Differential Effects of One Meal per Day in the Evening on Metabolic Health and Physical Performance in Lean Individuals

Background: Generally, food intake occurs in a three-meal per 24 h fashion with in-between meal snacking. As such, most humans spend more than ∼ 12–16 h per day in the postprandial state. It may be reasoned from an evolutionary point of view, that the human body is physiologically habituated to less frequent meals. Metabolic flexibility (i.e., reciprocal changes in carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation) is a characteristic of metabolic health and is reduced by semi-continuous feeding. The effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) on metabolic parameters and physical performance in humans are equivocal.Methods: To investigate the effect of TRF on metabolism and physical performance in free-living healthy lean individuals, we compared the effects of eucaloric feeding provided by a single meal (22/2) vs. three meals per day in a randomized crossover study. We included 13 participants of which 11 (5 males/6 females) completed the study: age 31.0 ± 1.7 years, BMI 24.0 ± 0.6 kg/m2 and fat mass (%) 24.0 ± 0.6 (mean ± SEM). Participants consumed all the calories needed for a stable weight in either three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) or one meal per day between 17:00 and 19:00 for 11 days per study period.Results: Eucaloric meal reduction to a single meal per day lowered total body mass (3 meals/day –0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 1 meal/day –1.4 ± 0.3 kg, p = 0.03), fat mass (3 meals/day –0.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1 meal/day –0.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.049) and increased exercise fatty acid oxidation (p < 0.001) without impairment of aerobic capacity or strength (p > 0.05). Furthermore, we found lower plasma glucose concentrations during the second half of the day during the one meal per day intervention (p < 0.05).Conclusion: A single meal per day in the evening lowers body weight and adapts metabolic flexibility during exercise via increased fat oxidation whereas physical performance was not affected.

Circadian alignment of feeding regulates lifespan extension by caloric restriction

Caloric restriction (CR) promotes longevity in several species. Classic CR protocols often lead to chronic cycles of 2h-feeding/22h-fasting, raising the question whether calories, fasting or time of day are causal. To address this, we tested an AL control group and five CR protocols with different timing and duration of feeding/fasting cycles. C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to 30% CR as one single meal a day at the beginning of the day or night (classical protocols with < 2h feeding, CR-day and CR-night), or smaller meals distributed for 12h (CR-day-12h and CR-night-12h), or evenly spread out throughout 24h (CR-spread) to abolish the otherwise daily feeding pattern adopted by nocturnal animals. We found that CR alone is sufficient to extend lifespan without fasting. However, the benefits are enhanced if feeding/fasting cycles are present and match their normal nocturnal activity. Circadian alignment of feeding with at least 12h fasting boosts CR-mediated increase on survival in mice, independently body weight. Aging leads to widespread upregulation of inflammation-related genes and downregulation of metabolic pathways in liver from ad lib fed mice; whereas CR at night ameliorates these aging-related changes and preserves circadian oscillations in gene expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that circadian interventions promote longevity and provide a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms of aging.

Methods for Insulin Bolus Adjustment Based on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Trend Arrows in Type 1 Diabetes: Performance and Safety Assessment in an In Silico Clinical Trial

Background: Providing real-time magnitude and direction of glucose rate-of-change (ROC) via trend arrows represents one of the major strengths of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors in managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Several literature methods were proposed to adjust the standard formula (SF) used for insulin bolus calculation by accounting for glucose ROC, but each of them provides different suggestions, making it difficult to understand which should be applied in practice. This work aims at performing an extensive in-silico assessment of their performance and safety. Methods: The methods of Buckingham (BU), Scheiner (SC), Pettus/Edelman (PE), Klonoff/Kerr (KL), Aleppo/Laffel (AL), Ziegler (ZI), and Bruttomesso (BR) were evaluated using the UVa/Padova T1D simulator, in single-meal scenarios, where ROC and glucose at mealtime varied between [-2,+2] mg/dL/min and [80,200] mg/dL, respectively. Efficacy of postprandial glucose control was quantitatively assessed by time in, above and below range (TIR, TAR, and TBR, respectively). Results: For negative ROCs, all methods proved to increase TIR and decrease TAR and TBR vs SF, with KL, PE, and BR being the most effective. For positive ROCs, a general worsening of the performances is present, only BR improved the glycemic control when mealtime glucose was close to hypoglycemia, while SC resulted the safest in the other conditions. Conclusions: Insulin bolus adjustment methods are effective for negative ROCs, but they generally appear to overdose for positive ROCs, calling for safer strategies in such a scenario. These results can be useful in outlining guidelines to identify which adjustment to apply based on the mealtime condition.

Total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) in braised and crude Boletus edulis carpophores during various developmental stages

We collected and processed Boletus edulis (King Bolete) carpophores grouped in four batches based on their developmental stage (button stage, young—white, large—white, and large—yellow). The study aimed, for the first time, to examine the B. edulis content and effect of braising and to estimate the intake of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) from a single meal based on whole (wet) weight (ww) and dry weight (dw). In braised carpophores, THg concentrations ranged from 0.2668 ± 0.0090 to 0.5434 ± 0.0071 mg kg−1 ww at different developmental stages, whereas crude products concentrations ranged from 0.1880 ± 0.0247 to 0.2929 ± 0.0030 mg kg−1 ww. The button stage crude carpophores were more highly contaminated with THg than at later stages of maturity, but MeHg levels were lower (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, braised button stage carpophores showed more MeHg than at later maturity stages. MeHg contributed at 1.9 ± 0.7% in THg in crude mushrooms and at 1.4 ± 0.3% in braised meals. The effect of braising was to increase the average THg and MeHg contents in fresh mushroom meals by 52 ± 31% and 53 ± 122% respectively, but a reduction of 40 ±14% and 40 ± 49% respectively was seen on a dw basis. The potential intakes of THg and MeHg from braised meals of B. edulis studied were small and considered safe. Graphical abstract

Cluster of Angiostrongyliasis Cases Following Consumption of Raw Monitor Lizard in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Review of the Literature

Angiostrongyliasis in humans causes a range of symptoms from mild headache and myalgia to neurological complications, coma and death. Infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked intermediate or paratenic hosts infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis or via contaminated vegetables or water. We describe a cluster of cases involved in the shared meal of wild raw monitor lizard in the Lao PDR. Seven males, aged 22–36 years, reported headaches, abdominal pain, arthralgia, myalgia, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, neurological effects and loss of appetite. Five were admitted to hospital. The final diagnosis was made by clinical presentation and case history, and positive A. cantonensis PCR for two cases. All hospitalized patients recovered fully following supportive treatment. The remaining two individuals sought local home remedies and made full recovery. Whilst most published reports concern infections via consumption of molluscs, few detailed reports exist on infections that result from the consumption of reptiles and there exists little awareness in Lao PDR. This case cluster, which originates from a single meal, highlights the potential public health risk of the consumption of raw and wild-caught meat in Lao PDR and the Southeast Asia region. Without specific diagnostics, clinical history and the consideration of recent food consumption are important when evaluating patients.

Home-Delivered Meals: Characterization of Food Intake in Elderly Beneficiaries

Objective. In this study, we focus on elderly people (≥70 years old) benefiting from a home delivery meal service as part of a social welfare program. We aimed to: (i) assess the gap between the recommended and actual nutritional intake in this population and (ii) study the relationship between the intake of nutrients and the variables characterizing the participants’ health and nutritional status. Design. A dietary survey (24-hour record) was conducted during a home interview, with 64 people receiving a home delivery meal service (75% women; 70–97 years old). At the same time, the participants answered questionnaires assessing their nutritional and health status. Results. Our data showed that the consumption of 70 to 80% participants was not sufficient for reaching the nutritional recommendations for energy and macronutrients. Additionally, the data showed that the lower the energy and protein intakes, the higher the risk of malnutrition. In addition, one third of the participants were both overweight or obese and at risk of undernutrition or undernourished. Our study demonstrated that the heavier the person, the more difficult it was for them to meet the nutritional recommendations based on kilograms of body weight. Finally, individuals receiving two to three delivered meals per day had higher energy and protein intakes than those receiving a single meal. Conclusion. These results suggest that it is important that home meal delivery companies improve the quality of their meals and service so that their recipients can better meet nutritional recommendations.

Presence of Unabsorbed Free Amino Acids at the End of the Small Intestine of Humans and Pigs: Potential Implications for Amino Acid Bioavailability

Objectives The protein quality digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS) require determination of amino acid (AA) bioavailability, which is often quantified as the net disappearance of dietary AAs at the end of the small intestine, so-called true ileal digestibility. It is often assumed that bioavailability is mainly influenced by protein breakdown and that free AAs are completely absorbed by the small intestine. However, some studies report substantial amounts of free AAs in the unabsorbed protein fraction present in terminal ileal digesta. This study quantified free AAs in ileal digesta of humans and pigs and estimated their impact on AA bioavailability. Methods Two studies were performed with 3 diets, i.e., zein, whey or protein-free. In study 1, ileal digesta of 8 human ileostomates was collected over 9 hours after ingestion of a single meal. In study 2, 12 pigs were fed 7 days with one of the 3 diets and ileal digesta was collected over 9 h on the last 2 days according to a standardized digestibility protocol. Total and free AA content were analyzed in ileal digesta. Results All ileal digesta contained free AAs. If the analyzed free AAs would have been absorbed in the small intestine the bioavailability for whey, which was &gt; 95%, would only increase 0.4%-unit on average for the different AAs in humans and 0.1%-unit in pigs. For zein protein, which is ∼70% bioavailable, the impact of unabsorbed free AAs on bioavailability was on average 2.3 ± 1.2%-unit in humans and 3.5 ± 5.1%-unit in pigs. In both species, the biggest impact was seen for the free essential AA threonine; its potential absorption could increase threonine bioavailability of zein by 6.6 ± 4.0%-units for humans and 6.6 ± 8.6%-units for pigs. Moreover, for both species the proportion of threonine in free form, relative to total threonine, was significantly higher in ileal digesta after ingestion of zein compared to whey or the protein-free condition (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our results show that not all free AAs are fully absorbed by the end of the small intestine. When the AA bioavailability of a protein is low, these unabsorbed AAs can be a quantitatively sizable fraction of ingested AAs. Funding Sources Proteos project, funded by a consortium of food companies and food sectors, coordinated by Global Dairy Platform, USA.

Salt Transiently Inhibits Mitochondrial Energetics in Mononuclear Phagocytes

Background: Dietary high salt (HS) is a leading risk factor for mortality and morbidity. Serum sodium transiently increases postprandially, but can also accumulate at sites of inflammation affecting differentiation and function of innate and adaptive immune cells. Here, we focus on how changes in extracellular sodium, mimicking alterations in the circulation and tissues, affect the early metabolic, transcriptional and functional adaption of human and murine mononuclear phagocytes (MNP). Methods: Using Seahorse technology, pulsed stable isotope-resolved metabolomics and enzyme activity assays we characterize the central carbon metabolism and mitochondrial function of human and murine MNP under HS in vitro . HS as well as pharmacologic uncoupling of the electron transport chain (ETC) under normal salt (NS) is used to analyze mitochondrial function on immune cell activation and function (as determined by E.coli killing and CD4 + T cell migration capacity). In two independent clinical studies we analyze the impact of a HS diet over two weeks (NCT02509962) and short-term salt challenge by a single meal (NCT04175249) on mitochondrial function of human monocytes in vivo . Results: Extracellular sodium was taken up into the intracellular compartment followed by the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in murine and human macrophages (MΦ). Mechanistically, HS reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, ETC complex II activity, oxygen consumption, and ATP production independently of the polarization status of MΦ. Subsequently, cell activation is altered with improved bactericidal function in HS-treated M1-like MΦ and diminished CD4+ T cell migration in HS-treated M2-like MΦ. Pharmacologic uncoupling of the ETC under NS phenocopies HS-induced transcriptional changes and bactericidal function of human and murine MNP. Clinically, also in vivo rise in plasma sodium concentration within the physiological range reversibly reduces mitochondrial function in human monocytes. In both, a 14-day and single meal HS challenge, healthy volunteers displayed a plasma sodium increase of ̃x = 2 mM and ̃x = 2.3 mM , respectively, that correlated with decreased monocytic mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Conclusions: Our data identify the disturbance of mitochondrial respiration as the initial step by which HS mechanistically influences immune cell function. While these functional changes might help to resolve bacterial infections, a shift towards pro-inflammation could accelerate inflammatory CVD.

Food Dishes for Sustainable Development: A Swedish Food Retail Perspective

Current dietary patterns contribute negatively to greenhouse gas emissions and to the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Earlier research on sustainable food consumption mainly focuses on diets, rather than single meals. Diets are difficult to measure, which is usually executed through self-reporting. This paper aims to identify frequently prepared dishes in a home setting through sales statistics, and how they can be altered to reduce climate impact and increase nutritional value. Commonly prepared food dishes in a home setting among customers of a major food retailer in Sweden were identified through sales statistics. The dishes were altered to reach nutritional and climate impact guidelines. Commonly prepared food dishes exceeded goals for climate boundaries by more than threefold and were not in line with nutritional guidelines. The content of fat, including saturated fat, was too high. Vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and fiber need to be increased. To reduce climate impact and increase nutritional value, the amount of animal-based product need to be reduced and/or exchanged to plant-based alternatives. This research contributes empirically to understandings of how portfolio management decisions influence food consumption based on sales statistics and how nutritional and climate impact guidelines can be applied from a single meal perspective.