nutrients-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Dietary Strategies in Postmenopausal Women with Chronic and Metabolic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition in Women".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2023) | Viewed by 21330

Special Issue Editor

1. Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine and the Sam & Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
2. San Antonio GRECC, South Texas VA Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
Interests: metabolism; dietary intake; physical activity; lifestyle behaviors; aging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As women age, their nutritional needs change, governed by changes in hormones, level of physical activity, and dietary intake. During and after menopause, there are reductions in resting metabolic rate and changes in body composition, including weight and fat mass gain (particularly in the abdominal region) and loss of bone, connective tissue, and muscle mass. These changes in metabolic function and body composition place postmenopausal women at elevated risk for chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, depression, and cancer, compared to their younger/premenopausal counterparts. This Special Issue will focus on the metabolic pathways affected by the menopausal transition, how dietary patterns in postmenopausal women influence chronic conditions (and vice versa), and what is known about how dietary modification may influence the health of older women, particularly those with chronic conditions. Identification of effective dietary modifications may improve quality of life and enhance longevity in postmenopausal women.

Dr. Monica Serra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • women’s health
  • chronic conditions
  • metabolic health
  • dietary intake
  • dietary modification

Published Papers (8 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 525 KiB  
Article
Changes in Food Consumption in Postmenopausal Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study
by Priscilla Rayanne E. Silva Noll, Monique G. Nascimento, Luiza Helena Costa Moreira Bayer, Juliana Zangirolami-Raimundo, José Antonio Orellana Turri, Matias Noll, Edmund Chada Baracat, José Maria Soares Junior and Isabel Cristina Esposito Sorpreso
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153494 - 07 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
Studying the dietary habits and symptoms of postmenopausal women during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important to mitigate long-term post-pandemic health problems. We compared the menopausal symptoms and food consumption in postmenopausal women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal [...] Read more.
Studying the dietary habits and symptoms of postmenopausal women during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important to mitigate long-term post-pandemic health problems. We compared the menopausal symptoms and food consumption in postmenopausal women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal survey was conducted on postmenopausal Brazilian women between 2018 and 2021. The Kupperman–Blatt Menopausal Index, Women’s Health Questionnaire, and 24 h food recall were used. Of 274 women, 78 (28.5%) participated in the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intensity of the symptoms was lower during the pandemic than during the previous period (p < 0.05). Energy and processed food consumption were lower during the pandemic than before (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). Milk and plain yogurt consumption were also lower (p = 0.043), while the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet foods was higher (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively) during the pandemic. There was also a decrease in the consumption of proteins and lipids (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that postmenopausal women consumed sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in higher quantities and had a lower consumption of milk and plain yogurt and processed foods during the pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period. Furthermore, decreases in energy and macronutrient consumption were observed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
The Interplay between Metabolic Syndrome and Religious Fasting in Postmenopausal Women
by Anna Kokkinopoulou, Niki Katsiki, Ioannis Pagkalos, Nikolaos E. Rodopaios, Alexandra-Aikaterini Koulouri, Eleni Vasara, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Petros Skepastianos, Emmanouil Dermitzakis, Maria Hassapidou and Anthony G. Kafatos
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112478 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Religious fasting that involves abstinence from specific food(s) is part of many religions worldwide and has been gaining attention by the research community during the last years. The study aimed to investigate whether the periodic Christian Orthodox fasting mitigates the changes in body [...] Read more.
Religious fasting that involves abstinence from specific food(s) is part of many religions worldwide and has been gaining attention by the research community during the last years. The study aimed to investigate whether the periodic Christian Orthodox fasting mitigates the changes in body composition, dietary intake, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. One hundred and thirty-four postmenopausal women aged 57.3 ± 6.7 years participated in this study. The Christian Orthodox fasting was followed by 68 postmenopausal women since their childhood, whereas 66 postmenopausal women were non-fasters. Data collection involved anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary information. Postmenopausal women who fasted according to Christian Orthodox Church recommendations had significantly higher mean fat free mass (45 vs. 44 kg, p = 0.002), hip circumference (104 vs. 99 cm, p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (79 vs. 82 mmHg, p = 0.024). No other differences were found with regards to anthropometric data. Fasters also consumed significantly less fat (78 vs. 91 g, p = 0.006), as well as saturated (19 vs. 23 g, p = 0.015), monounsaturated (41 vs. 47 g, p = 0.018), and polyunsaturated fat (8.5 vs. 10 g, p = 0.023), trans fatty acids (0.5 vs. 2.3 g, p = 0.035), and cholesterol (132 vs. 176 g, p = 0.011). In terms of MetS features, non-fasters had more frequently elevated fasting blood glucose (11.8 vs. 24.2%, p = 0.039) and elevated blood pressure (13.2 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.041) compared with fasters. MetS was more common in non-fasters versus fasters with a marginal level of significance (30.3 vs. 23.5%, p = 0.052). Postmenopausal women who follow the Christian Orthodox fasting regime had lower fat intake, and no other difference in nutrient intake, compared with non-fasters. The latter were more likely to have MetS and some of its components. Overall, periodic abstinence from meat, dairy products, and eggs might play a protective role in postmenopausal women with regard to MetS. Full article
12 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
The Clinical Phenotype of Binge Eating Disorder among Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study
by Savannah C. Hooper, Sara E. Espinoza, Victoria B. Marshall and Lisa S. Kilpela
Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092087 - 26 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Binge eating disorder (BED), a form of overnutrition, may impact healthy aging for postmenopausal women. In community samples, 12–26% of older women (ages 60+) engage in binge eating. In younger adults, BED is comorbid with physical and psychological morbidities. However, little is known [...] Read more.
Binge eating disorder (BED), a form of overnutrition, may impact healthy aging for postmenopausal women. In community samples, 12–26% of older women (ages 60+) engage in binge eating. In younger adults, BED is comorbid with physical and psychological morbidities. However, little is known regarding the clinical phenotype, including medical and psychiatric comorbidities, of BED in postmenopausal women. This pilot study sought to identify psychosomatic, cardiometabolic, body composition, and physical function characteristics of postmenopausal, older adult (age ≥60 years) women with BED. Participants (N = 21, ages 60–75) completed a battery of physical assessments and surveys assessing psychosomatic health. Overall, 62% of women reported BE onset during peri- or post-menopause. Rates of comorbid depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and a history of severe menopausal symptoms were high. Cardiometabolic health was poor, and 42.9% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Additionally, 71.4% met the BMI criteria for obesity, and 40% of this sample met the criteria for sarcopenic obesity. Almost half of the sample presented with at least one mobility limitation; 85.7% had poor endurance. Evidence suggests that BED is highly comorbid with other chronic health conditions and may complicate treatment of these conditions, warranting further investigation and increased attention from healthcare providers serving postmenopausal women. Full article
16 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yao-Yi Kuo, Hao-Yun Chang, Yu-Chen Huang and Che-Wei Liu
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4210; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194210 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4988
Abstract
(1) Background: Whey protein (WP) in combination with resistance training (RT) is beneficial in improving sarcopenic obesity and its damaging effects in older adults, while the difference between men and women should be considered while interpreting results. This review aims to investigate WP’s [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Whey protein (WP) in combination with resistance training (RT) is beneficial in improving sarcopenic obesity and its damaging effects in older adults, while the difference between men and women should be considered while interpreting results. This review aims to investigate WP’s efficacy on postmenopausal women with or without RT; (2) Material and Methods: We searched electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 2021 for randomized controlled trials that included comparison groups to evaluate WP’s efficacy in women aged 55 years and above. The outcomes included body composition, muscular strength, functional capacity, and dietary intake. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the effect of WP. We also performed subgroup analysis with or without RT; (3) Results: We included 14 studies in the systematic review and 10 studies in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses showed RT was a major confounder for muscle strength, lean mass, and dietary protein intake (PI). In the RT subgroup, WP supplementation had a significant positive effect on biceps curl strength (BC) (SMD: 0.6805, 95% CI: 0.176, 1.185, I2: 0%), and lower limb lean-mass (LLLM) (SMD: 1.103, 95% CI: 0.632, 1.574, I2: 14%). In the subgroup without RT, a significant negative effect on PI (SMD: −0.4225, 95% CI: −0.774, −0.071, I2: 47%) was observed, while no significant effect on muscle strength or lean mass was revealed. WP supplementation did not show a significantly different effect on fat mass or body weight loss in both the subgroups; (4) Conclusions: In postmenopausal women, WP supplementation only in combination with RT enhances BC and LLLM compared to placebo controls. Without RT, WP has no significant benefit on muscle strength or lean mass. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1304 KiB  
Article
Effect of 24-Week, Late-Evening Ingestion of a Calcium-Fortified, Milk-Based Protein Matrix on Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism and Site-Specific Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia
by Catherine Norton, Manjula Hettiarachchi, Rachel Cooke, Marta Kozior, Hilkka Kontro, Rosemary Daniel and Philip Jakeman
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3486; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173486 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1941
Abstract
Dietary calcium intake is a modifiable, lifestyle factor that can affect bone health and the risk of fracture. The diurnal rhythm of bone remodelling suggests nocturnal dietary intervention to be most effective. This study investigated the effect of daily, bed-time ingestion of a [...] Read more.
Dietary calcium intake is a modifiable, lifestyle factor that can affect bone health and the risk of fracture. The diurnal rhythm of bone remodelling suggests nocturnal dietary intervention to be most effective. This study investigated the effect of daily, bed-time ingestion of a calcium-fortified, milk-derived protein matrix (MBPM) or control (CON), for 24 weeks, on serum biomarkers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX) and formation (serum pro-collagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, P1NP), and site-specific aerial bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The MBPM supplement increased mean daily energy, protein, and calcium intake, by 11, 30, and 107%, respectively. 24-week supplementation with MBPM decreased CTX by 23%, from 0.547 (0.107) to 0.416 (0.087) ng/mL (p < 0.001) and P1NP by 17%, from 60.6 (9.1) to 49.7 (7.2) μg/L (p < 0.001). Compared to CON, MBPM induced a significantly greater reduction in serum CTX (mean (CI95%); −9 (8.6) vs. −23 (8.5)%, p = 0.025 but not P1NP −19 (8.8) vs. −17 (5.2)%, p = 0.802). No significant change in TBS, AP spine or dual femur aerial BMD was observed for CON or MBPM. This study demonstrates the potential benefit of bed-time ingestion of a calcium-fortified, milk-based protein matrix on homeostatic bone remodelling but no resultant treatment effect on site-specific BMD in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3258 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of Flaxseed and/or Mulberry Extracts Supplementation in Ovariectomized Wistar Rats
by Jéssica Petrine Castro Pereira, Erika Aparecida Oliveira, Fernanda Aparecida Castro Pereira, Josilene Nascimento Seixas, Camila Souza de Oliveira Guimaraes and Bruno Del Bianco Borges
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3238; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153238 - 08 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2171
Abstract
Low endogenous estrogen action causes several injuries. Medicinal plants, such as flaxseed and mulberry, contain substances that have been shown to be effective to the organism. The aim was to verify the effects of flaxseed and/or mulberry extracts on ovariectomized Wistar rats. The [...] Read more.
Low endogenous estrogen action causes several injuries. Medicinal plants, such as flaxseed and mulberry, contain substances that have been shown to be effective to the organism. The aim was to verify the effects of flaxseed and/or mulberry extracts on ovariectomized Wistar rats. The animals received supplements of extracts and estrogen or saline by gavage for 60 days and were weighed weekly. Vaginal wash, blood, pituitary, uterus, liver, and kidneys were collected. Phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the extracts, lipid profile, uric acid, liver enzymes, and pituitary weight were measured. Histomorphometric for uterine wall and histopathological analyses for liver and kidney were performed. Flaxseed and mulberry extracts showed great antioxidant activity and large amounts of phenolic compounds. The treatment with extracts had less weight gain, increased pituitary weight, the predominance of vaginal epithelial cells, and reduced TC, LDL-c and lipase activity, similar to estrogen animals. Estrogen or flaxseed + mulberry animals reduced VLDL-c and TAG. HDL-c, uric acid, and liver enzymes did not differ. Estrogen or extracts demonstrated trophic action on the endometrial thickness and have not shown hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. We suggested the beneficial effects of flaxseed and mulberry extract as an alternative to reduce and/or prevent the negative effects caused by low estrogenic action. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1071 KiB  
Review
The Role of Choline, Soy Isoflavones, and Probiotics as Adjuvant Treatments in the Prevention and Management of NAFLD in Postmenopausal Women
by Johanna K. DiStefano
Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122670 - 08 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2401
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women that can lead to severe liver dysfunction and increased mortality. In recent years, research has focused on identifying potential lifestyle dietary interventions that may prevent or treat NAFLD in this population. [...] Read more.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women that can lead to severe liver dysfunction and increased mortality. In recent years, research has focused on identifying potential lifestyle dietary interventions that may prevent or treat NAFLD in this population. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, the disease can present as different subtypes, with varying levels of clinical presentation and variable treatment responses. By recognizing the significant heterogeneity of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, it may be possible to identify specific subsets of individuals who may benefit from targeted nutritional interventions. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evidence supporting the role of three specific nutritional factors—choline, soy isoflavones, and probiotics—as potential nutritional adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in postmenopausal women. There is promising evidence supporting the potential benefits of these nutritional factors for NAFLD prevention and treatment, particularly in postmenopausal women, and further research is warranted to confirm their effectiveness in alleviating hepatic steatosis in this population. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 815 KiB  
Review
Nuts and Metabolic Syndrome: Reducing the Burden of Metabolic Syndrome in Menopause
by Celia Bauset, Ana Martínez-Aspas, Sara Smith-Ballester, Alicia García-Vigara, Aitana Monllor-Tormos, Fawzi Kadi, Andreas Nilsson and Antonio Cano
Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081677 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3936
Abstract
Menopause imposes a dramatic fall in estrogens, which is followed by an increase in the proportion of fat. The rising androgen/estrogen ratio along the menopause transition favors the accumulation of central fat, which contributes to insulin resistance and a series of concatenated effects, [...] Read more.
Menopause imposes a dramatic fall in estrogens, which is followed by an increase in the proportion of fat. The rising androgen/estrogen ratio along the menopause transition favors the accumulation of central fat, which contributes to insulin resistance and a series of concatenated effects, leading to a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome. The modulatory effect of diet on the metabolic syndrome phenotype has been shown for the Mediterranean diet, and nuts are key determinants of these health benefits. This review of the impact of nuts on the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome cluster examined studies—prioritizing meta-analyses and systemic reviews—to summarize the potential benefits of nut ingestion on the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with menopause. Nuts have a general composition profile that includes macronutrients, with a high proportion of unsaturated fat, bioactive compounds, and fiber. The mechanisms set in motion by nuts have shown different levels of efficacy against the disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome, but a beneficial impact on lipids and carbohydrate metabolism, and a potential, but minimal reduction in blood pressure and fat accumulation have been found. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop