scholarly journals Do Maternal Micronutrient Deficiencies Program the Body Composition and Behavior of the Offspring? Probable Underlying Mechanisms

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (04) ◽  
pp. 170-181
Author(s):  
Anand Kumar Kalle ◽  
Shampa Ghosh ◽  
Anju Elizabeth Thomas ◽  
Raghunath Manchala

AbstractObesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes are epidemic in India. Developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, based on epidemiological evidence, associates maternal undernutrition and low birth weight (LBW) of the offspring with increased obesity and diabetes in their later life. Considering widespread maternal micronutrient (MN) deficiencies, LBW, and NCDs in India, we tested the hypothesis, “maternal MN deficiency per se programs the offspring for obesity and increases risk for NCDs in their later life” in rodent models. We showed in Wistar rat offspring that maternal MN (single or combined) deficiency per se: (1) increased body fat (visceral fat) and altered lipid metabolism, (2) decreased lean body and fat free mass, and (3) altered muscle function and altered glucose tolerance/metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Rehabilitation prevented vitamin but not mineral restriction-induced changes in offspring, which showed partial mitigation. Increased oxidative/steroid stress, decreased antioxidant status, and inflammatory state were the associated common mechanisms in the offspring. Our attempts to assess the role of epigenetics showed that folate and/or vitamin B12 deficiencies altered mother’s body composition besides that of the offspring. Additionally, in C57BL/6 mice, B12 deficiency-induced anxiety was observed in mothers and offspring. That expressions of histone modifying enzymes in mice brain and promoter methylation of adiponectin, leptin, and 11βHSD1 genes in rat offspring were altered in MN (B12 and Mg) deficiency suggested that altered epigenetics most likely plays a role in maternal MN deficiency-induced changes in body fat/lipid metabolism and anxiety-like behavior in mothers and offspring.

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Fields ◽  
Justin Merrigan ◽  
Jason White ◽  
Margaret Jones

The purpose of this study was to assess the body composition of male and female basketball athletes (n = 323) across season, year, and sport-position using air displacement plethysmography. An independent sample t-test assessed sport-position differences. An analysis of variance was used to assess within-subjects across season (pre-season, in-season, and off-season), and academic year (freshman, sophomore, and junior). For both men and women basketball (MBB, WBB) athletes, guards had the lowest body fat, fat mass, fat free mass, and body mass. No seasonal differences were observed in MBB, but following in-season play for WBB, a reduction of (p = 0.03) in fat free mass (FFM) was observed. Across years, MBB showed an increase in FFM from freshman to sophomore year, yet remained unchanged through junior year. For WBB across years, no differences occurred for body mass (BM), body fat (BF%), and fat mass (FM), yet FFM increased from sophomore to junior year (p = 0.009). Sport-position differences exist in MBB and WBB: Guards were found to be smaller and leaner than forwards. Due to the importance of body composition (BC) on athletic performance, along with seasonal and longitudinal shifts in BC, strength and conditioning practitioners should periodically assess athletes BC to ensure preservation of FFM. Training and nutrition programming can then be adjusted in response to changes in BC.


2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 535-545
Author(s):  
A. D. Mitchell ◽  
A. Scholz ◽  
V. Pursel

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a cross-sectional scan as an alternative to the total body DXA scan for predicting the body composition of pigs in vivo. A total of 212 pigs (56 to 138 kg live body weight) were scanned by DXA. The DXA scans were analyzed for percentage fat and lean in the total body and in 14 cross-sections (57.6 mm wide): 5 in the front leg/thoracic region, 4 in the abdominal region, and 5 in the back leg region. Regression analysis was used to compare total body and cross-sectional DXA results and chemical analysis of total body fat, protein and water. The relation (R2) between the percentage fat in individual slices and the percentage of total body fat measured by DXA ranged from 0.78 to 0.97 and by chemical analysis from 0.71 to 0.85, respectively. The relation between the percentage of lean in the individual slices and chemical analysis for percentage of total body protein and water ranged from 0.48 to 0.60 and 0.56 to 0.76, respectively. These results indicate that total body composition of the pig can be predicted (accurately) by performing a time-saving single-pass cross-sectional scan.


2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Durandt ◽  
S Du Toit ◽  
J Borresen ◽  
T Hew-Butler ◽  
H Masimla ◽  
...  

Objective. The aim of this study was to describe the body composition, strength and speed characteristics of elite junior South African rugby players. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Field study. Subjects. Rugby players (16 and 18 years old, N = 174) selected for the South African Rugby Union National Green Squad. Outcome measures. Body composition, 10 m and 40 m speed, agility, 1RM bench press, underhand pull-ups, push-ups, multistage shuttle run. Results. The under-16 players were on average shorter (175.6 ± 5.7 v. 179.2 ± 6.7 cm), weighed less (76.5 ± 8.2 v. 84.8 ± 8.3 kg) had less upper body absolute strength (77.1 ± 11.8 kg v. 95.3 ± 16.7 kg) and muscular endurance (41 ± 12 v. 52 ± 15 push-ups) and aerobic fitness (87.1 ± 19.4 v. 93.5 ± 15.3 shuttles) than the under-18 players. There were no differences in body fat, sprinting speed (10 m and 40 m) or agility between the two age groups. There were differences between playing positions, with the props having the most body fat, strongest upper bodies, slowest sprinting speed, least agility and lowest aerobic capacity compared with players in the other positions. Conclusion. This study provides data for elite junior rugby players and can be used to monitor the progression of players after intervention while also assisting with talent identification for the different playing positions. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (2) 2006: pp. 38-45


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Rosimus

The body composition of a squash player may affect athletic performance as carrying excessive body fat may increase injury risk and impair agility and speed. This case study outlines the effect of a nutritional intervention on body composition, vitamin D status, and physical performance of a female squash player. A structured, 6-week, moderate energy–restricted diet (70–78% of estimated energy requirement of 2,300 kcal) was implemented with weekly support. A daily supplement of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and a multivitamin and whey protein was used. Full blood count, vitamin D status, body composition, and physical performance assessments were carried out at baseline and Week 6 of intervention. Body composition changes were measured using the BOD POD™ and skinfold calipers. Body fat was 23% at baseline and 22% at Week 6. Mean sum of eight skinfolds was 127.4 ± 2.2 mm at baseline and 107.3 ± 0.4 mm at Week 6. Lean body mass-to-fat mass ratio improved from 3.4 at baseline to 3.7 at Week 6. The greatest increments compared with baseline in serum markers were 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (68%), ferritin (31%), eosinophils (20%), and triglycerides (16%). All physical performance measures improved, with reactive strength index (4.8%), and on-court repeated speed (6.0%) showing the greatest improvements from baseline. This intervention demonstrates that structured energy restriction alongside appropriately structured strength and conditioning training is an effective way to gradually reduce the body fat and improve the body composition of a female athlete.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Miteva ◽  
Iliya Yanev ◽  
Stefan Kolimechkov ◽  
Lubomir Petrov ◽  
Lubomir Mladenov ◽  
...  

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which special consideration is given to diet and body appearance. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient intake and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnasts in comparison with guidelines for female gymnasts. Twenty-one elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria were divided into three groups: First National Team, mean age 24.2; Second National Team, mean age 17.8; and Junior National Team, mean age 12.6. Body fat and muscle mass were estimated by skinfold methods, and a food frequency questionnaire was applied to assess the nutrient intake. The gymnasts showed low per cent of body fat (13.9% for the First National Team, 17.0% for the Second National Team, and 15.6% for the Junior National Team) and high per cent muscle mass (44.0, 40.5, and 37.6%, respectively). They kept their weight close to the ideal one, as recommended by the coaches, and the following equation best corresponded to the recommended ideal weight: height (cm) − 118. The energy intake was lower than the calculated energy requirements, in addition to low intake of fat and carbohydrates. The relative protein intake was 1.7 g/kg for the First National Team, 1.7 g/kg for the Second National Team, and 1.9 g/kg for Junior National Team, and the energy contribution of proteins was higher than the recommended 15%. Rhythmic gymnasts should be encouraged to maintain their ideal weight without great variance from the health-related guidelines, and coaches should consider not only the body image, but also the norms relating to body composition in women when determining ideal weight.


Author(s):  
Wagner Luis Ripka ◽  
Eduardo Esmanhoto ◽  
Leandra Ulbricht

Percentile indicators, aided in its development by biomedical engineering, relative to body fat distribution in adolescents are able to help health professionals in better diagnosing overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to calculate percentile values to body fat in adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years from the Curitiba-PR and its metropolitan region composed of 29 municipalities, having as reference method the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology. After applying inclusion criteria for the adolescents, anthropometric measures of body fat and stature were taken, as well as evaluation of the body composition through DXA. The statistical analysis was grounded in the presentation of percentilic values developed by Cole and Green’s LMS method, where L stands for the skewness curve, M for the mean curve and S for the variance curve. In total, 390 boys were evaluated. The fat percentage values tend to show a decrease between the ages of 12 (22.8±5.1%) and 16 years (17.9±2.9%). Moreover, for the superior percentiles: 90th and 97th re-start to increase at the age of 17 after showing a decrease in the previous years. The L, M and S parameters, altogether with the percentiles created to evaluate body fat are interesting tools to tendency and evolution analyses, as well as to enable inferences to be made about the body composition of adolescents.


1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 823-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
Ellen Van Den Heuvel ◽  
Paul Deurenberg

To study the relationship between health and nutritional status in elderly populations, information about body composition is essential. To collect this information in large epidemiological studies, practical methods based on anthropometric data must be available. In the present study the relationship between body composition, determined by densitometry, and anthropometric data in 204 elderly men and women, aged 60–87 years, was analysed. Existing prediction equations described in the literature, and mainly based on young and middle-aged subjects, generally underestimated percentage body fat in the elderly study population. Therefore, new prediction equations were developed, based on sex and the sum of two (biceps and triceps) or four (biceps, triceps, suprailiaca and subscapula) skinfolds or the body mass index (BMI). Addition of age or body circumferences to the models did not improve the prediction of body density. Internal cross validation and external validation revealed that the formulas are valid for the estimation of body density in elderly subjects. The standard errors of estimate of the three models, expressed as percentage body fat, were 5.6, 5.4 and 4.8% respectively.


2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Walsh ◽  
Laura Cartwright ◽  
Clare Corish ◽  
Sheila Sugrue ◽  
Ruth Wood-Martin

Purpose:This study examined the body composition, nutritional knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and educational needs of senior schoolboy rugby players in Ireland.Methods:Participants included 203 male rugby players age 15–18 yr competing at Senior School’s Cup level in Leinster, Ireland. Estimation of body composition included measurement of height, weight, and percentage body fat (PBF; using bioelectrical impedance analysis, Tanita BC-418). Nutritional knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and education needs were assessed by questionnaire.Results:The range of PBF was 5.1–25.3%. Sixty-eight percent of the players in this study had a healthy PBF (10–20%), 32 (22%) were classified as underweight (<10% body fat), and 9.7% (n = 14) were overweight. Assessment of nutritional knowledge demonstrated poor knowledge of the foods required for refueling, appropriate use of sports drinks, and the role of protein in muscle formation. Alcohol consumption and dietary supplement use were reported by 87.7% and 64.5%, respectively. A perception that greater body size enhances sport performance did not predict dietary supplement use. Nutritional advice had been previously sought by 121 players from coaches (66.9%), magazines (42.1%), Web sites (38.8%), peers (35.5%), family (28.1%), sport organizations (16.5%), and health professionals (8.2%). Nutritional knowledge was no better in these players, nor did better nutritional knowledge correlate with positive dietary behaviors or attitudes.Conclusions:Most players had a healthy PBF. Despite a positive attitude toward nutrition, poor nutritional knowledge and dietary practices were observed in many players. Young athletes’ nutritional knowledge and dietary practices may benefit from appropriate nutritional education.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-185

Measuring weight loss is important in determining if an exercise program works, but it is not the only objective. Losing body fat and maintaining a healthy body composition are more important. Body composition consists of lean tissue and fat. The body needs a certain amount of fat for essential functions (energy, regulating temperature). Karin Cottman, a certified personal trainer in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, keeps these ideas in mind when developing workout plans and diet goals for her clients.


1985 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 755-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy J. Rothwell ◽  
Michael J. Stock

Female dystrophic mice (mdx on C57 Black background) gained weight more rapidly than age-matched controls and had a higher body fat content (% body weight), a slightly lower protein content and a reduced mass of muscle. Chronic treatment (21 d) of the mice with the β2-agonist clenbuterol stimulated weight gain in both genotypes without affecting energy intake. Clenbuterol increased the mass of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle by 13% and 29% in normal and dystrophic mice, respectively, and raised body protein but depressed body fat. Body water and energy content were unaffected by clenbuterol, but the ratio of protein to fat in the carcasses was enhanced by 17% in normal and 56% in dystrophic mice following clenbuterol treatment. Thus, the β2-agonist restored the body composition of dystrophic mice to normal and enhanced the protein to fat ratio in both these and normal mice.


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