Effective suppression of myocardial glucose uptake using predesigned low-carbohydrate boxed meals

Abstract

BackgroundDietary preparation protocols are an effective means to suppress physiological myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of various carbohydrate-restricted diets using predesigned boxed meals. MethodsThe patients were divided into four groups to undergo different preparatory protocols as follows: a minimum 15-hour fast alone, two meals of high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (HFLCD), two meals of high-animal-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (HAPLCD), and two meals of high-plant-based-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (HPPLCD). Boxed meals were prepared to meet the required carbohydrate restrictions. Myocardial SUVmax and SUVmean were measured and the suppression rate was analyzed. ResultsThe average myocardial SUVmax of fast alone, HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD were 8.26 ± 5.85, 2.21 ± 1.50, 2.34 ± 1.88, and 4.10 ± 3.61, respectively, and the suppression rates were 36.6%, 93.3%, 93.3%, and 70%, respectively. The effectiveness of HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD was all statistically superior to that of a 15-hour fast alone. SUVmax of HFLCD and HAPLCD showed no significant differences (p = 1), whereas HFLCD and HPPLCD had significant differences (p = .046). ConclusionsUsing the predesigned boxed meals based on carbohydrate restriction, HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD can be administered to patients with different dietary needs while providing a substantial reduction in physiological myocardial FDG uptake.