薬理と治療

Abstract

Objectives　The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of banana intake on obese participants on their blood biochemical markers, body composition and visceral fat volume. Methods　A randomized parallel-group comparison study was conducted on 36 obese adults between ages 25 to 44. Participants were randomized into two groups; one group took 120 g of banana every day; another group with no banana nor banana ingredients added to their everyday food, for four weeks. Visceral fat, body composition, serum biomarkers including inflammatory markers were evaluated before and after the intervention term. Results　16 participants were in the banana group, and 15 participants were in the control group. Serum iron showed significant decrease in the control group, ferritin resulted in significant decrease in the control group in intergroup comparison analysis. MCV showed significant decrease in both groups, MCHC resulted in significant increase in both groups. Visceral fat did not show statistical difference in the two groups after intervention. Alkaline phosphatase showed significant decrease in both groups. Conclusions　The results suggested that taking banana for a long term may contribute in lowering the risk of iron deficiency anemia in obese people. As obesity is a global pandemic, with recent studies showing anemia risk in that population, and that iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency globally, banana intake may contribute to alleviating iron deficiency in obese population. UMIN ID: UMIN000045655 （Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2022；50：855‒63）