Snack Selection Influences Nutrient Intake, Triglycerides, and Bowel Habits of Adult Women: A Pilot Study

Because appropriate snacking can promote a healthy body weight and serve as an important contributor to a healthy diet for women, identification of suitable foods for incorporation between meals is essential We investigated the influence of short-term (2 weeks) incorporation of 100-kcal servings of snacks of dried plums vs low-fat cookies twice daily on total energy and nutrient intake, biochemical parameters, and bowel habits in a randomized crossover design of two 2-week trials separated by a 2-week wash-out period in 26 women aged 25 to 54 years with a body mass index between 24 and 35 Incorporation of dried plums or low-fiat cookies into the diet did not alter energy intake or weight, however, compared to cookies, dried plums promoted greater (P <= 0.05) intake of fiber, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and calcium Total fat intake tended (P=0.094) to decrease with dried plum consumption, as did cholesterol intake (P=0.098) Plasma triglyceride concentration remained unchanged (P>0 05) by dried plum consumption and was 17.0 +/- 29.2 mg/dL (0.19 +/- 0 33 mmol/L) higher (P <= 0 05) after consumption of low-fat cookies vs dried plums at the end of 2 weeks Dried plums promoted a softer (P <= 0.05) stool consistency vs usual intake and in comparison to intake of low-flit cookies. These results suggest that relative to a commercially processed low-fat cookie snack, dried plums promote more favorable plasma triglyceride responses, improved dietary quality, and slightly improved bowel function J Am Diet Assoc 2010;110.1322-1327