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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #295888
Title: Peanut consumption in adolescents is associated with improved weight status

Author
item MORENO, JENNETTE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item JOHNSTON, CRAIG - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item EL-MUBASHER, ABEER - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item PAPAIOANNOU, MARIA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item TYLER, CHERMAINE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item GEE, MOLLY - Baylor College Of Medicine
item FOREYT, JOHN - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Nutrition Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/2013
Publication Date: 5/20/2013
Citation: Moreno, J.P., Johnston, C.A., El-Mubasher, A.A., Papaioannou, M.A., Tyler, C., Gee, M., Foreyt, J.P. 2013. Peanut consumption in adolescents is associated with improved weight status. Nutrition Research. 33:552-556.

Interpretive Summary: Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, particularly among Mexican Americans. As the epidemic continues to grow, health risks associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, continue to rise as well. These health risks not only apply to Mexican American adults but children as well. This study examined the relationship of peanut consumption and health status in Mexican American children, in regards to nutrient intake and weight status. This study showed that children who consumed peanuts were less likely to be overweight than children who did not consume peanuts. This study also showed that children who consumed peanuts had higher intakes of several vitamins and other nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E than children who did not consume peanuts. Future research is needed to clarify the overall role of peanuts in children's health.

Technical Abstract: Studies have shown an association between nut consumption and health benefits in adults, such as lower lipid levels, lower body mass indices, and reduced risk of coronary artery disease. Few studies have demonstrated these health benefits in children. To determine the association between peanut consumption and weight, intake of nutrients of concern, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol in Mexican American children, baseline data from 262 sixth-grade students (48% female) in a school-based weight management program were analyzed to compare differences between peanut and non-peanut eaters. It was hypothesized that Mexican American children who consume peanuts will be less overweight and have a better nutrient and lipid profile when compared to those who do not eat peanuts. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire as a baseline dietary assessment before beginning the program. Children were identified as either a peanut consumer (n = 100) or non-peanut consumer (n = 162). Body mass index measurements were taken on all participants. A smaller sample of participants submitted blood for lipid analysis. Analyses revealed that children in the peanut consumer group were less likely to be overweight or obese than children in the non-peanut consumer group (chi**2 = 13.9, P = .001), had significantly higher intakes of several vitamins and micronutrients (i.e., magnesium, vitamin E), and had lower low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels. These results illustrate that consumption of peanuts and/or peanut butter is associated with lower weight status, improved diet, and lipid levels among Mexican American children. Future research is needed to clarify the role of peanut consumption in children's overall health.