This randomized cross-over study by Devaraj et al. compared the postprandial effects of an energy-dense, high-fat, fast-food-style (FFS) meal (breakfast) to an American Heart Association (AHA)-recommended heart-healthy meal on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in 11 subjects with the metabolic syndrome as identified using National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel-III clinical criteria. The study reported that, in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, eating an energy-dense, high-fat, FFS breakfast increased postprandial oxidative stress, as indicated by the increase in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and malondialdehyde + hydroxynonenal observed during the postprandial state. Inflammation markers, such as serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-a levels, did not change with time or dietary treatment. The authors concluded that future studies will be needed to clarify mechanisms for this increased postprandial oxidative stress and verify whether the increase is due to the FFS meal’s higher energy content, high fat content, or both.
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