Daily Energy Expenditure in Rats Following Structured Exercise Training is affected by Dietary Phosphorus Content
Abstract Phosphorus (P) ingestion has been found to alter energy balance, while regular physical exercise (E) was reported to be associated with energy compensation. However, it is not clear whether dietary P would affect energy compensation following structured E. Two experiments were performed, Low P (LP) (0.1%P, 0.2%P, and 0.3% P) and High Phosphorus (HP) (0.3%P, 0.6%P, and 1.2% P) diets. In each experiment, male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8), in which a sedentary or a moderate-intensity exercise routine (30 minutes 5 days a week) was implemented. Energy intake (EI), efficiency and stores; body measures; and total energy expenditure (TEEx) were monitored for 6 weeks. In the LP experiment, EI and weight gain were the lowest in the 0.1%P and 0.2%P as compared to the 0.3%P. In the HP experiment, EI was highest in the high P (0.6%P and 1.2%P) groups, while weight gain was reduced. In both experiments, exercise was able to reduce body fat accumulation and to maintain a higher %LBM. In the LP diets experiment, the similarity in TEEx between the sedentary and exercising groups suggests the probability of a reduction in normal daily activities, which indicates the presence of compensation for the energy expended during exercise by a subsequent reduction in EE. In contrast, the elevated TEEx in the HP exercising groups (0.6%P and 1.2%P) argue against the presence of energy compensation. In conclusion, high dietary P decreases the body’s capability to compensate for the energy deficit induced by E, consequently maintaining an elevated TEEx.