Several studies have shown that regular intake of nuts may improve blood lipids. However, few studies have investigated the effects on blood lipids after a single intake of nuts. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the acute effects of a single intake of Brazil nuts on blood lipids.

The study was a non-blinded randomized controlled study with 52 participants, 26 participants in both the Brazil nut group and in the control group. Blood tests were taken at baseline and 3h, 6h, 24h, 7d and 14d after ingestion of either 50g Brazil nuts or an isocaloric amount of coconut flakes. We then conducted an unpaired t-test in order to compare changes in blood lipids between the two groups. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who participated in a rehabilitation program over three weeks at a rehabilitation center. Participants were at the rehabilitation center due to rheumatic diseases or chronic pain conditions / fibromyalgia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Food allergy, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, mild illness for the last 3 weeks (infections or inflammatory conditions), serious illness (eg. heart attack) or undergone surgery during the previous 3 months, intake of Brazil four weeks prior study enrollment, using cholesterol-lowering or blood-thinning drugs, planning to eat more than one meal in other places than the rehabilitation center during the study.