Brazilian nut consumption by healthy volunteers improves inflammatory parameters

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose of Brazil nuts on the inflammatory markers of healthy individuals. Method: A randomized crossover study was conducted with 10 healthy individuals (mean age 24.7 +/- 3.4 y). Each individual was tested four times regarding intake of different portions of Brazil nuts: 0, 5,20 and 50g. At each testing period, peripheral blood was collected before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 h after intake of nuts, as well as at 5 and 30 d after intake of various Brazil nut portions. Blood samples were tested for high-sensitivity to C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea, and creatinine. Results: Consumption of nuts did not affect biochemical parameters for liver and kidney function, indicating absence of hepatic and renal toxicity. A single intake of Brazil nuts (20 or 50 g) caused a significant decrease in serum IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma levels (P < 0.05), whereas serum levels of IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate a long-term decrease in inflammatory markers after a single intake of large portions of Brazil nuts in healthy volunteers. Therefore, the long-term effect of regular Brazil nut consumption on inflammatory markers should be better investigated. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.