Vitamin D and Alcohol Differentially Effect Weight Gain in Older Female Mice

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Serum calcidiol is inversely associated with BMI in obese individuals and murine research has shown that vitamin D deficient diets (VDD) increase body weight. Alcohol intake doesn't necessarily increase body weight despite its caloric density but has been associated with VDD. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D deficiency with or without alcohol on body weight, body composition, glucose tolerance, and energy expenditure in seven-month-old female mice. Methods Seven-month-old female retired breeder C57BL/6J mice (n = 40) were weight-matched and randomized to one of four diets: control (normal purified AIN-93 diet), vitamin D deficient (VDD, 0 intake of vitamin D), alcohol (Alc, 10% ethanol), or vitamin D deficient and alcohol (VDD + Alc). Mice were fed ad libitum for 8 weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly and body composition was measured at baseline and final time points using EchoMRI. Glucose tolerance and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and Oxymax/CLAMS unit at week 8. Results Body weight at baseline was 27.4 ± 1.8 g and did not differ between groups. Mice drinking alcohol had a decreased food intake (p < 0.001). When liquid calories were accounted for, total caloric intake did not differ between groups. Weight gain throughout the study increased more in the VDD groups (p < 0.05). Increases in weight were 0.81 ± 2.9, 0.82 ± 2.0, 2.0 ± 1.7, and 3.6 ± 2.9 g, in the control, Alc, VDD, and VDD + Alc groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Lean body mass was also increased due to VDD (p < 0.05). The total fat mass did not differ significantly between groups, however, VDD groups gained more fat mass over time (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA showed an interaction between vitamin D and alcohol for EE (p < 0.05). Positive incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for blood glucose was decreased due to alcohol intake (p < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, alcohol intake decreased blood glucose and food intake, but there was no effect on total caloric intake, body weight or body composition. VDD led to greater increases in body weight and soft tissue compartments compared to other groups that were not explained by caloric intake or EE. Understanding mechanisms that are causing excess weight gain due to VDD is currently a focus in the lab. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA (NJAES).