June 11, 2015

expert reaction to study on nut and peanut consumption and mortality rates

Diet is known to play a large part in various diseases, and possible effects of nuts on mortality has been examined in a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. Looking at a Dutch group, the researchers report that peanut and tree nut intake was associated with lower mortality rates, but that this effect wasn’t seen for peanut butter.

Ms. Catherine Collins, Principal Dietitian, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Are peanuts the new anti-death panacea? This research in a Dutch population followed for a 10 year period from 1986-1996 seems to show that peanut (but not peanut butter) consumption helped protect against death from cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory conditions in those aged 60+ at recruitment.

“The research seems to show that even modest (median) intakes of 2.5 to 8.5g of nuts per day conferred health advantage compared to non-nut eaters and those who ate nuts other than peanuts. Is there something wonderful in peanuts that protects against death? Peanuts are a source of protein, healthy fats and vitamin E which are all important for health, but the amount needed to be eaten to benefit from their nutritional profile would be far larger than the portions mentioned here.

“This paper shows peanuts to be more likely another nutritional marker of a more healthful diet, not that peanuts prevent us from dying prematurely. We know that in this study peanut eaters were leaner, ate more fruits and vegetables, took more nutritional supplements and drank more alcohol than non-peanut eaters (that pint and a packet of dry roasted peanuts being a popular pub combination in the UK). In addition, peanut consumers were less likely to have high blood pressure or diabetes than non-peanut eaters. All these factors combined are a far more powerful influence on mortality than a nibble of peanuts daily. ”

‘Relationship of tree nut, peanut and peanut butter intake with total and cause-specific mortality: a cohort study and meta-analysis’ by van den Brandt et al. will be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology at 00:05 UK time on Thursday 11th June, which is also when the embargo will lift. 

Declared interests

Ms. Catherine Collins: No conflict of interest declared