Is the pattern of dietary amino acids intake associated with serum lipid profile and blood pressure among individuals with spinal cord injury?

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2015.1109761 · Published: March 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the relationship between the types of amino acids people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) eat and their blood lipid levels and blood pressure. The researchers found that certain amino acids were linked to higher or lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure in this population. The findings suggest that dietary modifications focusing on specific amino acids might help manage cardiovascular health in individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Between 2011 and 2014

Participants

265 people with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Higher dietary intake of lysine was positively related to levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
2
Higher intakes of threonine and leucine had a negative relationship with TG level; tyrosine, threonine and leucine were inversely correlated to blood pressure.
3
FPG was positively associated with intake of all amino acids except for cysteine, glutamic acid, threonine, leucine and histidine.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationships between dietary intakes of amino acids and serum lipid profile along with blood pressure among individuals with SCI. The results indicated that specific amino acids are associated with changes in lipid profiles and blood pressure levels in people with SCI, even after adjusting for various confounders. The study also found that a large percentage of Iranian individuals with SCI had insufficient protein intake, highlighting a need for dietary interventions.

Practical Implications

Personalized Dietary Plans

The findings suggest that tailored dietary plans focusing on specific amino acid intake could potentially help manage lipid profiles and blood pressure in individuals with SCI.

Targeted Interventions

Clinicians can identify patients at higher risk of dyslipidemia and hypertension based on their amino acid intake patterns and prioritize dietary interventions.

Public Health Recommendations

Public health recommendations for individuals with SCI should emphasize adequate protein intake and balanced diets to mitigate cardiovascular risks.

Study Limitations

1
The cross-sectional design cannot fully clarify cause-effect relationships.
2
The accuracy of 24-hour dietary recall might limit the findings.
3
Insulin resistance, another risk factor for metabolic syndrome, was not assessed.

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