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

摘要

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 <= 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