Effect Of Meal Frequency Research Articles

The Effect of Meal Frequency and Glycemic Index During the Night Shift on Alertness, Hunger, and Gastrointestinal Complaints in Female Health Care Workers—A Two-Armed Randomized Crossover Trial

BackgroundNutrition strategies for night-shift workers could optimize alertness and minimize hunger and reduce gastrointestinal complaints, enhancing safety and well-being. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of 1 or 3 small meals, with either low or high glycemic index (GI), compared with no meal, on alertness, hunger, and gastrointestinal complaints during the night shift. MethodsFifty-one female health care workers, aged 18 to 61 Y, participated in a 2-armed randomized crossover design. In 1 study arm, participants received 1 yogurt meal during the night shift, AND in the other, they received 3. Each study arm involved 3 intervention periods during night shifts, with participants consuming yogurt with low GI (1LGI or 3LGI) OR high GI (1HGI or 3HGI) carbohydrates, or no meal (0NGI). Objective alertness was assessed using a validated brief psychomotor vigilance task (PVT-B), subjective alertness with the Samn–Perelli scale, and hunger and gastrointestinal complaints through questionnaires. ResultsParticipants in the 1LGI (β: −4.6; 95% CI: 0.0, 9.3) and 3LGI (β: −3.4; 95% CI: 0.0, 6.8) conditions had fewer lapses during the PVT-B than those in the 3HGI condition. No differences were found between meal conditions for median and reciprocal reaction time or subjective alertness. All 4 conditions reported less hunger (β: from −0.6 to −1.2) compared with no meal. The 3LGI condition resulted in more rumbling intestines than the 3HGI (β: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.7) and 0NGI (β: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.37) conditions. ConclusionsOur study suggests that consuming 3 small low GI meals during the night shift helps maintain alertness and reduces lapses compared with 3 high GI meals. It also minimizes hunger but may cause mild gastrointestinal complaints.This trial was registered at International Clinical Trial Registry (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID%3dNL-OMON25574).

Effects of meal frequency on performances, appearance and behaviour of mule ducks housed in confinement

Effects of meal frequency on performances, appearance and behaviour of mule ducks housed in confinement

Beneficial effects of a decreased meal frequency on nutrient utilization, secretion of luteinizing hormones and ovarian follicular development in gilts

BackgroundReplacement gilts are typically fed ad libitum, whereas emerging evidence from human and rodent studies has revealed that time-restricted access to food has health benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of meal frequency on the metabolic status and ovarian follicular development in gilts.MethodsA total of 36 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an age of 150±3 d and a body weight of 77.6±3.8 kg were randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 12 in each group), and based on the group allocation, the gilts were fed at a frequency of one meal (T1), two meals (T2), or six meals per day (T6) for 14 consecutive weeks. The effects of the meal frequency on growth preference, nutrient utilization, short-chain fatty acid production by gut microbial, the post-meal dynamics in the metabolic status, reproductive hormone secretions, and ovarian follicular development in the gilts were measured.ResultsThe gilts in the T1 group presented a higher average daily gain (+ 48 g/d, P < 0.05) and a higher body weight (+ 4.9 kg, P < 0.05) than those in the T6 group. The meal frequency had no effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, and gross energy, with the exception that the T1 gilts exhibited a greater NDF digestibility than the T6 gilts (P < 0.05). The nitrogen balance analysis revealed that the T1 gilts presented decreased urine excretion of nitrogen (− 8.17 g/d, P < 0.05) and higher nitrogen retention (+ 9.81 g/d, P < 0.05), and thus exhibited higher nitrogen utilization than the T6 gilts. The time-course dynamics of glucose, α-amino nitrogen, urea, lactate, and insulin levels in serum revealed that the T1 group exhibited higher utilization of nutrients after a meal than the T2 or T6 gilts. The T1 gilts also had a higher acetate content and SCFAs in feces than the T6 gilts (P < 0.05). The age, body weight and backfat thickness of the gilts at first estrous expression were not affected by the meal frequency, but the gilts in the T1 group had higher levels of serum luteinizing hormone on the 18th day of the 3rd estrus cycle and 17β-estradiol, a larger number of growing follicles and corpora lutea, and higher mRNA expression levels of genes related to follicular development on the 19th day of the 3rd estrus cycle.ConclusionsThe current findings revealed the benefits of a lower meal frequency equal feed intake on nutrient utilization and reproductive function in replacement gilts, and thus provide new insights into the nutritional strategy for replacement gilts, and the dietary pattern for other mammals, such as humans.

The effect of meal frequency on biochemical cardiometabolic factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Although several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have supported the beneficial effects of higher meal frequency (MF) on cardiometabolic risk factors, the putative effects of higher MF on health remain inconclusive. This study systematically reviewed the evidence from RCTs of the effect of higher compared with lower MF on the blood lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and adipokines. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane database were searched up to October 2020 to retrieve relevant RCTs. A DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was used to pool mean differences and 95% CI for each outcome. The quality of studies and evidence was assessed through standard methods. Twenty-one RCTs (686 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. Overall results showed a significant improvement in total cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD)=-6.08mg/dl; 95% CI:-10.68,-1.48; P=0.01; I2=88%], and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD=-6.82mg/dl; 95% CI:-10.97,-1.60; P=0.009; I2=85.7%), while LDL-C to high-density cholesterol ratio (LDL-C: HDL-C) increased (WMD=0.22; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36; P=0.003; I2=0.0%) in higher MF vs. lower MF. No significant effects were found on measures of glycemic control, apolipoproteins-A1 and B, or leptin. In subgroup analyses, higher MF significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG), and increased HDL-C, compared with lower MF in interventions>12 weeks, and decreased serum TC and LDL-C in healthy participants. A significant reduction in LDL-C also was observed in studies where the same foods given both arms, simply divided into different feeding occasions, and in feeding studies, following higher MF compared to lower MF. Our meta-analysis found that higher, compared with lower MF may improve total cholesterol, and LDL-C. The intervention does not affect measures of glycemic control, apolipoproteins-A1 and B, or leptin. However, the GRADE ratings of low credibility of the currently available evidence highlights the need for more high-quality studies in order to reach a firm conclusion.

Effect of Short-Term Increase in Meal Frequency on Glucose Metabolism in Individuals with Normal Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Effects of meal frequency on blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism were evaluated over 3 days in adult males with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 9) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 9) in a randomized, crossover comparison study. Subjects were provided with an isocaloric diet 3 times daily (3M) or 9 times daily (9M). Blood glucose was monitored on Day 3 using a continuous glucose monitoring system, and subjects underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on Day 4. Daytime maximum blood glucose, glucose range, duration of glucose ≥180 mg/dL, and nighttime maximum glucose were significantly lower in the NGT/9M condition than in the NGT/3M condition. Similar findings were observed in the IFG subjects, with a lower daytime and nighttime maximum glucose and glucose range, and a significantly higher daytime minimum glucose in the 9M condition than in the 3M condition. The OGTT results did not differ significantly between NGT/3M and NGT/9M conditions. In contrast, the incremental area under the curve tended to be lower and the maximum plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower in the IFG/9M condition than in the IFG/3M condition. In IFG subjects, the 9M condition significantly improved glucose metabolism compared with the 3M condition. Higher meal frequency may increase glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion and improve insulin secretion.

The effect of meal frequency in a reduced-energy regimen on the gastrointestinal and appetite hormones in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised crossover study.

BackgroundAppetite and gastrointestinal hormones (GIHs) participate in energy homeostasis, feeding behavior and regulation of body weight. We demonstrated previously the superior effect of a hypocaloric diet regimen with lower meal frequency (B2) on body weight, hepatic fat content, insulin sensitivity and feelings of hunger compared to the same diet divided into six smaller meals a day (A6). Studies with isoenergetic diet regimens indicate that lower meal frequency should also have an effect on fasting and postprandial responses of GIHs. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore the effect of two hypocaloric diet regimens on fasting levels of appetite and GIHs and on their postprandial responses after a standard meal. It was hypothesized that lower meal frequency in a reduced-energy regimen leading to greater body weight reduction and reduced hunger would be associated with decreased plasma concentrations of GIHs: gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), peptide YY(PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and leptin and increased plasma concentration of ghrelin. The postprandial response of satiety hormones (GLP-1, PYY and PP) and postprandial suppression of ghrelin will be improved.MethodsIn a randomized crossover study, 54 patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2D) underwent both regimens. The concentrations of GLP-1, GIP, PP, PYY, amylin, leptin and ghrelin were determined using multiplex immunoanalyses.ResultsFasting leptin and GIP decreased in response to both regimens with no difference between the treatments (p = 0.37 and p = 0.83, respectively). Fasting ghrelin decreased in A6 and increased in B2 (with difference between regimens p = 0.023). Fasting PP increased in B2with no significant difference between regimens (p = 0.17). Neither GLP-1 nor PYY did change in either regimen. The decrease in body weight correlated negatively with changes in fasting ghrelin (r = -0.4, p<0.043) and the postprandial reduction of ghrelin correlated positively with its fasting level (r = 0.9, p<0.001). The postprandial responses of GIHs and appetite hormones were similar after both diet regimens.ConclusionsBoth hypocaloric diet regimens reduced fasting leptin and GIP and postprandial response of GIP comparably. The postprandial responses of GIHs and appetite hormones were similar after both diet regimens. Eating only breakfast and lunch increased fasting plasma ghrelin more than the same caloric restriction split into six meals. The changes in fasting ghrelin correlated negatively with the decrease in body weight. These results suggest that for type 2 diabetic patients on a hypocaloric diet, eating larger breakfast and lunch may be more efficient than six smaller meals during the day.

Effect of meal frequency and carbohydrate intake on the metabolic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Increasing meal frequency is commonly used in the clinical practice as part of the nutritional treatment of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2), although its effect on metabolic control parameters is controversial. To evaluate the association of energy intake, meal frequency, and amount of carbohydrates with fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in a group of patients with DM2 without insulin therapy. Dietary intake was evaluated in 60 subjects with DM2 through three-day food records. The meal frequency was estimated establishing the main meal times considering snacks. Meal frequency was 4.7 ± 1.1 times per day. There was a positive association between glycosylated and fasting blood glucose levels (p <0.01). Meal frequency was associated with energy intake (p <0.01). When meal frequency, available carbohydrates and energy intake, body mass index and fasting plasma glucose were analyzed in a multiple linear regression model, fasting blood glucose was the variable that best predicted changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (45.5%). Meal frequency had no association with glycosylated hemoglobin. Meal frequency showed no association with metabolic control parameters in DM2 patients.

SUN-P218: Effects of Meal Frequency on Body Composition

SUN-P218: Effects of Meal Frequency on Body Composition

Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised trial.

Correction to: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication 10 February 2016; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2015.225 Since the publication of this article, the authors have noticed that the name of author ‘A Zampelas’ was spelled incorrectly. The PDF and online versions have been amended. The authors apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised trial.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of two-meal patterns (three vs six meals per day) on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a randomised, crossover, 24-week study, 40 women with PCOS, aged 27±6 years, body mass index 27±6 kg/m(2), followed a weight maintenance diet (% carbohydrates:protein:fat, 40:25:35), consumed either as a three- or a six-meal pattern, with each intervention lasting for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, diet compliance and subjective hunger, satiety and desire to eat were assessed biweekly. All women underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with 75 g glucose for measurement of plasma glucose and insulin at the beginning and end of each intervention. HaemoglobinA1c (HbA1c), blood lipids and hepatic enzymes were measured at the beginning and end of each intervention. Body weight remained stable throughout the study. Six meals decreased significantly fasting insulin (P=0.014) and post-OGTT insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index, P=0.039) vs three meals. After incorporation of individual changes over time, with adjustment for potential confounders, the only variable that remained significant was the Matsuda index, which was then used in multivariate analysis and general linear models. Six meals improved post-OGTT insulin sensitivity independently of age and body weight vs three meals (P=0.012). No significant differences were found between six and three meals for glucose, HbA1c, blood lipids, hepatic enzymes, subjective desire to eat and satiety. Six meals had a more favourable effect on post-OGTT insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS compared with isocaloric three meals.

Associations between Meal and Snack Frequency and Diet Quality in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2012

BackgroundThe associations between eating frequency and diet quality are inconclusive, which might be a result of different effects of meal frequency and snack frequency. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study examined the associations of eating frequency, meal frequency, and snack frequency with diet quality, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2012. DesignDietary intake was assessed in 19,427 US adults aged 20 years or older, using two 24-hour dietary recalls. All eating occasions providing ≥50 kcal were divided into either meals or snacks on the basis of contribution to daily energy intake (≥15% or <15%), self-report, and time (6 am to 10 am, 12 pm to 3 pm, and 6 pm 9 pm or others). Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). Statistical analyses performedLinear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations of eating frequency, meal frequency, and snack frequency (independent variables) with dietary intake variables (dependent variables). ResultsHigher eating frequency was modestly and positively associated with higher HEI-2010 in both men and women; one additional eating occasion per day increased HEI-2010 by 1.77 points in men and 2.22 points in women (both P<0.0001). All measures of meal frequency and snack frequency were also modestly and positively associated with HEI-2010 in both sexes, irrespective of the definition of meals and snacks. However, the associations were stronger for meal frequency than for snack frequency; one additional meal per day increased HEI-2010 by 2.14 to 5.35 points, and one additional snack per day increased HEI-2010 by 1.25 to 1.97 points (all P<0.0001). ConclusionsIn a representative sample of US adults, both meal frequency and snack frequency were modestly associated with better diet quality.

Effects of Meal Frequency on Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency of Two year-Old Mulloway (Argyrosomus Japonicus; Pisces : Sciaenidae) Reared in Tanks

Two 4-week tank feeding trials were conducted with market size (1.5 kg+) mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) to evaluate current commercial grow-out feeding practices related to short-term fasting. Growth performance, feed intake and efficiency were evaluated in seawater during spring 2013 (September-October, water temperature 18.22- 21.97°C) and autumn 2014 (May-June, 19.42-23.0°C). Mulloway fed continuously in spring on a 6 day on - 1 day off rotation, had the highest condition index (1.12), grew significantly (P < 0.05) faster (SGR 0.35% day-1) and had better feed efficiency (FCE 76.97%) than fish subjected to two different repetitive periods of fasting and satiation refeeding (1 day on -1 day off, SGR 0.24% day-1, FCE 62.57%; 2 days on - 1 day off, SGR 0.22% day-1, FCE 58.24%); despite these fish exhibiting hyperphagia. Feeding vigour and appetite was more pronounced in the 1 day on - 1 day off than the 2 day on - 1 day off rotation. In autumn mulloway fed 5 days week-1 had the lowest final weight (1.63 kg), grew significantly slower (SGR 0.26% day-1), had poorer feed conversion (FCR 1.63) and condition (K 1.06) than fish fed 7 days week-1 (final weight 1.74 kg; SGR 0.44% day-1; FCR 1.3, K 1.09). The results of this study suggest that two-year-old mulloway do best under a constant feeding frequency while management actions, such as short-term fasting and not feeding on the weekend, will have a negative impact on fish growth and condition.

The Effect of Meal Frequency on the Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Phospholipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Fatty acids are important cellular constituents that can affect many metabolic processes relevant for the development of diabetes and its complications. We previously demonstrated a positive effect of eating just 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch, compared to 6 small meals. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore the effect of meal frequency on the fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods: In a randomized, crossover study, we assigned 54 patients with T2D to follow one of 2 regimens of a hypocaloric diet (−500 kcal/day), each for 12 weeks: 6 meals (A6) or 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch (B2). The diet in both regimens had the same macronutrient and energy content. The fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids was measured at weeks 0, 12, and 24, using gas liquid chromatography. Insulin sensitivity was derived as an oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) index.Results: Saturated fatty acids (mainly myristic and palmitic acids) decreased (p < 0.001) and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.001) in response to both regimens but more with B2 (p < 0.001 for both). Monounsaturated fatty acids decreased (p < 0.05) and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.001) in response to both regimens, with no difference between the regimens. An increase in OGIS correlated positively with changes in the proportion of linoleic acid in B2. This correlation remained significant even after adjustment for changes in body mass index (BMI; r = +0.38; p = 0.012).Conclusions: We demonstrated that meal frequency affects the fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids. The B2 regimen had more marked positive effects, with saturated fatty acids and the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids decreasing more. The increase in linoleic acid could partly explain the insulin-sensitizing effect of B2 in T2D.

Effects of meal frequency on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis.

It has been hypothesized that eating small, frequent meals enhances fat loss and helps to achieve better weight maintenance. Several observational studies lend support to this hypothesis, with an inverse relationship noted between the frequency of eating and adiposity. The purpose of this narrative review is to present and discuss a meta-analysis with regression that evaluated experimental research on meal frequency with respect to changes in fat mass and lean mass. A total of 15 studies were identified that investigated meal frequency in accordance with the criteria outlined. Feeding frequency was positively associated with reductions in fat mass and body fat percentage as well as an increase in fat-free mass. However, sensitivity analysis of the data showed that the positive findings were the product of a single study, casting doubt as to whether more frequent meals confer beneficial effects on body composition. In conclusion, although the initial results of this meta-analysis suggest a potential benefit of increased feeding frequencies for enhancing body composition, these findings need to be interpreted with circumspection.

Effect of meal frequency on plasma glucose in thoroughbred mares

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 321-399 335 horses fed 3 meals/d actually had a greater glucose response (P< 0.01). This demonstrates that a finite amount of glucose is absorbed from gut. While it may be desirable to limit the exposure to glucose, and therefore insulin, one must also consider the amount of undigested non-structural carbohydrate reaching the hindgut and the consequences that may result.

High-fiber rye diet increases ileal excretion of energy and macronutrients compared with low-fiber wheat diet independent of meal frequency in ileostomy subjects

BackgroundWhole-grain foods and cereal dietary fiber intake is associated with lower body weight. This may partly result from lower energy utilization of high-fiber diets.ObjectiveIn the present study, the impact on ileal excretion of energy and macronutrients in response to a rye bread high-fiber diet compared to a refined wheat low-fiber diet was investigated. Furthermore, the effect of meal frequency on apparent absorption of nutrients was studied for the first time.DesignTen participants that had undergone ileostomy consumed standardized iso-caloric diets, including low-fiber wheat bread (20 g dietary fiber per day) for 2 weeks followed by high-fiber rye bread (52 g dietary fiber per day) for 2 weeks. The diets were consumed in an ordinary (three meals per day) and a nibbling (seven meals per day) meal frequency in a cross-over design. Ileal effluents were collected during 24 h at the third day of each of the four dietary periods and analyzed for gross energy and nutrient contents.ResultsThe results showed that intake of rye bread high-fiber diet compared to the refined wheat low-fiber diet caused an increase in ileal excretion of energy and macronutrients. The effect was independent of meal frequency. This suggests that a high intake of rye may result in lower availability of macronutrients for small intestinal digestion and absorption. A regular intake of rye may therefore have implications for weight management.

Effects of meal frequency and snacking on food demand in mice

Ad libitum feeding patterns in mice show substantial differences between laboratories, in addition to large individual and time-of-day differences. In the present study, we examine how mice work for food when access to food is temporally restricted and so they are forced to take discrete meals. In a first experiment, separate groups of ICR:CD1 mice were given access to food for 4, 8 or 16 opportunities or meals per day, with the duration of access at each opportunity adjusted reciprocally so that the total time of availability was 160 min per day in all three conditions. During the periods of availability, mice were able to earn food pellets by nose poke responses, according to an incrementing series of fixed unit prices (FUP: 2, 5, 10, 25) with each schedule in force for 3–4 days. Total food intake was similar in all three groups, indicating that mice generally were able to adjust their intake to a range of temporal availabilities. In each group, food demand fell as FUP increased. In the 8 and 16 meal groups, no food was eaten in many of the opportunities. Within an opportunity, the rate of intake generally declined with time, indicative of satiation. At low FUPs, later opportunities in each day were associated with smaller meals than earlier opportunities; in contrast, at high FUPs the first opportunity was also a small meal. Collectively, these results show that mice eat less at higher costs but not because of time constraints of the schedule: instead, they exhibit an elective anorexia. In the second experiment, we examined whether snacking between imposed meals would affect subsequent meal(s). Mice were adapted to the foregoing 8 opportunity protocol. Then, half the mice received free snacks of sugar cubes after the 3rd, 4th and 5th meal opportunities and the intakes of sugar and pellets were examined at low and high unit costs for pellets (FUP2 and 25). At FUP2, mice decreased demand for pellets and compensated energetically for the sugar they consumed. At FUP25, mice also decreased demand, but by less than the energy obtained from sugar. These data show that choice for pellets over a free palatable snack, and subsequent compensation of energy intake, is modified by effort and demand.

Effect of meal frequency on weight loss: A systematic review

Effect of meal frequency on weight loss: A systematic review

Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin excursions over the course of a day

Background & aims: This study characterized the glucose and insulin responses to temporal alterations in meal frequency, and alterations in the macronutrient composition. Methods: Eight subjects underwent three separate 12-h meal tests: three high carbohydrate (3CHO) meals, 6 high carbohydrate meals (6CHO), 6 high-protein meals (6HP). Blood samples were taken at 15-min intervals. Integrated area under the curve (AUC) concentrations for glucose and plasma insulin were determined (total, 4-h, and 2-h blocks) for each meal condition. Results: Baseline glucose and insulin values were not different between study days. Peak glucose levels were highest on the 3CHO day; however the 12 h glucose AUC was higher during the 6CHO condition (p = 0.029) than 3CHO condition, with no difference in the insulin response. The 6HP condition resulted in a decreased glucose AUC (p = 0.004) and insulin AUC (p = 0.012) compared to 6CHO. Conclusions: In non-obese individuals, glucose levels remained elevated throughout the day with frequent CHO meals compared to 3CHO meals, without any differences in the insulin levels. Increasing the protein content of frequent meals attenuated both the glucose and insulin response. These findings of elevated glucose levels throughout the day warrant further research, particularly in overweight and obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes

Effects of meal frequency during weight reduction.

Effects of meal frequency during weight reduction.