Feasibility and Tolerability of Daily Pulse Consumption in Individuals with Peripheral Artery Disease

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2017 Dec 1;78(4):187-191. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2017-015. Epub 2017 May 24.

Abstract

The present study investigated the feasibility, tolerability, and adherence of daily consumption of whole pulses (dried beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas) by individuals with peripheral artery disease participating in an 8-week study. Study questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for 26 participants were used to determine prestudy pulse consumption and participants' experiences with respect to adherence, positive and negative effects, bowel routine, satiety, and enjoyment of the foods. Although the majority of participants rarely consumed pulses prior to the study, there was a high rate of adherence to daily consumption of the study foods for 8 weeks despite comments regarding study fatigue during the latter part of the study. Participants had no gastrointestinal side effects (42%) or experienced flatulence that resolved by week 4 (23%), whereas 62% reported improvements in their bowel pattern. By week 8 greater satiety was noted by some participants (19%), with the categories "less afternoon snacking" and "not snacking" receiving more responses. The key finding of this study was that consumption of pulses is a viable approach for this population; however, the frequency of consumption that is tolerable in the long term should be integrated with the dose and timeframe required to achieve and maintain health benefits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Choice Behavior
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diet*
  • Fabaceae*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Flatulence / prevention & control
  • Food Preferences / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease*
  • Satiation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires