Methodology for studying postprandial lipid metabolism.
BACKGROUND
Postprandial lipid metabolism in humans has deserved much attention during the last two decades. Although fasting lipid and lipoprotein parameters reflect body homeostasis to some extent, the transient lipid and lipoprotein accumulation that occurs in the circulation after a fat-containing meal highlights the individual capacity to handle an acute fat input. An exacerbated postprandial accumulation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the circulation has been associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.


METHODS
The important number of studies published in this field raises the question of the methodology used for such postprandial studies, as reviewed.


RESULTS
Based on our experiences, the present review reports and discuss the numerous methodological issues involved to serve as a basis for further works. These aspects include aims of the postprandial tests, size and nutrient composition of the test meals and background diets, pre-test conditions, characteristics of subjects involved, timing of sampling, suitable markers of postprandial lipid metabolism and calculations.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, we stress the need for standardization of postprandial tests.
Lairon
D
D
UMR INSERM 476 Nutrition Humaine et lipides, Faculté de médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France. denis.lairon@medecine.univ-mrs.fr
Lopez-Miranda
J
J
Williams
C
C
D019540:Area Under Curve; D015415:Biomarkers; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D052439:Lipid Metabolism Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010316:Particle Size; D018579:Patient Selection; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers; D004041:Dietary Fats