Baru Nuts Reduce Abdominal Adiposity in Type 2 Diabetic Adults: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of baru nuts supplementation on body composition and metabolic profile in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 30 adults with type 2 diabetes. The assay had two periods of 12 weeks each, with a washout period of 12 weeks between treatments. The subjects were randomized and received the two treatments in alternate periods: supplementation of 30g baru nuts or placebo. Anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, blood sampling, food intake, and physical activity data were analyzed. Results: Baru nut intake reduced waist circumference (p=0.032), compared to placebo group. In the intra-group analysis, baru nut intake reduced total cholesterol (p=0.012) and LDL-c (p=0.017). Conclusion: The daily intake of baru nuts improved abdominal adiposity. Therefore, these nuts should be included in the diet to improve the health status of adults with type 2 diabetes.