Clinical Trial Shows FirstLine Therapy More Effective than AHA Dietary Plan
A recent issue of the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition (2006, Vol. 22(2), pp. 104-113) featured the results of a 12-week clinical study with postmenopausal women at risk for CVD. This human trial demonstrated a greater improvement in established cardiovascular health markers when comparing the FLT program to a standard American Heart Association Step 1 dietary plan (AHAD) and exercise (Table 1).
Making the Case for FirstLine Therapy
The purpose of FLT case studies is to show how this particular TLC program may be clinically beneficial in patients with altered body composition. Below are highlights from 2 case studies.
Case Study Highlights
CASE #1071:
Subject
- A 33-year-old Caucasian female with altered body composition and increased CVD risk secondary to elevated total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio and hsCRP
Plan
- The patient was placed on the FLT program, along with medical food and supplements
Results
- At 13 weeks, a 5.7% decrease (41.4% to 35.7%) in body fat and a 5.7% increase (58.6% to 64.3%) in lean body mass were noted
- After 17 weeks, the patient lost a total of 19 lbs and her hsCRP status reduced from 4.72 mg/dL to 0.997 mg/dL (79% decrease), and her total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio showed a 12% decrease (4.26 to 3.77)
Summary
- The dramatically positive results of this case study suggest that the FLT program—which incorporates healthy lifestyle changes such as a specialized dietary program, regular exercise, and targeted nutritional supplements—may improve body composition and decrease CVD risk in patients with these health concerns
CASE #1072:
Subject
- A 48-year-old Caucasian female with altered body composition, hypercholesterolemia, perimenopausal hot flushes, and metabolic syndrome
Plan
- The patient was placed on the FLT program, along with medical food and supplements
Results
- In 17 weeks, a 54% decrease (102 µ IU/mL to 47.1 µ IU/mL) in postprandial insulin and a 13% decrease (227 mg/dL to 198 mg/dL) in total cholesterol were observed
- After 48 weeks, the patient lost a total of 49 lbs. and her BMI decreased from 36.6 kg/m 2 to 28.5 kg/m 2 (22% reduction)
Summary
- This case study demonstrated a positive, long-term effect on a patient with altered body composition, hypercholesterolemia, elevated postprandial insulin, and bothersome perimenopausal hot flushes with the application of the FLT therapeutic lifestyle changes program