Effects of meal frequency on metabolic profiles and substrate partitioning in lean healthy males.
BACKGROUND
The daily number of meals has an effect on postprandial glucose and insulin responses, which may affect substrate partitioning and thus weight control. This study investigated the effects of meal frequency on 24 h profiles of metabolic markers and substrate partitioning.


METHODS
Twelve (BMI:21.6 ± 0.6 kg/m(2)) healthy male subjects stayed after 3 days of food intake and physical activity standardization 2 × 36 hours in a respiration chamber to measure substrate partitioning. All subjects randomly received two isoenergetic diets with a Low meal Frequency (3 ×; LFr) or a High meal Frequency (14 ×; HFr) consisting of 15 En% protein, 30 En% fat, and 55 En% carbohydrates. Blood was sampled at fixed time points during the day to measure metabolic markers and satiety hormones.


RESULTS
Glucose and insulin profiles showed greater fluctuations, but a lower AUC of glucose in the LFr diet compared with the HFr diet. No differences between the frequency diets were observed on fat and carbohydrate oxidation. Though, protein oxidation and RMR (in this case SMR + DIT) were significantly increased in the LFr diet compared with the HFr diet. The LFr diet increased satiety and reduced hunger ratings compared with the HFr diet during the day.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher rise and subsequently fall of insulin in the LFr diet did not lead to a higher fat oxidation as hypothesized. The LFr diet decreased glucose levels throughout the day (AUC) indicating glycemic improvements. RMR and appetite control increased in the LFr diet, which can be relevant for body weight control on the long term.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01034293.
Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. M.Munsters@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Marjet J M
MJ
Munsters
Wim H M
WH
Saris
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin