Role Of Fat Research Articles

1723: Breast density histogram analysis: the role of fat in outcome prediction after Breast Radiotherapy

1723: Breast density histogram analysis: the role of fat in outcome prediction after Breast Radiotherapy

Role of fat on the quality and shelf-life of gluten-free bread baked by Ohmic heating and conventional deck oven

The addition of fat to gluten-free (GF) bread can influence several quality attributes, such as texture and starch retrogradation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different fats on GF bread properties using two different baking methods (conventional and ohmic heating), in order to understand how these affect the physical bread quality, the formation of amylose-lipid complexes and its effect on crumb firming behavior. Fats (coconut, rapeseed, butter, and palm) with different physico-chemical properties, and physical state (solid, liquid) were tested in standard GF bread formulations. Results showed that fat significantly improved crumb pore uniformity. Crumb texture and pasting properties were mostly influenced by the type of fat, storage time and baking method. Staling was delayed in all breads added with fat due to the formation of amylose-lipid complexes, which were highest with palm fat and were usually higher when baked by ohmic heating.

The effect of maternal period nutritional status on oro-sensorial fat perception and taste preference in rats.

CD36 and GPR120 play an important role in the perception and preference for fat-rich food consumption. We aimed to investigate the relationship between oro-gustatory perception of lipids, fatty taste preference, and maternal (Gestation + Lactation)-maturation period nutrition status in offspring Sprague-Dawley rats. In our study, mother rats were fed with control (C) or high-fat diets (HFD) during gestation (21days) and lactation (21days) periods. After weaning, the offspring were fed with control (C) or high-fat diets (HFD) during the maturation (120days) period. Daily calorie intake and weekly body weight measurements were monitored. Two-bottle preference (TBPT) and licking tests measured the fat perceptions and preferences. Plasma levels of insulin, leptin, glucose, and triglyceride were measured. The protein and mRNA expressions of CD36 and GPR120 in the circumvallate papillae (CVP) were determined. The 48h TBPT results revealed that maternal HFD-exposed offspring rats significantly preferred 2% rapeseed oil solution regardless of the type of maturation diet. According to the licking test, C/C group (C diet exposed group in maternal and maturation periods) offspring licked 0.1% oleic acid-containing water more than C/HFD (C diet exposed in maternal period and HFD exposed group in maturation period) and HFD/HFD group. (HFD exposed group in maternal and maturation periods) groups. Plasma insulin and leptin concentrations significantly increased in HFD/HFD groups compared to C/C group. CD36 protein expressions were significantly lower in HFD/HFD than C/HFD and HFD/C groups. GPR120 and GNAT3 mRNA expressions in HFD/C group were significantly higher than in C/HFD group. Our results suggest that HFD exposure during maternal and maturation period may play a role in fat perception/preference through oral lipid sensors.

Baking using oleogels

Baking using oleogels

Association study of Melanocortin-4 Receptor (rs17782313) and PKHD1 (rs2784243) variations and early incidence of obesity at the age of maturity

Introduction: Obesity is primarily caused by the dysfunction of the energy homeostasis system. Numerous studies have reported an association between obesity and the rs17782313 variant near the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene. In addition, the PKHD1 gene regulates the expression of fibrocystin. This gene is primarily expressed in the kidney and plays a role in fat and glucose metabolism. However, the interaction between PKHD1 polymorphisms and birth weight has not yet been investigated. This study showed the association between the rs17782313 variant near the MRC4 gene and rs2784243 in the PKHD1 gene amongst Iranian cases with obesity before maturity. Methods: One hundred and eleven Iranian patients and 100 healthy individuals aged 5 years and over were selected from the Tehran Moheb-e-Yas Hospital. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing methods were used for genotyping the genetic variants. A Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between rs17782313 and food intake and rs2784243 and birth weight. Results: The rs17782313 variant was associated with high food intake (P = 0.04), while the rs2784243 variant was associated with increased birth weight (P = 004). Conclusion: The MC4R rs17782313 and PKHD1 rs2784243 variants may contribute to food intake and early obesity. Moreover, a novel association was suggested between PKHD1 rs2784243 and birth weight.

Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Revealed That CircMARK3 Is a Potential CircRNA Affects Fat Deposition in Buffalo.

BackgroundBuffalo meat is increasingly widely accepted for consumption as it shares several quality attributes with cattle meat (beef). Hence, there is a huge opportunity for growth in the buffalo meat industry. However, buffalo meat has relatively low intramuscular fat (IMF) content, affecting its flavor, tenderness and juiciness. As there is a dearth of information on factors that control fat deposition, this study was undertaken to provide new candidate factor associated with buffalo fat deposition. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel class of non-coding RNA with a closed-loop structure, and play an important role in fat deposition.MethodsIn this study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a circRNA co-expression network and revealed a candidate circRNA that may affect the IMF deposition of buffalo as determined by RT-qPCR, semiquantitative PCR and gain-of-function experiments.ResultsHerein, WGCNA determined that one module (turquoise module) is significantly associated with the growth and development stages of buffalo. Further analysis revealed a total of 191 overlapping circRNAs among differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the co-expression module. A candidate circRNA was found, 21:6969877|69753491 (circRNA_ID), with a reported involvement in lipid metabolism. This circRNA is stably expressed and originates from the MARK3 gene, hence the name circMARK3. circMARK3 is highly expressed in adipose tissue and mature adipocytes and is located in the cytoplasm. Gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that circMARK3 promoted adipogenic differentiation of buffalo adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells by up-regulating the expression levels of adipogenic marker genes PPARG, C/EBPα and FABP4.ConclusionThese results indicate that circMARK3 is a potential factor that promotes fat deposition by regulating adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in buffalo.

Dietary fats and their sources in association with the risk of bladder cancer: A pooled analysis of 11 prospective cohort studies.

The effects of fat intake from different dietary sources on bladder cancer (BC) risk remains unidentified. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between fat intakes and BC risk by merging world data on this topic. Data from 11 cohort studies in the BLadder cancer Epidemiology and Nutritional Determinants (BLEND) study, provided sufficient information on fat intake for a total of 2731 BC cases and 544 452 noncases, which yielded 5 400 168 person‐years of follow‐up. Hazard ratios (HRs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were estimated using Cox‐regression models stratified on cohort. Analyses were adjusted for total energy intake in kilocalories, gender, smoking status (model‐1) and additionally for sugar and sugar products, beers, wine, dressing and plant‐based and fruits intakes (model‐2). Among women, an inverse association was observed between mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and BC risk (HR comparing the highest with the lowest tertile: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58‐0.93, P‐trend = .01). Overall, this preventative effect of MUFAs on BC risk was only observed for the nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) subtype (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.91, P‐trend = .004). Among men, a higher intake of total cholesterol was associated with an increased BC risk (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16‐1.61, P‐trend = .01). No other significant associations were observed. This large prospective study adds new insights into the role of fat and oils in BC carcinogenesis, showing an inverse association between consumption of MUFAs and the development of BC among women and a direct association between higher intakes of dietary cholesterol and BC risk among men.

‘Feeling fat’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining the role of emotion dysregulation in the body displacement hypothesis

‘Feeling fat,’ the somatic experience of being overweight not entirely explained by objective weight, may occur due to the projection of negative affect onto the body. Individuals may manage ‘feeling fat’ via eating pathology (e.g., binge eating or dietary restriction) rather than address the source of negative affect. Thus, ‘feeling fat’ may occur in the absence of adaptive emotion regulation strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased negative affect widely and may potentially contribute to the experience of ‘feeling fat’ and eating pathology among individuals with emotion dysregulation. This study examined whether emotion dysregulation moderates ‘feeling fat's’ role as a mechanism underlying the relationship between COVID-19-related distress and eating pathology. This uniqueness of this model to eating pathology was investigated by comparing effects for binge eating and dietary restriction versus anxiety, depression, and problematic alcohol use. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze questionnaire data from 877 participants (77.3% women). ‘Feeling fat’ explained significant variance in the relationship between COVID-19-related distress and both binge eating and restriction. Emotion dysregulation modulated the strength of these relationships. However, ‘feeling fat's role in the relationship between pandemic-related distress and negative psychological outcomes was not unique to eating pathology and did not vary based upon emotion dysregulation. Individuals with elevated emotion dysregulation are more likely to report eating pathology, but not other outcomes, in the context of ‘feeling fat’. In contrast, ‘feeling fat’ underlies the relationship between COVID-19-distress and transdiagnostic psychological outcomes, meaning ‘feeling fat’ should be considered in risk for psychopathology beyond eating disorders.

Glucocentric Metabolism in Ultra-Endurance Sled Dogs.

The total energy expenditure of a racing sled dog can exceed 500 kcal/kg bodyweight during typical events spanning a week or more. Based on early research, as well as practical considerations, modern commercial diets are formulated to meet these energy requirements using fat and protein. However, more recent research provides a clear picture of a canine athlete with glucocentric metabolism, including many conditioning-induced adaptations oriented toward sustaining submaximal exercise with glucose as the primary metabolic fuel despite the consumption of fat as the primary dietary energy source. The specific strategies used by racing sled dogs to maintain a robust supply of glucose during exercise, as well as the possible role of fat in facilitating that metabolic priority, is the subject of ongoing research.

CHANGE OF THE CHEMICAL, FAT AND ACID COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF LAMB FAT UNDER INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FODDER BACKGROUND

The role of fats in nutrition is determined by their high-calorie content and participation in the construction of body tissues, together with proteins and carbohydrates. Enriched nutrition is of great importance in the complex of issues that determine its usefulness. Thus, the question of the effect of probiotics and sorbents in the diet on the animal organism has become very relevant. The purpose of the work was a comparative assessment of the composition and properties of adipose tissue of rams, consuming together and separately preparations with sorption and probiotic effect. The studies were carried out in two stages. In the first, during the scientific and economic experiment, 80 newborn rams grew and developed up to a year of age, followed by the slaughter of three animals from each group. In the second stage, samples of internal fat were examined according to some indicators. Sensory analysis revealed that all internal fat samples met the established requirements, while the color and consistency of the experimental samples improved. The dry matter content, including fat in the experimental samples of fat tissue, increased, and moisture decreased. The physical and technical parameters of internal fat also changed in the intergroup aspect. In the control sample, the iodine number decreased, and the saponification number, pour point, and melting point increased. Calculation of energy value indicates that in the first sample, the indicator increased by 0.08 MJ (0.23%); Group II – by 0.16 MJ (0.45%) and group III – by 0.25 MJ (0.70%). According to the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids, young group III was in the lead. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was the opposite. The biological effectiveness of fats is determined by the ratio that was better in the experimental samples. Thus, the inclusion of fodder additives in the diet of the rams of the Romanov breed helps to improve the quality of raw materials.

The gut hormone secretin triggers a gut-brown fat-brain axis in the control of food intake.

What is the topic of this review? Brown fat's role in meal-associated thermogenesis and the related consequences for energy balance regulation with a focus on the gut hormone secretin, which has been identified as the endocrine molecular mediator of meal-associated brown fat thermogenesis. What advances does it highlight? The finding of the secretin-induced gut-brown fat-brain axis creates new opportunities to manipulate brown fat and thereby energy balance in a natural way while living in a thermoneutral environment. The role of brown fat as a mere catabolic heater organ needs to be revised and more attention should be directed towards the regulatory role of brown fat beyond energy expenditure. Brown fat research concentrates on the energy expenditure function of this heating organ, whereas previous evidence for a role of brown fat in regulating energy intake has been mostly neglected. Ingestion of a single mixed meal activates human brown fat thermogenesis to the same degree as cold. In mice, activation of brown fat thermogenesis with a β3 -adrenergic receptor agonist inhibits food intake. Pharmacological β-blockade, however, inhibits neither meal-associated thermogenesis nor food intake. We recently identified the gut hormone secretin as a non-adrenergic activator of brown fat. In vivo, secretin treatment acutely increases energy expenditure and inhibits food intake in wild-type, but not in uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-knockout (KO) mice, which lack thermogenic brown fat function. Concurrently, secretin alters gene expression of melanocortinergic peptides of hypothalamic neurons in wild-type mice, but not UCP1-KO. Blocking endogenous secretin with a neutralizing antibody attenuates brown fat thermogenesis during refeeding, increases food intake of mice, and alters ad libitum feeding behaviour. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that secretin triggers an endocrine gut-brown adipose tissue-brain axis in the control of satiation. We hypothesize that meal-associated activation of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis induced by secretin results in a rise in brain temperature and increased melanocortinergic signalling. Taken together, brown fat is not a mere heating organ dissipating excess calories but also involved in gut-brain communication in the control of food intake.

Correction to: The role of fat on cardiomyopathy outcome in mouse models of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

The authors regret that Philipp E Scherer's name was spelt incorrectly in the author list. The name of the author is now corrected above.

Cell-autonomous light sensitivity via Opsin3 regulates fuel utilization in brown adipocytes.

Opsin3 (Opn3) is a transmembrane heptahelical G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) with the potential to produce a nonvisual photoreceptive effect. Interestingly, anatomical profiling of GPCRs reveals that Opn3 mRNA is highly expressed in adipose tissue. The photosensitive functions of Opn3 in mammals are poorly understood, and whether Opn3 has a role in fat is entirely unknown. In this study, we found that Opn3-knockout (Opn3-KO) mice were prone to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. At the cellular level, Opn3-KO brown adipocytes cultured in darkness had decreased glucose uptake and lower nutrient-induced mitochondrial respiration than wild-type (WT) cells. Light exposure promoted mitochondrial activity and glucose uptake in WT adipocytes but not in Opn3-KO cells. Brown adipocytes carrying a defective mutation in Opn3’s putative G protein–binding domain also exhibited a reduction in glucose uptake and mitochondrial respiration in darkness. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified several novel light-sensitive and Opn3-dependent molecular signatures in brown adipocytes. Importantly, direct exposure of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to light in living mice significantly enhanced thermogenic capacity of BAT, and this effect was diminished in Opn3-KO animals. These results uncover a previously unrecognized cell-autonomous, light-sensing mechanism in brown adipocytes via Opn3-GPCR signaling that can regulate fuel metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. Our work also provides a molecular basis for developing light-based treatments for obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Dairy Food Consumption and Mammographic Breast Density: The Role of Fat.

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations between low and high-fat dairy food (DF) intake and breast density (BD). A total of 775 premenopausal and 771 postmenopausal women recruited during screening mammography completed a food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted linear regression models were used to assess the associations. As frequency quartiles of high-fat DF consumption increased, the adjusted mean of absolute BD increased from 31.5 to 36.1 cm2 for all women (ptrend=0.0034) and from 42.4 to 50.1 cm2 for premenopausal women (ptrend=0.0047). Conversely, as frequency quartiles of low-fat DF consumption increased, the adjusted mean of absolute BD decreased from 34.7 to 29.6 cm2 for all women (ptrend=0.001) and from 49.7 to 40.7 cm2 for premenopausal women (ptrend=0.0012). A higher intake of high-fat and low-fat DF is respectively associated with higher and lower BD, particularly in premenopausal women.

Negative prognostic value of intra-ductal fat infiltrate in breast cancer

BackgroundRecent studies showed a correlation between Body Mass Index and both breast cancer occurrence and progression. Nevertheless, no study reported an accurate evaluation of intra-ductal fat infiltrate. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the putative association between intra-ductal fat infiltrate (IDFi) and breast cancer subtypes by using digital pathology. MethodsWe retrospectively collected 220 breast biopsies. Paraffin serial sections were used for haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical evaluation of the following markers: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67 and c-erb2. Three haematoxylin and eosin sections for each paraffin block were digitalized. Digital slides were used to evaluate the areas of IDFi. Five randomized areas were evaluated for each slide. By using GraphPad software IDFi areas was correlated with a) breast cancer histotype, b) presence of microcalcifications and c) biomarkers expression. ResultsBreast biopsies were classified as follow: 20 normal breast, 50 benign lesions, and 150 malignant lesions (85 ductal in situ carcinomas; 65 ductal infiltrating carcinomas). Statistical analysis showed a significant increase of IDFi in malignant lesions as compared to both normal breast and benign lesions. We noted higher IDFi in breast ductal carcinomas as compared to lobular lesions. Significant differences were observed between breast lesions with microcalcifications respect to lesions without calcifications. Noteworthy, we also found a positive association between IDFi and the expression of both ER and Ki67. ConclusionResults of our study highlighted the possible role of fat in breast cancer progression suggesting a negative prognostic value of IDFi.

Available Sources of Food in Indonesia (for the improvement of the nutritional status of children)

Ultimately, improvement of the nutritional status of children, in especially the preschool children, can only be achieved if the daily food intake is sufficient.This will ensure in the first instance the adequate provision -of energy, and secondly, the available protein in the diet will then be efficiently utilized. Sufficient intake of food can and must be realized through the combined use of inexpensive locally available foods from the food groups: Cereals, Legumes and Fish, Fat, Vegetables and Fruits, according to the existing menu-pattern "4 Sehat - 5 Sempurna" (4 means healthy- 5 is excellent).
 The diet therefore must not consist of rice alone. The role of fat in the diet must be stressed. The meal pattern of preschool children must be at least l times a day, preferably more.
 Depending on the available budget and the creative imagination of the mother, a variety of inexpensive but palatable dishes can be prepared at home which will stimulate the food intake.

The effects of overt hypothyroidism on adipose tissue and serum betatrophin levels

Aim: Betatrophin, also known as angiopoietin-like peptide-8, is an adipokine in glycoprotein structure synthesized from adipose tissue and liver. Betatrophin plays a role in fat and energy metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase, the key enzyme in the hydrolysis of plasma lipoproteins. Although thyroid hormones have an active role in energy metabolism, their relationship with cholesterol and lipid metabolism is not clear. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of serum betatrophin levels with energy and lipid metabolism in patients with overt hypothyroidism.Methods: This is a case-control study. The mean age of 44 patients (20 males, 24 females) with hypothyroidism was 44.7 (13.8). A total of 40 healthy volunteers, including 19 males and 21 females, were included in the study as a control group. The mean age of healthy volunteers was 44.6 (14.4) years. Fasting blood glucose, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, TSH, free T3, free T4, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, anti-TPO, anti-TG, insulin, HOMA-IR levels and serum betatrophin levels were measured by ELISA and compared in both groups.Results: Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism compared to the control group (P=0.001). Serum betatrophin levels were positively correlated with TSH, TG and total cholesterol, and negatively correlated with HDL, free T3 and free T4 levels. There was no significant difference in the comparison of patients regarding anti-TPO levels in the hypothyroidism group (P=0.78).Conclusion: In our study, we found that serum betatrophin levels were high in hypothyroid patients. This study may be useful in the development of treatments targeting betatrophin in clinical practice.

Alanine Aminotransferase and Body Composition in Obese Men and Women.

There is a known relationship between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and obesity in humans, but the mechanism(s) are not clarified. This study investigated the associations between serum ALT and body composition in an overweight and obese population. The results are based on data from a previous randomized controlled trial treating obesity with vitamin D3. A sample of 448 overweight and obese individuals underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and measured serum ALT along with supplementary blood samples at study baseline. Body fat mass and lean mass indexes were calculated by dividing total body fat/lean weight (kg) by body height squared (kg/m2). ALT correlated with body mass index (BMI) in men but not women (r = 0.33, P < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.06, P = 0.29). In men, serum ALT correlated positively with fat mass index (r = 0.23, P = 0.004) and lean mass index (r = 0.32, P < 0.0001). In women, ALT correlated with lean mass index (r = 0.13, P = 0.031) but not fat mass index (r = 0.003, P = 0.96). In a multivariate model adjusted for age and fat mass index, a 1-unit increase in lean mass index associated with a 0.37 U/L higher ALT in the male subgroup (95% CI 0.024 to 0.040, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, serum ALT was associated with body fat mass index in men and with lean mass index in men and women in an overweight and obese population. The findings also demonstrate a gender difference in the role of fat.

1844-P: Long-Term Remission of Type 2 Diabetes after Weight Loss Requires Effective Clearance of Hepatic VLDL-TG and Maintenance of Low Intrapancreatic Fat

The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) demonstrated initial remission of type 2 diabetes in about half of a large primary care population, and this was associated with decrease in intrapancreatic fat content and return of beta cell function. We have carried out detailed metabolic studies on a subgroup at 2 years, comparing those who remained in remission (HbA1c &amp;lt;6.5%; n=20, 7F/13M, 54.6±7.3 years, BMI 34.5±4.9kg/m2), and those who failed to maintain the initial remission (n=13, 6F/7M, 52.6±8.3 years, BMI 34.9±3.7kg/m2). Pancreas and liver fat were quantified by 3-point Dixon MRI. Hepatic VLDL-triglyceride (VLDL1-TG) production was measured in vivo using a non-isotopic competitive blocking method. Remission of diabetes was associated with major decreases in liver fat, pancreas fat, and hepatic VLDL-TG production during the weight loss phase between baseline to 5 months in both groups. However, those who failed to maintain remission were characterized by more weight regain (11. 3±1.9 vs. 6.6±1.0 kg, p=0.036), and greater increases in both liver (6.2±1.1 vs. 3.6±0.9%, p=0.05), and pancreas fat (+1.0±0.39 vs. -0.48±0.25%, p=0.005) between 5 months and 24 months. Hepatic VLDL-TG pool level remained stable under remission conditions (1046.4± 204.6 to 1638.6± 372.11 mg, p=0.35), whereas there was a significant increase when remission was lost (1328.0± 271.8 to 2865.6±692.4mg, p=0.04). In those who failed to maintain remission, fasting VLDL-TG increased (0.46±0.10 to 0.84±0.17 mmol/l, p&amp;lt;0.05), and there was a positive correlation between the rise in liver fat and intrapancreatic fat (r=0.64, p=0.018). These data emphasize the link between hepatic VLDL-TG-metabolism and accumulation of fat within the liver and pancreas in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, provide further evidence for the role of fat in its pathophysiology, and show that longer term remission of type 2 diabetes is dependent upon avoidance of weight regain. Disclosure A. Al-Mrabeh: None. S.V. Zhyzhneuskaya: None. A.C. Barnes: None. K.G. Hollingsworth: None. N. Sattar: Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. Consultant; Self; NAPP Pharmaceuticals Limited. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diagnostics France, Sanofi. M.E. Lean: Consultant; Self; Counterweight Ltd., Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. R. Taylor: Advisory Panel; Self; Wilmington Healthcare. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Novartis AG. Funding Diabetes UK

Fueling and Recovery

As ultra-endurance races continue to rise in popularity, it is critical that athletes understand how to nourish their bodies with proper amounts of calories from carbohydrate, protein, and fat. The importance of carbohydrate for fueling endurance exercise and protein for recovery is well established; however, the role of fat is debated. Specific amounts of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight are recommended for before, during, and after ultra-endurance exercise. Total grams of protein per day and after exercise are established. After carbohydrate and protein needs are determined the balance of calories typically come from fat. Using fat for energy during endurance exercise is not a new concept, but continues to be studied as way of fueling while sparing muscle glycogen.