The Feasibility of Walnut and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Supplementation in Older Adults
Mara Z. Vitolins1*, Caroline S. Blackwell1, Jeff D. Williamson2, Capri G. Foy1, Sharon Wilmoth1, Kaycee M. Sink2, Lindsay M. Reynolds1, Robert P. Byington1, David M. Reboussin1
Affiliation
- 1Wake Forest School of Medicine, Division of Public Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157 USA
- 2Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157 USA
Corresponding Author
Mara Z. Vitolins, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America, Tel: 00-1-(336) 716-2886; Fax: 00-1-(336) 713-4300; E-mail: mvitolin@wakehealth.edu
Citation
Vitolins, M.Z., et al. The Feasibility of Walnut and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Supplementation in Older Adults. (2017) J Food Nutr Sci 4(1): 49- 54.
Copy rights
© 2017 Vitolins, M.Z. This is an Open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Researchers in Spain provided randomized, controlled trial evidence that adding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and nuts to diets of older adults lowered cardiovascular disease risk. Supplementing these foods may represent a simple and straightforward approach to favourable dietary change with potential for dissemination to the broader public. This was an 8-week feasibility trial in which all participants were asked to supplement their ad libitum diets with both walnuts and EVOO to determine their interest in participating and to assess retention and adherence once enrolled. Inclusion criteria were broad: Adults ≥ 55 years old treated for hypertension with medication; exclusions included walnuts/EVOO allergies, homebound or diagnosis of dementia. Recruitment was assessed as number of weeks to accrue 25 participants. Adherence was assessed by participant self-report using a daily diary. Blood pressure (BP), body weight, and HDL cholesterol were measured to estimate the variability of outcomes. Results: Twenty- seven participants were recruited in 2 ½ weeks; 26 of the 27 participants remained in the study for a retention rate of 96% (95% CI: 78% - 100%). Of 216 possible diaries, 185 were returned (86%). On average, weight increased over 8 weeks by 0.8 pounds. Mean systolic BP dropped by 0.25 mmHg while mean diastolic BP decreased by 1.0 mmHg. Mean HDL increased by 1.96 mg/dL. A full scale walnut/EVOO trial in older adults with hypertension seems realistic given our high rates of recruitment, retention, and adherence, coupled with minimal weight gain and favorable trends in BP and HDL
