextrin, can slightly reduce the bioavailability of the fat-soluble vitamins. As a result, food products containing maltodextrin should be fortified with the affected substances to reduce the risk of malnutrition. The long-term effects of carbohydrate and protein replacers on the human body have not been sufficiently explained, and so fat replacers should be limited in the daily diet

The effect of: Plantago major supplementation on leptin and VEGF-A serum levels, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women-a randomised trial

Obesity is associated with increased serum leptin level, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis. In vitro studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis is increased by leptin. Animal studies revealed the effectiveness of Plantago supplementation treatment of obesity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of Plantago major supplementation on serum leptin and VEGF blood concentration, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women. Seventy-two obese women received oral Plantago major supplement (Plantago group, n = 35) or placebo (placebo group, n = 37) for 12 weeks. At baseline and after completion, anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed, and blood samples were collected. Serum concentrations of leptin, VEGF-A, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor α and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule have been determined. At completion, the leptin level was higher in the Plantago group (39781.55 ± 20360.73 pg ml-1) compared to both the baseline (36138.71 ± 25401.51 pg ml-1) and placebo group (30502.81 ± 19003.18 pg ml-1). Also, leptin concentration in the Plantago group at completion correlated positively with an increase in VEGF-A level (R = 0.45), and baseline VEGF-A level correlated negatively with the increase in leptin concentration (R =-0.47). Plantago major supplementation increases leptin serum level, enhances leptin influence on VEGF-A serum level increase and by this mechanism may intensify endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in obese women. © 2021 The Royal Society of Chemistry