Cardio­metabolic Health

Cardiometabolic health is a relatively new term that encompasses cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Collectively, such conditions are the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. They all share similar risk factors (e.g., overweight/obesity, elevated blood pressure) which can be modified by diet and lifestyle choices. The available evidence indicates that eggs, when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet pattern, do not affect risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Recent recommendations from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and American Diabetes Association do not limit egg or cholesterol intake, a change from earlier guidance from these organizations. In fact, several global health organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Australian Heart Foundation and the Irish Heart Foundation, promote eggs as part of a heart-healthy diet.

Given the public health significance of understanding cardiometabolic diseases, research on risk reduction remains an active area of pursuit. For example:

  • A randomized controlled study in people with metabolic syndrome showed that those consuming three whole eggs per day as part of a reduced carbohydrate diet experienced favorable changes in HDL-cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, and other aspects of the lipoprotein lipid profile
  • A randomized controlled weight loss trial in people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes showed improved lipid and glucose markers following consumption of 2 eggs per day for 12 weeks.
  • An egg-based breakfast, rich in protein (35% energy; 26.1 g egg protein), promoted glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes relative to a high-carbohydrate breakfast.

Cardioprotective Activities of Whole Eggs in Prediabetic Adults

Featured article in the March, 2018 Issue of Nutrition Research Update; written by Josh D. McDonald, PhD Candidate, Ohio State University

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States (US).1 While numerous risk factors contribute to the progression of CVD, epidemiological evidence demonstrates that postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH), or increases in blood sugar following a meal, are a better predictor of CVD-related mortality compared with fasting blood sugar.2 PPH results in the generation of chemicals that impair blood vessel function to increase CVD risk.3 Dietary modification targeting PPH and/or downstream chemicals are leading strategies to limit PPH-mediated increases in CVD risk.4

Continue reading “Cardioprotective Activities of Whole Eggs in Prediabetic Adults”

Replacing Refined Carbohydrates with Egg Protein and Unsaturated Fatty Acids Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiometabolic Profile

Featured article in the July, 2017 Issue of Nutrition Research Update; written by Kevin C Maki, PhD and Orsolya M. Palacios, PhD, RDN from MB Clinical Research and Consulting. 

Consuming a healthful diet and participating in an adequate amount of physical activity are key tools for managing metabolic abnormalities that can increase risk for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.  A growing body of evidence supports the view that a diet high in refined starches and added sugars exacerbates disturbances in carbohydrate (CHO) metabolism.  Replacement of these macronutrients with protein and/or unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) may help to improve the cardiometabolic risk factor profile.  The research team from the Midwest Biomedical Research: Center for Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health, Glen Ellyn, IL and Great Lakes Clinical Trials, Chicago, IL conducted a trial to evaluate the effects of a combination of egg protein (Epro) and UFA, substituted for refined starches and added sugars, on insulin sensitivity and other cardiometabolic health markers in adults with elevated (≥150 mg/dL) triglycerides (TG).1 Continue reading “Replacing Refined Carbohydrates with Egg Protein and Unsaturated Fatty Acids Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiometabolic Profile”