Abstract

This study was to investigate the effects of a silk peptide, and prune and raspberry mixture on the body fat, serum lipid composition and fat distribution in Korean women during the time they received these supplements. During the 4 month period of this research (June to October, 2002), 75 women (average age 22.9 yr) were selected as subjects. Their nutrient intake was investigated by use of a questionnaire and the 24-hour recall method. Antropometric assessments of the subjects were investigated by using the SBIA Method (Segmental Bioimpedance Assay, Inbody 3.0). The results were as follows: their mean body weight was 59.3 kg, their mean body height was 161.7 cm and their mean Basal Metabolic Indices (BMI) was 22.7. The status of their dietary fiber intake significantly increased (p<0.05) after use of the supplements. Their body fat significantly decreased following the 3rd stage of supplementation (p<0.05), and their percent of body fat signiflcantly decreased after supplementation (p<0.05). Their triceps and suprailiac circumference significantly decreased following the 3rd stage of supplementation (p<0.05). Their waist circumferences and waist-hip ratios (WHR) significantly decreased after both the 2nd and 3rd stage of supplementation (p<0.05). Their total cholesterol significantly decreased following the 3rd stage of supplementation, as compared to their baseline results and those obtained following the 1st stage of supplementation (p<0.05). Their LDL-cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratios significantly decreased following the 3rd stage of supplementation, as compared to their baseline results and those obtained following the 1st stage of supplementation (p<0.05). Their 4-HNE and total antioxidant statuses significantly decreased following the 2nd and 3rd stage of supplementation, as compared to their baseline results and those obtained following the 1st stage of supplementation (p<0.05). Their 2nd stage supplementation results were significantly negatively correlated with their triceps measurements and WHR (p<0.05). Their 3rd stage supplementation results were significantly negatively correlated with their anterior thigh measurements (p<0.05). The above results show that prune, raspberry, silk peptide and dietary fiber supplementation to a routine diet improves body fat distribution, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The decrease of abdominal fat and WHR were especially noteworthy. This implies a decrease of risk factors.

• Keywords: silk peptide; body composition; body fat; serum lipid; leptin