Evaluating the Effects of Corn Flour Product Consumption on Cardiometabolic Outcomes and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol: A Randomized Crossover

Authors

Bethany Liedike, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Maissa Khatib, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Baharak Tabarsi, Community Health Center, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Michelle Harris, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Shannon L. Wilson, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Carmen P. Ortega-Santos, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
Alex E. Mohr, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Center for Health Through Microbiomes, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.
Sonia Vega-López, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States. Electronic address: sonia.vega.lopez@asu.edu.
Corrie M. Whisner, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States; Center for Health Through Microbiomes, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States. Electronic address: Corrie.Whisner@asu.edu.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-14-2024

Journal

The Journal of nutrition

DOI

10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.003

Keywords

cholesterol; corn flour; dietary fiber; gut microbiota; whole grain

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Consumption of whole grains is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and offers benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation. The relationship between whole-grain corn and corn bran with the gut microbiota (GM) remains an area of growing interest, particularly regarding their influence on cardiometabolic health. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of different corn flours on cardiometabolic outcomes and GM changes in adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) concentrations. METHODS: In this crossover study, 36 adults with LDL cholesterol above 110 mg/L consumed 48 g/d of 3 corn flour types for 4 wk: whole-grain corn meal, refined corn meal (RCM), and a blend of RCM and corn bran (RCM + B). We assessed the impact on cardiometabolic markers [LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides)] and GM composition and estimated function. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects modeling and responder (>5% decrease in LDL cholesterol) analysis to evaluate changes in GM related to lipid profile improvements. RESULTS: Of the 3 corn flour types, only RCM + B significantly decreased LDL cholesterol over time (-10.4 ± 3.6 mg/L, P = 0.005) and marginally decreased total cholesterol (-9.2 ± 3.9, P = 0.072) over time. There were no significant effects on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. No significant changes were observed in GM alpha diversity, whereas beta diversity metrics indicated individual variability. Two genera, unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Agathobaculum (P ≤ 0.096), differed significantly by treatment, but only Agathobaculum remained significantly elevated in the whole-grain corn meal, compared to RCM and RCM + B, after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The type of corn flour, particularly RCM + B, notably influenced LDL cholesterol concentrations in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol. This study suggests that incorporating milled fractions (e.g., bran) of whole-grain corn with refined corn flour may be a viable alternative to supplementing manufactured grain products with isolated or synthetic fibers for improved metabolic health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03967990.

APA Citation

Liedike, Bethany; Khatib, Maissa; Tabarsi, Baharak; Harris, Michelle; Wilson, Shannon L.; Ortega-Santos, Carmen P.; Mohr, Alex E.; Vega-López, Sonia; and Whisner, Corrie M., "Evaluating the Effects of Corn Flour Product Consumption on Cardiometabolic Outcomes and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol: A Randomized Crossover" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5098.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5098

Department

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences