Applied nutritional investigationEffect of an advanced glycation end product-restricted diet and exercise on metabolic parameters in adult overweight men

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to review the effect of a low advanced glycation end product (AGEs) diet, exercise, and a combination of both on circulating AGE levels as well as on plasma lipids and anthropometric parameters.MethodsForty-three overweight or obese men (body mass index [BMI] >25 kg/m2), 30 to 55 y, participated in a 12-wk study and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low AGE diet, exercise with habitual food intake, or exercise plus low AGE diet. Exercise was for 45 min at 65% to 75% of their maximum heart rate three times a week. We measured somatometric variables (BMI and waist circumference), blood glucose, lipids, and serum AGEs (Nε-[Carboxymethyl]Lysine [CML] and methylglyoxal [MG]) at baseline and at 12 wk.ResultsExercise alone was associated with decreased somatometric variables; the low AGE diet had the same effects and decreased serum CML and MG and when combined with exercise reproduced all these effects, but also decreased triacylglycerols and increased high-density lipoprotein. Correlation analysis showed that both changes of CML and MG correlated with changes in dietary AGEs (P < 0.020 and P < 0.038, respectively); change in maximum oxygen consumption correlated inversely with change in weight and triacylglycerols. Regression analyses, including change in dietary AGEs and in dietary calories, showed that change in dietary AGEs was the independent determinant of change in CML (P < 0.020) and MG (P < 0.038).ConclusionsAn AGE-restricted diet reduces serum AGE and indices of body fat. The addition of exercise to the restricted diet has the same effects but also improves lipid profile.