In a study recently published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Finnish and French researchers aimed to elucidate parts of the underlying mechanisms of the health effects associated with high intake of whole grain rye. Metabolites circulating in the blood were investigated in a human intervention study using untargeted metabolomics.
Fifteen adults consumed whole grain rye bread or refined wheat bread enriched with fermented rye bran during four weeks. The four weeks of rye consumption were followed by four weeks of refined wheat bread consumption. Fasting plasma samples drawn after each of the two periods were compared regarding the subjects’ metabolic profiles. Plasma concentration of five endogenous metabolites was identified to be associated with whole grain rye intake, of which serotonin and taurine were two that both decreased after the whole grain rye period.
To test a hypothesis of altered biosynthesis of serotonin as a response to increased intake of cereal fiber, mice were fed a high fat diet supplemented with either rye bran, wheat aleurone or cellulose during nine weeks. Concordantly, lower levels of serotonin were found in the gut after consumption of rye bran or wheat aleurone compared to cellulose.
The results suggest that serotonin could be a possible link between whole grain consumption and its associated health effects.
The upcoming Healthgrain forum workshop 2019 will be organized in connection with a Symposium to honour professor Kaisa Poutanen and her outstanding scientific life's work. The workshop will be organized on 17th June in Espoo (Finland). The honorary symposium will start with a common dinner on 17th June followed by a one-day symposium on 18th June at the Hotel Hanasaari in Espoo.
Read more and register here
In a recent study published in Clinical Nutrition, Swedish researchers found promising results regarding rye intake and improvements in inflammatory status in men with prostate cancer. The study was performed in 17 men with untreated, low-grade prostate cancer during six weeks, and effects of rye consumption versus refined wheat on low-grade inflammation and endothelial function biomarkers were evaluated.
Rye products mounting to 485 gram whole grain rye and rye bran were consumed each day and compared with similar amounts of refined wheat products in a randomized crossover setting. The control diet consisted of refined wheat products with added cellulose. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after two, four, and six weeks of treatment.
The rye diet was found to lower several biomarkers of inflammation (TNF-R2) endothelial function (e-selectin) and prognosis (endostatin), when compared with the wheat based diet. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA).