Time-of-day and nutrient composition of eating occasions: prospective association with the metabolic syndrome in the 1946 British birth cohort

Evaluation of the relationship of chronotype, MIND diet, and lifestyle factors in overweight and obese people: Path analysis and structural equation modeling

The effects of chronotype and diet on obese individuals have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet, chronotype and lifestyle factors in different types of overweight and obese people. 1100 obese individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Compliance with the MIND diet was questioned, anthropometric measurements were taken, and biochemical parameter results from patient records in the last week were examined. Chronotypes were determined with the "A self-assessment questionnaire to determine morningness in human circadian rhythms" scale. MIND diet score was inversely associated with the body mass index (BMI) [β (SE) = -0.239 (0.11), p = 0.31] and waist circumference [β (SE) = -0.026 (0.01), p = 0.028], explained 0.4% of BMI and 0.6% of WC. There was a significant relationship between poorer MIND diets and higher CRP levels. A positive correlation was found between an increased MEQ score and MIND diet only in overweight participants (correlation coefficient = 0.200, p < 0.05). Whole cereals and fish consumption were positively associated with chronotype scores, while the highest odds of red meats and fast/fried foods seemed to have a negative effect. As a result, it has been observed that individuals with a morning chronotype have higher compliance with the MIND diet and make healthier food choices. Both having a morning chronotype and complying with the MIND diet have been associated with improvements in biochemical parameters in overweight and obese people.

Chrono-Nutrition, Chrono-Type, and the Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Cross-Sectional Study from the EuroPean Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study

Background: Previous studies have shown that meal timing, poor sleep quality, and chronotype may play a relevant role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its relationship with macronutrients by eating occasions has not been explored deeply. Objective: Our aim was to estimate the association between chrono-nutrition, sleep quality, chronotype, and the prevalence of T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a subset of 3465 middle-aged Caucasian adults (2068 women) from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Spain cohort study. In the 2017-18 follow-up, we assessed chronotype, sleep quality, diet, and sociodemographic data using validated questionnaires. Further, we used blood samples to determine serum levels of glucose. We defined a case of T2DM when serum glucose concentration was ≥126 mg/dL or when participants self-reported diabetes. Results: A higher prevalence of T2DM was associated with poor sleep quality (ORpoorvsgood = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.30, 6.28). Carbohydrate intake at breakfast was inversely associated with the prevalence of T2DM (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.85). Finally, lipid intake at breakfast was associated with a 13% higher prevalence of T2DM (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.26) for each 1 standard deviation (1-SD) increase. Conclusions: This study concludes that a higher content of carbohydrates at breakfast is correlated with a reduced prevalence of T2DM, while higher lipids intake at breakfast is associated with a higher prevalence of T2DM. Furthermore, poor sleep quality is a potential factor associated with an elevated prevalence of T2DM. Our results emphasize the need for prospective studies to validate and strengthen these observed associations.

Chrononutrition in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity: A narrative review

Chrononutrition is a nutritional regimen that follows our biological clock, marked by the changes in metabolism that occur during the day. This regimen includes the distribution of energy, the regularity and frequency of meals, and the importance of these factors for metabolic health. A growing body of animal and human evidence indicates that the timing of food intake throughout the day can have a significant and beneficial impact on the metabolic health and well-being of individuals. In particular, both the timing and frequency of meals have been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. Today's busy lifestyle makes many people skip breakfast and eat late at night. Eating late at night has been shown to cause a circadian misalignment, with the latter having a negative impact on weight control and glucose metabolism. Additionally, some studies have found a relatively strong association between skipping breakfast and insulin resistance, and T2DM. Against the backdrop of escalating obesity and T2DM rates, coupled with the recognized influence of food timing on disease evolution and control, this review aimed to synthesize insights from epidemiological and intervention studies of the interplay of timing of food intake and macronutrient consumption, reporting their impact on obesity and T2DM.

A focus on leucine in the nutritional regulation of human skeletal muscle metabolism in ageing, exercise and unloading states

Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB) are influenced through dietary protein intake and physical (in)activity, which it follows, regulate skeletal muscle (SKM) mass across the lifespan. Following consumption of dietary protein, the bio-availability of essential amino acids (EAA), and primarily leucine (LEU), drive a transient increase in MPS with an ensuing refractory period before the next MPS stimulation is possible (due to the "muscle full" state). At the same time, MPB is periodically constrained via reflex insulin actions. Layering exercise on top of protein intake increases the sensitivity of SKM to EAA, therefore extending the muscle full set-point (∼48 h), to permit long-term remodelling (e.g., hypertrophy). In contrast, ageing and physical inactivity are associated with a premature muscle full set-point in response to dietary protein/EAA and contractile activity. Of all the EAA, LEU is the most potent stimulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-signalling pathway, with the phosphorylation of mTORC1 substrates increasing ∼3-fold more than with all other EAA. Furthermore, maximal MPS stimulation is also achieved following low doses of LEU-enriched protein/EAA, negating the need for larger protein doses. As a result, LEU supplementation has been of long term interest to maximise muscle anabolism and subsequent net protein accretion, especially when in tandem with resistance exercise. This review highlights current knowledge vis-à-vis the anabolic effects of LEU supplementation in isolation, and in enriched protein/EAA sources (i.e., EAA and/or protein sources with added LEU), in the context of ageing, exercise and unloading states.

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and the risk of dyslipidemia among railway workers in southwest China: A cross-sectional study

Railway workers are more likely to have an irregular work schedule, which had an effect on their circadian rhythm of sleep, and may lead to circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs). The association between CRSWDs and dyslipidemia in railway workers is poorly understood. The objective of this research is to study the association between CRSWDs and the risk of dyslipidemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among railway workers in Southwest China. CRSWDs were assessed by the morningness-eveningness questionnaire self-assessment version (MEQ-SA). The blood samples were collected in the morning and the lipids of participants were measured. Associations of CRSWDs with dyslipidemia and its components were analyzed. A total of 8079 participants were enrolled in this study, and the results revealed that shift work sleep disorder (SWD) and advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD) were associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06-1.29, P < 0.01; OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.09-2.64, P < 0.05) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles, in comparison with the control group. As for its components, the SWD group was associated with a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein than the control group, while the ASWPD group was associated with a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). In summary, SWD and ASWPD participants were associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia in railway workers in Southwest China.Abbreviation: TG: triglyceride; TC: Total cholesterol; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; FPG: fasting plasma glucose. MEQ-SA: morningness-eveningness questionnaire self-assessment version; IPW: inverse-probability weighting; HDS: healthy diet scores; FFQ: food frequency; PA: physical activity; IQAP-SF: international physical activity questionnaire short form; MET-min/wk: metabolic equivalent task minutes per week; BMI: body mass index; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; HBP: hypertension; DM: diabetes; CVD: cerebrovascular disease; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence intervals.

Meal-specific dietary patterns and biomarkers of insulin resistance in a sample of Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study

Current research emphasizes the habitual dietary pattern without differentiating eating occasions. We aimed to assess meal-specific dietary patterns and insulin resistance indicators. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 825 Iranian adults. Dietary data were recorded by three 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis (PCA) on main meals and an afternoon snack. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and laboratory investigation, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride, insulin, c-reactive protein (CRP) were done. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and sensitivity (HOMA-IR and HOMA-IS), Triglycerides and glucose (TyG-index), and Lipid accommodation product index were calculated. We used multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) analysis. Two major dietary patterns at the main meals and the afternoon were identified. Higher adherence to "Bread, vegetable, and cheese" dietary pattern at breakfast was related to lower FPG, and "Oil, egg, and cereals" showed a direct association with body mass index, FPG, and TyG-index at breakfast. The "Western" pattern in lunch and dinner directly related to waist circumference (WC) and body mass index, however, it was inversely related to HOMA-IS. This pattern at dinner was related to higher CRP. Higher adherence to "bread, cereals, and oil" pattern at afternoon snack was associated with a lower WC. These results indicated that unhealthy meal-specific dietary patterns are associated with a greater chance of obesity and insulin resistance risk. However, "Bread, vegetable, and cheese" dietary pattern at breakfast was related to lower FPG, and "bread, cereals, and oil" pattern in the afternoon was associated with lower WC.

Colonic Epithelial Circadian Disruption Worsens Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis

BACKGROUND

Disruption of central circadian rhythms likely mediated by changes in microbiota and a decrease in gut-derived metabolites like short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) negatively impacts colonic barrier homeostasis. We aimed to explore the effects of isolated peripheral colonic circadian disruption on the colonic barrier in a mouse model of colitis and explore the mechanisms, including intestinal microbiota community structure and function.

METHODS

Colon epithelial cell circadian rhythms were conditionally genetically disrupted in mice: TS4Cre-BMAL1lox (cBMAL1KO) with TS4Cre as control animals. Colitis was induced through 5 days of 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Disease activity index and intestinal barrier were assessed, as were fecal microbiota and metabolites.

RESULTS

Colitis symptoms were worse in mice with peripheral circadian disruption (cBMAL1KO). Specifically, the disease activity index and intestinal permeability were significantly higher in circadian-disrupted mice compared with control animals (TS4Cre) (P < .05). The worsening of colitis appears to be mediated, in part, through JAK (Janus kinase)-mediated STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), which was significantly elevated in circadian-disrupted (cBMAL1KO) mice treated with DSS (P < .05). Circadian-disrupted (cBMAL1KO) mice also had decreased SCFA metabolite concentrations and decreased relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria in their stool when compared with control animals (TS4Cre).

CONCLUSIONS

Disruption of intestinal circadian rhythms in colonic epithelial cells promoted more severe colitis, increased inflammatory mediators (STAT3 [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3]), and decreased gut microbiota-derived SCFAs compared with DSS alone. Further investigation elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind these findings could provide novel circadian directed targets and strategies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Circadian clock and temporal meal pattern

The central circadian clock in the brain controls the time-of-the-day variations in acute meal responses, with a low glycemic response but a high satiety/thermogenic response to meals consumed at waking compared to other time points. Consistently, studies show that consuming a significant proportion of calories, particularly carbohydrates, in breakfast is beneficial for the chronic management of obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome, compared to consuming identical meals at dinner. Conversely, breakfast skipping or/and late dinner can have unfavorable metabolic outcomes. It remains controversial how meal frequency affects metabolic health. In contrast, irregular meals, especially irregular breakfasts, show consistent adverse metabolic consequences. Time-restricted feeding (TRF), with all calories consumed within less than 12-h per day, can improve metabolism and extend lifespan. A major component of TRF in humans is caloric restriction, which contributes significantly to the beneficial effects of TRF in humans. By comparison, TRF effects in rodents can be independent of caloric restriction and show day/night phase specificity. TRF could alleviate metabolic abnormalities due to circadian disruption, but its effects appear independent of the circadian clock in rodents. Understanding neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying clock-mediated metabolic regulation will shed light on the metabolic effects of temporal meal patterns.

Breakfast Size and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Spanish Cohort

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggest that energy distribution during the daytimecould be a potential determinant for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

OBJECTIVE

To cross-sectionally assess the association between breakfast size and the prevalence of MetS in Spanish adults.

METHODS

Our study included a subset of 3644 participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Spain study recontacted between 2017-2018. Information on diet, sociodemographic, lifestyle, sleep quality, and chronotype was collected using standardized questionnaires, while anthropometric and blood pressure data were measured in a face-to-face personal interview by a nurse. MetS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) definition by measuring serum levels of total cholesterol, tryglycerides and glucose. Breakfast size was calculated as: (energy from breakfast/total energy intake) * 2000 kcal. To evaluate the association between breakfast size and MetS prevalence, a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted by potential confounders was used to estimate OR and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Prevalence of MetS in our study was 40.7%. The mean breakfast size was 306.6 * 2000 kcal (15% of the total daily energy intake), with 14 (0.4%) participants skipping breakfast. Participants in the highest quartile of breakfast size had a lower MetS prevalence compared to participants in the lowest quartile (OR_Q4vsQ1 = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.51-0.76; p-trend < 0.001). No modification of the estimated ORs by sex, breakfast time, and number of eating occasions per day were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that higher breakfast size is associated with lower prevalence of MetS in Spanish adults, supporting the importance of a high energy breakfast. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

The association between meal-based diet quality index-international (DQI-I) with obesity in adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Due to the growing global trend of obesity, it is necessary to study the diet quality as a modifiable factor to reduce the dangerous consequences of obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meal-based diet quality index-international (DQI-I) with obesity in adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 850 men and women in Tehran (aged 20-59 y). Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls. Meal-based Diet quality was assessed based on the construction of DQI-I. The total DQI-I score ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores denoting better diet quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of DQI-I and BMI in each meal and Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of DQI-I and obesity in each meal.

RESULTS

The mean (± SD) of age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were 42.35(± 10.90) years, 27.32(± 5.61) kg/m2, 89.09 (± 12.04) cm and 0.86 (± 0.11), respectively. In none of the meals, after adjusting for confounders, no significant difference in BMI was observed in the both women and men groups. After controlling of confounders, there was not any relationship between meal-based DQI-I and BMI resulted from multiple linear regression analysis also there was not any significant association between meal-based DQI-I and obesity resulted from Logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we did not find any significant association between meal-specified DQI with obesity. To reach the better evaluation, more prospective studies with large sample size are needed.

Relative Validity of Food Intake in Each Meal Type and Overall Food Intake Derived Using the Meal-Based Diet History Questionnaire against the 4-Day Weighed Dietary Record in Japanese Adults

We examined the relative validity of food intake for each meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and overall food intake obtained through the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire (MDHQ). In total, 222 Japanese adults (111 for each sex) aged 30–76 years completed the web version of the MDHQ and then the 4-non-consecutive-day weighed dietary record (DR). The number of major food groups (n = 24 in total) for which no statistically significant difference was observed between median intakes estimated using the DR and MDHQ ranged from 8 (snacks) to 12 (dinner) among women, and from 8 (breakfast) to 13 (lunch) among men. The median values of the Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the MDHQ and DR estimates ranged from 0.28 (dinner) to 0.54 (breakfast) among women, and from 0.24 (dinner) and 0.60 (breakfast) among men. Bland–Altman analyses generally showed wide limits of agreement and proportional bias. Similar results were obtained using the paper version of the MDHQ, which was completed after conducting the DR. In conclusion, the MDHQ has a satisfactory ability to estimate median intake and rank individuals according to consumption for many food groups, despite a limited ability to estimate food group intakes on an individual level.

The Fasting and Shifted Timing (FAST) of Eating Study: A pilot feasibility randomized crossover intervention assessing the acceptability of three different fasting diet approaches

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study is to assess the acceptability of following three different fasting protocols [Early Time-restricted Feeding (eTRF; eating majority of kcals before 5pm), Time-restricted Feeding (TRF; restricting feeding window to 8 h/d), or Alternate Day Fasting (ADF; complete fasting every other day)].

METHODS

In this remotely delivered six-week crossover intervention, participants were randomly assigned to follow either an eTRF, TRF, or ADF diet for one week, followed by a one-week washout period. Participants followed all three diets and completed questionnaires assessing self-reported weight, energy intake, dietary acceptability (Food Acceptability Questionnaire), and facilitators and barriers to adhering to each diet. Differences in main outcomes (e.g., dietary acceptability and weight loss) were assessed via repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

A total of 32 of participants began the study (mean BMI of 32.6 ± 6.0 kg/m²). There were no differences in kcals or weight loss among the three diets. Dietary acceptability was higher on the TRF diet (54.1 ± 8.2) than the eTRF (50.2 ± 6.6, p = 0.02) or ADF (48.0 ± 7.9, p = 0.004) diets. The majority of participants (71%) indicated the TRF diet was the easiest to follow and 75% said that ADF was the most difficult. Participants cited having a mobile app to track their diet and being provided with menu plans would help facilitate adherence with their diets.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that acceptability was highest for an TRF diet and lowest for ADF, with no differences in weight loss or change in energy intake among the TRF, ADF, or eTRF groups.

CLINICAL TRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT04527952.

Secular Trends in Time-of-Day of Energy Intake in a Chinese Cohort

Few studies have described the status and change of time-of-day of energy intake on a population level. This study aims to investigate the secular trend in time-of-day of energy intake using a Chinese cohort, and to examine demographic disparities in trends. A total of 20,976 adults with at least two waves of dietary data in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS 1991-2018) were included. A multilevel linear mixed model was applied to the energy proportions of breakfast, lunch and dinner. A multilevel Tobit regression model was applied to the energy proportion of morning snack, afternoon snack and evening snack. Time-demographic interaction terms were tested to examine demographic disparities in the trends. From 1991 to 2018, the marginal mean of the energy proportion of breakfast experienced first a falling and then a rising trend, and the marginal mean of energy proportions of lunch and dinner both presented first a rising and then a falling trend. The marginal means of all snacks took on a rising trend. Significant time-demographic interactions were observed for energy proportion of each eating occasion. On average, female, older and rural people tended to have a higher energy proportion at breakfast and lower energy proportion at lunch and dinner. Female, younger and urban people tended to have higher snack energy proportions. The time-of-day of energy intake has first shifted towards later in the day and then towards a balanced meal pattern in this Chinese cohort. Demographic disparities were observed in both the secular trend and the mean level of energy proportions of eating occasions. The health implications of such meal patterns warrant further investigation.

Meal timing across the day modulates daily energy intake in adult patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We assessed the association between the timing of meals across the day with diet composition and metabolic parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Eighty adults (55.2 ± 6.8 years, 45% males) patients with T2D (without insulin therapy) were included. Three non-consecutive dietary records assessed food intake. The onset time of each consumed meal/beverage was identified and assigned to one of three periods of the day: Period 1 (P1, 06:00-11:59 h), Period 2 (P2, 12:00-17:59 h), and Period 3 (P3, 18:00-00:30 h).

RESULTS

Energy intake in P1 was lower compared to P2 and P3 (22.8 ± 7.9%, 37.5 ± 9.6%, and 39.7 ± 9.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). The same pattern was found for both total protein and fat intake, but carbohydrate intake was similar among periods. Patients with greater daily energy intake (as % of total energy) in P3 showed increased total food consumption, total energy, protein, and fat intake (all P < 0.05). The opposite pattern was observed in patients with greater daily energy intake in P1 (all P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that daily energy intake was significantly reduced when a higher proportion of carbohydrates was eaten in P1 (vs. P3, P < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Increased energy intake late during the day is related to increased total food and daily energy intake in patients with T2D. A greater proportion of total carbohydrates eaten early during the day relates to lower total energy intake. Our results suggest that earlier food intake may be a nutritional tool for dietary and metabolic control in these patients.

Trajectories of energy intake distribution and subsequent risk of hyperglycemia among Chinese adults: findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997-2018)

AIMS

Few studies have examined the secular trend of the energy intake distribution, and its effect on future risk of hyperglycemia. This study aims to describe trajectories of energy intake distribution over 12 years and relate them to subsequent risk of hyperglycemia over 9 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Our study used ten waves of data from the CHNS survey, a population-based longitudinal survey in China, ongoing since 1989. We examined a cohort of adult participants who were free from diabetes but had at least three waves of dietary data from 1997 to 2009. We assessed energy intake using three consecutive 24 h recalls. We used these data to identify trajectory groups of energy intake distribution by multi-trajectory model based on energy intake proportions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We followed up participants for hyperglycemia, diabetes, and impaired fasting glucose for 9 years from 2009 to 2018. Outcomes were ascertained with fasting glucose, serum HbA1c, and self-report of diabetes and/or glucose-lowering medication. We estimated relative risk (RR) for hyperglycemia, diabetes, and impaired fasting glucose by identified trajectory groups using multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust (sandwich) estimation of variance. Gender difference was additionally examined.

RESULTS

A total of 4417 participants were included. Four trajectory groups were identified, characterized and labeled by "Energy evenly distributed with steady trend group" (Group 1), "Dinner and lunch energy dominant with relatively steady trend group" (Group 2), "Dinner energy dominant with increasing trend and breakfast energy with declining trend group" (Group 3), and "breakfast and dinner energy dominant with increasing trend group" (Group 4). During 48,091 person-years, 1053 cases of incident hyperglycemia occurred, 537 cases of incident diabetes occurred, and 516 cases of impaired fasting glucose occurred. Compared with Group 1, Group 3 was associated with higher subsequent risk of incident hyperglycemia in 9 years of follow-up (RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.61). No association was found for incident diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. Among males, Group 3 was associated with higher risk of incident hyperglycemia in 9 years of follow-up (RR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.94). No relationship was found in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy intake distribution characterized by over 40% of energy intake from dinner with a rising trend over years was associated with higher long-term risk of hyperglycemia in Chinese adults.

Habitual- and Meal-Specific Carbohydrate Quality Index and Their Relation to Metabolic Syndrome in a Sample of Iranian Adults

AIM

Most studies on diet quality have focused on the habitual and overall intake of foods without considering intakes at specific eating occasions. This study aimed to assess the association between habitual- and meal-specific carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Iranian adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data from 850 participants were analyzed. Dietary information was obtained from a 3-day nonconsecutive 24 h recall. CQI was calculated from three criteria: dietary fiber, glycemic index, and solid carbohydrate/total carbohydrate ratio. The association between CQI and MetS was assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalences of MetS in the lowest and highest tertile of CQI were 30.1 and 33.7, respectively (P = 0.6). In habitual diet and all the three meals, we failed to find any significant association between tertiles of CQI and MetS either before or after adjustment for covariates. However, in the habitual meals [odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47-0.96] and lunch meals (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47-0.94), the highest CQI in comparison to the lowest one, significantly decreased the low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, the trend of low-HDL with CQI in habitual meal and lunch meal was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that CQI was not associated with MetS and its components. Further investigations into the mechanisms underlying the role of carbohydrate quality in developing metabolic disorders are warranted.

Meal Timing and Macronutrient Composition Modulate Human Metabolism and Reward-Related Drive to Eat

The ‘time-of-day’ modifies the metabolic response to meals, but less data exist on the diurnal variations in the hedonic drive to eat. In the present paper, we evaluate the effects of meal timing and macronutrient composition on metabolic responses and the homeostatic vs. hedonic regulation of appetite. In study 1, 84 young, healthy adults completed an online computer-based task assessing the homeostatic and hedonic drive to eat in the morning and evening. In study 2, 24 healthy, young men received 2 identical (850 kcal each) meals in the morning (8:45 h) and evening (18:00 h), of 2 experimental conditions: (i) regular carbohydrate (CH) meals (regular-CH), and (ii) high carbohydrate (high-CH) meals, containing 50 and 80% of energy from CHs, respectively. Serial blood samples were obtained, and the postprandial feelings of hunger, satiety, wanting and liking were assessed. Study 1 revealed a higher hedonic drive to eat in the evening compared to the morning. Study 2 confirmed this diurnal pattern of hedonic appetite regulation and, moreover, showed increased glucose and insulin responses to the evening meal. Postprandial ghrelin and leptin as well as feelings of hunger and satiety were not different between the mealtimes nor between the macronutrient conditions. In line with this, the homeostatic drive to eat was neither affected by the mealtime nor macronutrient composition. Increased the hedonic drive to eat in the evening may represent a vulnerability to palatable food and, thus, energy overconsumption. Together with lower evening glucose tolerance, these findings reflect an adverse metabolic constellation at the end of the day, especially after the ingestion of CH-rich foods.

Face Validity of Observed Meal Patterns Reported with 7-Day Diet Diaries in a Large Population-Based Cohort Using Diurnal Variation in Concentration Biomarkers of Dietary Intake

In a cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort (United Kingdom, N = 21,318, 1993-1998), we studied how associations between meal patterns and non-fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations were influenced by the hour of day at which the blood sample was collected to ascertain face validity of reported meal patterns, as well as the influence of reporting bias (assessed using formula of energy expenditure) on this association. Meal size (i.e., reported energy content), mealtime and meal frequency were reported using pre-structured 7-day diet diaries. In ANCOVA, sex-specific means of biomarker concentrations were calculated by hour of blood sample collection for quartiles of reported energy intake at breakfast, lunch and dinner (meal size). Significant interactions were observed between breakfast size, sampling time and triglyceride concentrations and between lunch size, sampling time and triglyceride, as well as glucose concentrations. Those skipping breakfast had the lowest triglyceride concentrations in the morning and those skipping lunch had the lowest triglyceride and glucose concentrations in the afternoon, especially among acceptable energy reporters. Eating and drinking occasion frequency was weakly associated with glucose concentrations in women and positively associated with triglyceride concentrations in both sexes; stronger associations were observed for larger vs. smaller meals and among acceptable energy reporters. Associations between meal patterns and concentration biomarkers can be observed when accounting for diurnal variation and underreporting. These findings support the use of 7-day diet diaries for studying associations between meal patterns and health.

Clock Time of First Eating Episode and Prospective Risk of All-Cause Mortality in US Adults

BACKGROUND

There is increasing recognition that a morning or evening preference is associated with time of eating, metabolic health, and morbidity. However, few studies have examined the association of time of eating with mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of time of first recalled ingestive episode with the prospective risk of all-cause mortality.

METHODS

We used mortality-linked data from the NHANES conducted in 1988-1994 and 1999-2014 (n = 34,609; age ≥ 40 years). The exposure was quartiles (Q1-Q4) of clock time of first eating episode self-reported in the baseline 24-hour dietary recall. The outcome was follow-up time from the date of NHANES examination to the date of death or end of the follow-up period (31 December 2015). We used proportional hazards regression methods to determine the independent association of time of first eating episode with relative hazard of all-cause mortality, with adjustments for multiple covariates and the complex survey design. Multiple linear regression methods were used to examine the associations of time of first eating episode with baseline cardiometabolic biomarkers and dietary attributes.

RESULTS

In this national cohort, with a median age of ∼55 years (95% CI: 54.6-55.4 years) at baseline and a median follow-up of 8.3 years (IQR, 8.75 years), there were 10,303 deaths. The median times of first eating episodes in Q1-Q4 were 05:45, 07:00, 08:00, and 10:00, respectively. Covariate-adjusted relative hazards of mortality in Q1 to Q3 of the time of the first eating episode were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.96), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.95), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-1.02), with Q4 as the referent (P = 0.0008). Qualitative dietary attributes were inversely related with the time of the first eating episode; however, BMI and serum concentrations of glycemic biomarkers increased with later times of first eating episode (P ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recall of an earlier time of the first eating episode by ≥40-year-old US participants was suggestive of a small relative survival advantage in this observational study.

Data-driven development of the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire for Japanese adults

FFQ, the primary method of dietary assessment in large-scale nutritional epidemiological studies, preclude an informed evaluation of the timing of dietary intake and meal-specific dietary intake. In this study, we developed the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire (MDHQ), a self-administered questionnaire designed for estimating food and nutrient intakes for each meal type separately. The development was done based on a 16-d dietary record obtained from 242 Japanese adults. The MDHQ consisted of the three different parts, with a total of 196 items. Part 1 of the MDHQ asks about consumption frequency of generic food groups (n 24) for each meal type: breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and night snack. Part 2 of the MDHQ asks about relative consumption frequency of sub-food groups within one of the generic food groups which are asked in Part 1. Combining information derived from Parts 1 and 2 enables us to increase the number of foods we can estimate efficiently but within a limited number of questions. Part 3 of the MDHQ asks about general eating behaviours, which are intended to use in a variety of ways during dietary intake calculation. A series of calculation algorithms for food groups, energy and nutrients was also prepared. Given that the MDHQ was empirically developed based on comprehensive information on actual food consumption, this innovative tool may be promising for future epidemiological research on meal patterns and time of day of dietary intake, or chrono-nutrition research. A rigorous evaluation of validity of the MDHQ is warranted.

Association between risk of type 2 diabetes and changes in energy intake at breakfast and dinner over 14 years: a latent class trajectory analysis from the China health and nutrition Survey, 1997-2011

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between the trajectories of energy consumption at dinner versus breakfast and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

The study was conducted in China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 10 727 adults, including 5239 men and 5488 women, with a mean age of 42.7±11.2 years and a mean follow-up time of 9.1 years, met the study criteria and completed a questionnaire about energy intake and diabetes status from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 1997-2011.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants were divided into subgroups based on the trajectories of the ratio of energy consumption at dinner versus breakfast. Cox multivariate regression models were used to explore the associations between different trajectories and the risk of T2D after adjustment for confounders and their risk factors. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the intermediary effect of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), uric acid (UA) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) between the trajectories and the risk of T2D.

RESULTS

For energy consumption at dinner versus breakfast, compared with a low-stable trajectory, the adjusted HR of T2D in low-increasing from early-stage trajectory was 1.29 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.60). TG, TC, UA and ApoB were significantly higher in low-increasing from early-stage trajectory than other trajectories and play partial regulation roles between trajectories and T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasised the harmful effect of a gradual increase in the ratio of energy consumption at dinner versus breakfast from early stage on the development of T2D and partially mediated by TG, TC, UA and ApoB, highlighting that it is necessary to intake more energy at breakfast compared with dinner to prevent T2D in adults.

Effects of Substituting Types of Physical Activity on Body Fat Mass and Work Efficiency among Workers

Low levels of physical activity (PA) not only increase healt h risks but also affect employee productivity. Although daily activity is interdependent with work productivity and personal health, few studies have examined how substituting physical activities would affect health and work efficiency. The present study aimed to investigate how substituting sedentary behaviors (SB) with increased PA and increasing the intensity of low-level activities during waking times affects the body fat mass and work efficiency of employees. Data were collected from 224 Japanese employees. SB, light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer, and body fat mass and work efficiency were also assessed. Analyses of the effects of substituting behaviors were based on the methods used in the isotemporal substitution model. Body fat mass decreased after substituting behaviors for 30 min per day: from SB to VPA (β = −4.800, 95% CI = −7.500; −2.100), from LPA to VPA (β = −4.680, 95% CI = −7.350; −1.980), and from MPA to VPA (β = −4.920, 95% CI = −7.680; −2.190). For work efficiency and physical activities, a higher work efficiency score was observed when substituting SB with LPA (β = 0.120, 95% CI = 0.030; 0.240), and a lower work efficiency score was observed when substituting LPA with VPA (β = −0.660, 95% CI = −1.350; −0.030). These results should help achieve greater results in promoting health and increasing work productivity by properly distributing and practicing daily physical activities during work hours.

The clock diet: a practical nutritional guide to manage obesity through chrononutrition

Chronobiology studies the biological rhythms or circadian cycles of living organisms and their adaptation to external changes. Biological rhythms can affect hormone production cycles such as sleep/wake, and nutrition/fasting, but these factors can also alter the circadian rhythm (CR). In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted how feeding times and frequency can influence biological rhythms. Additionally, individuals' chronotype, working shifts, and food intake can make a deep impact on people's tendency to develop obesity and metabolic diseases. In this context, a single food and a specific combination of these, can also affect the CR and fasting cycle and consequently body weight and viceversa. The purpose of the review is to propose practical nutritional recommendations to help in resynchronizing the circadian rhythm as a tool in weight control.

Time Restricted Eating: A Dietary Strategy to Prevent and Treat Metabolic Disturbances

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a dietary approach limiting the daily eating window, has attracted increasing attention in media and research. The eating behavior in our modern society is often characterized by prolonged and erratic daily eating patterns, which might be associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, recent evidence suggests that TRE might support weight loss, improve cardiometabolic health, and overall wellbeing, but the data are controversial. The present work reviews how TRE affects glucose and lipid metabolism based on clinical trials published until June 2021. A range of trials demonstrated that TRE intervention lowered fasting and postprandial glucose levels in response to a standard meal or oral glucose tolerance test, as well as mean 24-h glucose and glycemic excursions assessed using continuous glucose monitoring. In addition, fasting insulin decreases and improvement of insulin sensitivity were demonstrated. These changes were often accompanied by the decrease of blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. However, a number of studies found that TRE had either adverse or no effects on glycemic and lipid traits, which might be explained by the different study designs (i.e., fasting/eating duration, daytime of eating, changes of calorie intake, duration of intervention) and study subject cohorts (metabolic status, age, gender, chronotype, etc.). To summarize, TRE represents an attractive and easy-to-adapt dietary strategy for the prevention and therapy of glucose and lipid metabolic disturbances. However, carefully controlled future TRE studies are needed to confirm these effects to understand the underlying mechanisms and assess the applicability of personalized interventions.

Temporal Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Obesity in US Adults

BACKGROUND

The integration of time with dietary patterns throughout a day, or temporal dietary patterns (TDPs), have been linked with dietary quality but relations to health are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The association between TDPs and selected health status indicators and obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was determined.

METHODS

The first-day 24-h dietary recall from 1627 nonpregnant US adult participants aged 20-65 y from the NHANES 2003-2006 was used to determine timing, amount of energy intake, and sequence of eating occasions (EOs). Modified dynamic time warping (MDTW) and kernel k-means algorithm clustered participants into 4 groups representing distinct TDPs. Multivariate regression models determined associations between TDPs and health status, controlling for potential confounders, and adjusting for the survey design and multiple comparisons (P <0.05/6).

RESULTS

A cluster representing a TDP with evenly spaced, energy balanced EOs reaching ≤1200 kcal between 06:00 to 10:00, 12:00 to 15:00, and 18:00 to 22:00, had statistically significant and clinically meaningful lower mean BMI (P <0.0001), waist circumference (WC) (P <0.0001), and 75% lower odds of obesity compared with 3 other clusters representing patterns with much higher peaks of energy: 1000-2400 kcal between 15:00 and 18:00 (OR: 5.3; 95% CI: 2.8, 10.1), 800-2400 kcal between 11:00 and 15:00 (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.5, 7.9), and 1000-2600 kcal between 18:00 and 23:00 (OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 3.9, 11.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a TDP characterized by evenly spaced, energy balanced EOs had significantly lower mean BMI, WC, and odds of obesity compared with the other patterns with higher energy intake peaks at different times throughout the day, providing evidence that incorporating time with other aspects of a dietary pattern may be important to health status.

The Study of Relationship between Nutritional Behaviors and Metabolic Indices: A Systematic Review

Metabolic indices are the wide range of characteristic factors, which can be changed during several medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome. Nutrition and related behaviors are one of the main aspects of human lifestyle which recent investigations have recognized their roles in the development of metabolic disorders. According to the spread of risky nutritional habits/behaviors due to the changes in lifestyle, and its importance in the prevalence of metabolic disorders, the authors attempted to summarize these evidences in a systematic review. The present study is a systematic review that encompasses those studies investigating the association between metabolic indices and nutritional/dietary behaviors published in two international databases in recent 11 years. Twenty-nine related articles were considered and their data were extracted. The relation between food choices and metabolic indices is more frequent in studies. While, inhibition and abstinent and eating together were two behavioral sets with the smallest share of research. Anthropometric indices have the highest rate in the evaluations. Finding the links between nutritional behavior and metabolic indices will be the key point in selecting the different types of interventions. These results will guide therapists to the accurate recognition of metabolic effects in targeting behavior for their intervention.

Meal and snack patterns of 7-13-year-old schoolchildren in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to identify and describe the meal and snack patterns (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack) of public schoolchildren.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Information on the previous day's food intake was obtained through the Web-CAAFE (Food Intake and Physical Activity of Schoolchildren), an interactive questionnaire, which divides daily food consumption into three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and three snacks (mid-morning, mid-afternoon and evening). Each meal contains thirty-one food items and the schoolchildren clicked on the food items consumed in each meal. Factor analysis was used to identify meal and snack patterns. The descriptions of the dietary patterns (DP) were based on food items with factor loads ≥ 0·30 that were considered representative of each DP.

SETTING

Schoolchildren, Florianopolis, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Children (n 1074) aged 7-13 years.

RESULTS

Lunch was the most consumed meal (96·0 %), followed by dinner (86·4 %), breakfast (85·3 %) and mid-afternoon snack (81·7 %). Four DP were identified for breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, dinner and evening snack, and three for mid-afternoon snack. Breakfast, lunch and dinner patterns included traditional Brazilian foods. DP consisting of fast foods and sugary beverages were also observed, mainly for the evening snack.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study provide important information regarding the meal and snack patterns of schoolchildren to guide the development of nutrition interventions in public health.

The physio-metabolic effects of time-restricting liquid sugar intake to six-hour windows during the mouse active phase: The effects of active phase liquid sugar consumption

Obesity is a major public health concern and overconsumption of unhealthy fats and sugary beverages are contributing factors. Time-restricted feeding can reduce obesity-associated pathophysiological parameters by limiting the time of food consumption; however, the effects of time-restricted sugary water consumption are unknown. To examine whether liquid calorie restriction impacts metabolic health, we measured metabolic parameters in mice provided liquid sugar at various intervals during the active phase. The control (Con) group received tap water, the adlibitum fructose-glucose (ALFG) group received ad libitumsugar water and the early fructose-glucose (EFG) and late fructose-glucose (LFG) groups received liquid sugar during the first and last six hours of the active period, respectively. Each group was given free access to chow. Zeitgeber time (ZT) notation was used to set all experimental time points to lights on as ZT 0. The ALFG group exhibited elevated body and adipose tissue weights compared to the other groups and increased hepatic steatosis compared to the Con group. The ALFG group consumed more calories than the other groups during ZT 6-11, indicating that this window may be critical in the promotion of weight gain from liquid sugar consumption. The EFG group exhibited higher levels of energy expenditure than the Con and LFG groups during the first half of the active period (ZT 12-17); however, there was no difference among the groups during the second half of the active period (ZT18-23). In contrast, the EFG group exhibited lower respiratory exchange ratio than other groups during the inactive period as well as the second half of the active period, indicating that the EFG group had greater metabolic flexibility and utilized lipids when carbohydrates from liquid sugar were not available. Additionally, the EFG group was more insulin tolerant than the ALFG and Con groups. Our results support the hypothesis that time-restricted liquid calorie restriction aids in reducing the detrimental metabolic effects of sugary drink consumption.

Effects of Evening-Only Low-Carbohydrate Meal on Healthy Volunteers

We performed a pre/post-interventional study with participants as self-controls to evaluate the effects of consuming an evening-only low-carbohydrate meal (LCM) at 1800 h on biochemical measures of glucose and lipid metabolism. Study participants comprised 14 healthy men (age range, 20-29 y) who, consumed standard test meals (STMs) or LCM at 1800 h. Blood samples were collected at fasting, and at 60-, 120-, and 240 min after the start of the meals. The 60-min postprandial levels and the area under the curve (AUC) 0-120 min for plasma glucose were significantly lower after the LCM than after the STMs. The 60- and 120-min postprandial levels and the AUC _{0-240 min} for plasma insulin were significantly lower after the LCM than after the STMs (p<0.01). Postprandial triglyceride (TG) levels at 120- and 240 min and the AUC _{0-240 min} were significantly higher after the LCM than after the STMs (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.05, respectively). The interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher 240 min after the STMs than before the meals (p<0.05), but not after the LCM. In these healthy volunteers, consuming an LCM at 1800 h suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin secretion; however, postprandial TG increased. Consuming an LCM at 1800 h was beneficial as it inhibited elevation of blood glucose; however, it may also increase the risk of arteriosclerosis through increasing TG levels.

Shotgun Lipidomics Discovered Diurnal Regulation of Lipid Metabolism Linked to Insulin Sensitivity in Nondiabetic Men

CONTEXT

Meal timing affects metabolic homeostasis and body weight, but how composition and timing of meals affect plasma lipidomics in humans is not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

We used high throughput shotgun plasma lipidomics to investigate effects of timing of carbohydrate and fat intake on lipid metabolism and its relation to glycemic control.

DESIGN

29 nondiabetic men consumed (1) a high-carb test meal (MTT-HC) at 09.00 and a high-fat meal (MTT-HF) at 15.40; or (2) MTT-HF at 09.00 and MTT-HC at 15.40. Blood was sampled before and 180 minutes after completion of each MTT. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was collected after overnight fast and both MTTs. Prior to each investigation day, participants consumed a 4-week isocaloric diet of the same composition: (1) high-carb meals until 13.30 and high-fat meals between 16.30 and 22:00 or (2) the inverse order.

RESULTS

12 hour daily lipid patterns showed a complex regulation by both the time of day (67.8%) and meal composition (55.4%). A third of lipids showed a diurnal variation in postprandial responses to the same meal with mostly higher responses in the morning than in the afternoon. Triacylglycerols containing shorter and more saturated fatty acids were enriched in the morning. SAT transcripts involved in fatty acid synthesis and desaturation showed no diurnal variation. Diurnal changes of 7 lipid classes were negatively associated with insulin sensitivity, but not with glucose and insulin response or insulin secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified postprandial plasma lipid profiles as being strongly affected by meal timing and associated with insulin sensitivity.

Consequences of Circadian Disruption in Shift Workers on Chrononutrition and their Psychosocial Well-Being

The workers and employees in various institutions are subjected to different shifts and work schedules. The employees work not only at daytime but also during odd hours at night. The biological clock of an individual is often altered during night shifts. This affects the psychosocial well-being and circadian nutritional intake of the worker. Disturbance in circadian rhythm results in the development of metabolic disorders such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, and abdominal obesity. In the present review, we discuss the nature of shift work, sleep/wake cycle of an individual, chrononutrition, dietary habits, and meal changes with regard to timing and frequency, related to shift work. We also discuss the relationship between nutritional intake and psychosocial well-being among shift workers. The review may be beneficial for prevention of metabolic disorders and maintaining sound psychological condition in shift workers.

Meal Patterns and Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children: A Longitudinal Analysis

We examined whether energy and macronutrient intake from different meals was associated with changes in cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors in children. CMR score (CMRS) was computed by summing Z-scores of waist circumference, the average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (multiplying by −1), and triglycerides. We included 5517 children aged 6–13 years from six major cities in China. Five meal patterns were identified according to energy intake: balanced, breakfast dominant, lunch dominant, dinner dominant, and snack dominant patterns. These patterns were not significantly associated with changes in CMR factors. Carbohydrate intake (% energy) at lunch was positively associated with the change in CMRS (beta coefficient (95% CI): (0.777 (0.509, 1.046) in quintile 5 versus quintile 1). A positive association between carbohydrate intake at dinner and change in CMRS was observed. High protein intake at both lunch and dinner was associated with a favorable change in CMRS. Moderate fat intake at lunch was associated with a lower increase in CMRS. Meal patterns driven by energy were not significantly associated with CMR factors; however, a low carbohydrate-high protein-moderate fat lunch and low carbohydrate-high protein dinner were associated with favorable changes in CMRS in children.

Chrononutrition in the management of diabetes

Circadian rhythms are 24-h cycles regulated by endogeneous molecular oscillators called the circadian clock. The effects of diet on circadian rhythmicity clearly involves a relationship between factors such as meal timings and nutrients, known as chrononutrition. Chrononutrition is influenced by an individual's "chronotype", whereby "evening chronotypes" or also termed "later chronotype" who are biologically driven to consume foods later in the day. Research in this area has suggested that time of day is indicative of having an influence on the postprandial glucose response to a meal, therefore having a major effect on type 2 diabetes. Cross-sectional and experimental studies have shown the benefits of consuming meals early in the day than in the evening on postprandial glycaemia. Modifying the macronutrient composition of night meals, by increasing protein and fat content, has shown to be a simple strategy to improve postprandial glycaemia. Low glycaemic index (GI) foods eaten in the morning improves glycaemic response to a greater effect than when consumed at night. Timing of fat and protein (including amino acids) co-ingested with carbohydrate foods, such as bread and rice, can reduce glycaemic response. The order of food presentation also has considerable potential in reducing postprandial blood glucose (consuming vegetables first, followed by meat and then lastly rice). These practical recommendations could be considered as strategies to improve glycaemic control, rather than focusing on the nutritional value of a meal alone, to optimize dietary patterns of diabetics. It is necessary to further elucidate this fascinating area of research to understand the circadian system and its implications on nutrition that may ultimately reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes.

Food Combinations in Relation to the Quality of Overall Diet and Individual Meals in Japanese Adults: A Nationwide Study

We examined food combinations in relation to the quality of the overall diet and individual meals using a newly developed food combination questionnaire (FCQ) in a nationwide sample of Japanese adults aged 19–80 years (n = 2233). The quality of the overall diet and of each meal was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). For all main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), the most commonly consumed food combinations consisted of ‘rice, total vegetables, and tea and coffee’. Consistently positive associations between these food combinations and diet quality were found for breakfast (Spearman r: ≥0.46). Positive rather weak associations between these food combinations and diet quality were also observed for lunch (Spearman r: ≤0.48). Conversely, the associations were inconsistent for dinner: inverse associations with HEI-2015 (Spearman r: ≤−0.35) and generally weak positive associations with NRF9.3 (Spearman r: ≥0.09). For snacks, the most commonly consumed food combinations consisted of ‘confectioneries and tea and coffee’, but these showed rather weak associations with diet quality. Similar results were obtained when associations with the quality of overall diet were investigated. The FCQ may be useful in capturing the complex nature of food combinations in Japanese adults.

Resetting the Aging Clock: Implications for Managing Age-Related Diseases

Worldwide, individuals are living longer due to medical and scientific advances, increased availability of medical care and changes in public health policies. Consequently, increasing attention has been focused on managing chronic conditions and age-related diseases to ensure healthy aging. The endogenous circadian system regulates molecular, physiological and behavioral rhythms orchestrating functional coordination and processes across tissues and organs. Circadian disruption or desynchronization of circadian oscillators increases disease risk and appears to accelerate aging. Reciprocally, aging weakens circadian function aggravating age-related diseases and pathologies. In this review, we summarize the molecular composition and structural organization of the circadian system in mammals and humans, and evaluate the technological and societal factors contributing to the increasing incidence of circadian disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the adverse effects of circadian dysfunction on aging and longevity and the bidirectional interactions through which aging affects circadian function using examples from mammalian research models and humans. Additionally, we review promising methods for managing healthy aging through behavioral and pharmacological reinforcement of the circadian system. Understanding age-related changes in the circadian clock and minimizing circadian dysfunction may be crucial components to promote healthy aging.

Effects of affective symptoms in adolescence and adulthood on trajectories of cognitive function from middle to late adulthood

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the link between affective symptoms and cognitive function across the life course. This study aims to investigate whether affective symptoms in adolescence and adulthood predict trajectories of cognitive function from middle to late-adulthood.

METHODS

Data from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), a cohort of 5362 individuals born in mainland UK in 1946, were utilised. Linear mixed models were used to model cognitive trajectories (memory and processing speed) over a three-decade period (from 43 to 69) and to test effects of affective symptoms in adolescence (ages 13-15) and adulthood (ages 36 and 43) on cognitive function at first testing (age 43) and decline in cognitive function (from 43 to 69). Models were adjusted for sex, childhood cognition, childhood socioeconomic position, and education.

RESULTS

A quadratic model best fitted memory and processing speed data. Models revealed that adolescent affective symptoms were associated with lower memory (b = -1.11, SE = 0.53, p = .04) and processing speed (b = -18.17, SE = 7.53, p = .02) at first cognitive testing, but not with rates of decline from 43 to 69. There were no significant associations between adult affective symptoms and cognitive trajectories.

LIMITATIONS

Missing data is a potential limitation of this study. This was dealt with using maximum likelihood estimation and multiple imputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that adolescent, but not adult, affective symptoms are important predictors of cognitive function in midlife, but not rate of cognitive decline. This highlights the importance of early intervention to manage mental health in adolescence to protect later cognitive function.

Carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: A dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Epidemiological association studies have reported inconsistent findings on the relationship between carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, we aimed to conduct the first dose-response meta-analysis to investigate this effect.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases from their inception to June 01, 2019, together with relevant literature scrutiny, was performed to identify related studies for inclusion into the meta-analysis. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. Furthermore, subgroup, sensitivity, heterogeneity, and publication bias analyses were performed. This meta-analysis included 14 cross-sectional and four cohort studies, totaling 284,638 participants and 69,554 MetS cases. The highest versus the lowest carbohydrate intake values were associated with an increased risk of MetS (OR: 1.253, 95% CI: 1.147-1.368), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 54.5%). Using dose-response analysis, we found a linear association between carbohydrate consumption and MetS risk with a corresponding OR of 1.026 (95% CI, 1.004-1.048) and with significant heterogeneity (I² = 82.0%) at 5% energy intake from carbohydrates. We have found similar results using subgroup analyses for major study characteristics and adjustment for confounders. Sensitivity analysis further enhanced the robustness of the results, and no publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

Carbohydrate intake is associated with an increased risk of developing MetS. Therefore, additional large prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Associations of food groups and cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers: does the meal matter?

Increased attention has been paid to circadian patterns and how predisposition to metabolic disorders can be affected by meal timing. Currently, it is not clear which role can be attributed to the foods selected at meals. On a cross-sectional sub-cohort study (815 adults) within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study, we investigated whether the same foods (vegetables, fruits, refined grains, whole grains, red and processed meats) eaten at different meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner) show different associations with biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk. Meal-specific usual intakes were calculated from multiple 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models showed that intake of vegetables at breakfast was associated with lower LDL-cholesterol (-0·37 mmol/l per 50 g; 95 % CI -0·61, -0·12) and vegetables at dinner was associated with higher HDL-cholesterol (0·05 mmol/l per 50 g; 95 % CI 0, 0·10). Fruit intake at breakfast was associated with lower glycated Hb (HbA1c) (-0·06 % per 50 g; 95 % CI -0·10, -0·01) and fruits at dinner with lower C-reactive protein (CRP) (-0·21 mg/l per 50 g; 95 % CI -0·42, -0·01). Red and processed meat intake at breakfast was associated with higher HbA1c (0·25 % per 50 g; 95 % CI 0·05, 0·46) and CRP (0·76 mg/l per 50 g; 95 % CI 0·15, 1·36). Our results suggest that by preferring fruits and vegetables and avoiding red and processed meats at specific meals (i.e. breakfast and dinner), cardiometabolic profiles and ultimately chronic disease risk could be improved. Lunch seemed to be a less important meal in terms of food-biomarker associations.

The effects of meal-timing on self-rated hunger and dietary inflammatory potential among a sample of college students

College is an important time for young adults to establish healthy eating habits since students are at risk for gaining weight during the college years. An emerging area of research is examining the effect of meal-timing, which involves the timing of food intake throughout the day, in an effort to improve satiety and bodyweight. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of meal-timing among a sample of college students and to assess what aspects from an intervention could help them to adhere to meal-timing long term. Participants were randomly assigned to either a daytime group (≤30% total kcals after 5 pm) or a nighttime group (≥50% total kcals after 5 pm). After completing the intervention, almost half of participants (49%) reported they could adhere to meal-timing long-term. Having more resources that support meal-timing are needed to help students potentially achieve a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases.

Meal Timing, Aging, and Metabolic Health

A growing body of evidence suggests that meal timing is an important factor for metabolic regulation and that the circadian clock tightly interacts with metabolic functions. The proper functioning of the circadian clock is critical for maintaining metabolic health. Therefore, chrononutrition, a novel discipline which investigates the relation between circadian rhythms, nutrition, and metabolism, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Circadian rhythms are strongly affected by obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other dietary-induced metabolic diseases. With increasing age, the circadian system also undergoes significant changes which contribute to the dysregulation of metabolic rhythms. Metabolic diseases are a major health concern, particularly in light of a growing aging population, and effective approaches for their prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Recently, animal studies have impressively shown beneficial effects of several dietary patterns (e.g., caloric restriction or time-restricted feeding) on circadian rhythms and metabolic outcomes upon nutritional challenges. Whether these dietary patterns show the same beneficial effects in humans is, however, less well studied. As indicated by recent studies, dietary approaches might represent a promising, attractive, and easy-to-adapt strategy for the prevention and therapy of circadian and metabolic disturbances in humans of different age.

Energy intake at different times of the day: Its association with elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study examined the association between macronutrient intake at different times of the day and blood lipid levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study was based on the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, a cross-sectional study of non-institutionalized and non-pregnant healthy adults (≥19-years-old). A one-day (24 h) dietary recall assessed participants' food intake. Fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were determined. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was estimated based on the Friedewald formula. According to the data of eligible subjects (n = 1283), the time of energy intake was categorized into three meal times 0500-0929 (morning), 1130-1329 (noon), and 1730-2029 (evening), along with three snack times 0930-1129 (mid-morning), 1330-1729 (afternoon), and 2030-0459 (night). Energy and macronutrient intake were calculated for the 6 time periods, based on 24 h recall data. An adjusted regression model showed that by transferring 100 kcal intake at night to the morning or noon, LDL cholesterol would be lower by 1.46 (95% CI: 2.42-0.50) and 1.27 mg/dL (95% CI: 2.24-0.30), respectively. Transferring 100 kcal of fat intake at night to earlier periods was associated with a lower LDL cholesterol level, especially transferring to noontime (significantly lower by 5.21 mg/dL, 95% CI: [7.42-2.99]) and evening (significantly lower by 3.19 mg/dL, 95% CI: [6.29-0.08]).

CONCLUSIONS

Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol had the same pattern of association with the timing of energy intake. The study showed that elevated total and LDL cholesterol were positively associated with nighttime energy and fat intake.

Chrono-Nutrition: The Relationship between Time-of-Day Energy and Macronutrient Intake and Children’s Body Weight Status

The time of eating has been considered to have an important role in weight regulation. However, it is unknown if there are specific daily patterns of energy and macronutrient distribution that could be more beneficial for metabolic outcomes, especially obesity. This study aimed to assess the effect of time-of-day energy and macronutrient intake at 4 y of age on the weight status at 7 y of age. The study sample included 1961 children from the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI, with data on 3-day food diaries at 4 y and body mass index (BMI) z-scores at 7 y. Dietary patterns based on the collected data were obtained for the distribution of energy and macronutrients across eating occasions. Having a relatively higher energy intake at lunch and supper (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.34) or at mid-afternoon (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.34) at 4 y was associated with higher odds of becoming overweight/obese at 7 y. A relatively higher intake of fat at lunch was positively associated with later children’s odds for being overweight or obese (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.32). These associations were independent of the effect on children’s eating behaviors related to appetite. Our results also show a detrimental relation between skipping breakfast and eating late in the day and children’s body weight. Considering all daily eating occasions, a higher proportion of energy and macronutrient intake at the main meals and a lower proportion during the afternoon and evening seems to be more beneficial for children’s weight. These results emphasize the important role of daily food intake rhythm on excessive weight gain in childhood.

Eating behaviours and dietary intake associations with self-reported sleep duration of free-living Brazilian adults

Sleep duration in modern societies has been decreasing over the past decades and many environmental and behaviour factors contribute with. Evidence have shown that individuals with short sleep duration have worse eating behaviours and dietary intakes than those with adequate sleep. This study aimed to describe eating behaviours and dietary intakes of Brazilian adults and investigate their associations with self-reported sleep duration encompassing aspects of chrono-nutrition. Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, lifestyle, sleep duration and dietary data were obtained from an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire of the cross-sectional population-based study, 2015 ISA-Capital, (n = 1081 adults, ≥20y). The independent associations between sleep duration (categories: ≤6 h, 7-8 h, and ≥9 h) and dietary variables were assessed after adjustment for covariates. Employment status, physical activity, number of chronic diseases and day of recalled intake were significantly associated with sleep duration categories (p < 0.05). Short duration sleepers (≤6 h) showed the largest probabilities of eating breakfast and snacks. Snacks contributed to 23% of total energy intake and provided the largest amounts of total and added sugar than other eating occasions among short duration sleepers. Long duration sleepers (≥9 h) exhibited lower probability of consumption of the three main meals, lower energy and nutrient intakes in the morning, lower eating frequency and shorter eating period. Irrespective of sleep duration, the largest contribution to total energy intake was in the afternoon (43-46%), followed by the evening (30-32%) and morning (22-25%) periods. In conclusion, sleep duration was associated with different dietary intakes and eating behaviours among Brazilian adults. The largest energy intakes in the afternoon and evening periods signalize the relevance to consider the timing of food consumption aside sleep duration as a target to nutritional counseling for prevention of circadian misalignment and related metabolic disturbances.

Diurnal Patterns of Energy Intake Derived via Principal Component Analysis and Their Relationship with Adiposity Measures in Adolescents: Results from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey RP (2008⁻2012)

Mounting evidence points towards the existence of an association between energy intake in the evening and an increased prevalence and risk of being overweight and of obesity. The present study aimed to describe diurnal eating patterns (DEP) in a nationally representative sample of UK adolescents and to relate the derived DEP to anthropometrical measures. Data from four-day food records of adolescents aged 11–18 years participating in the 2008–2012 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (NDNS RP) was utilised. The DEP were derived using a principal component analysis on the correlation matrix. Three orthogonal diurnal patterns were interpretable as (i) a linear contrast (8% of total system variation) between breakfast and an earlier lunch vs. a later lunch, late dinner, and evening/night snack, renamed “phase shift” DEP; (ii) a linear contrast (6.0% of system variation) between midmorning snacks, late lunch, and early dinner vs. breakfast, early and late morning snacks, early lunch, midafternoon snacks, and late dinner, renamed “early eating and grazing” DEP; (iii) a linear contrast (6.0% of system variation) between late main meals vs. early main meals and night snacks which was renamed “early main meals and night snacks vs. late main meals” DEP. After the adjustment for confounders, every 1 unit increase in the “early main meals and night snacks vs. late main meals”’ DEP score was significantly associated with a 0.29 kg/m² and 11.6 mm increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference, respectively. There were no significant associations with the other two main DEPs. In conclusion, adolescents who tended to eat large early main meals and night snacks rather than slightly later main meals without night snacks had higher BMI and waist circumference. Further research is required to explore the determinants of DEP and to explore the impact of the context of eating and socioecological factors in the development of specific DEP.

Association between eating frequency and eating behaviours related to appetite from 4 to 7 years of age: Findings from the population-based birth cohort generation XXI

The examination of specific characteristics of eating habits in childhood and its influence on eating behaviours is needed to better understand the establishment of appetite-related eating behaviours. This study aimed to assess the association between eating frequency (EF) (main meals vs. snacks) at 4 and 7y and problematic eating behaviours and appetite-related eating behaviours at 7y. The analysis included 1359 children from the birth cohort Generation XXI who provided 3-day food diaries, at both ages, and complete information on the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, at 7y. Problematic eating behaviours were assessed using parental perception of child's poor eating (including not eating enough, eating too slow or overeating) at both ages. A time-of-day approach was used to distinguish main meals from snacks. A cross-lagged analysis was performed to check the direction of the association between EF and parental concerns regarding problematic eating behaviours. Associations between EF and appetite-related eating behaviours were evaluated through linear regression models. Between 4 and 7y a moderate tracking of EF was described as well as a strong tracking of parental concerns. We found a bidirectional relationship between EF and parental concerns. Prospectively, a higher frequency of snacks at 4y was independently associated with higher scores in 'Desire to Drink' at 7y (β = 0.051, 95%CI:0.009; 0.093). At 7y, a higher EF had a positive association with 'Satiety Responsiveness' but an inverse association with 'Enjoyment of Food'. A higher number of main meals had a positive association with 'Enjoyment of Food' and 'Food Responsiveness'. In conclusion, children who had more eating occasions seem to have more food-avoidance behaviours, traits that might protect these children from gaining excessive weight.

Chronotype: Implications for Epidemiologic Studies on Chrono-Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health

Chrono-nutrition is an emerging research field in nutritional epidemiology that encompasses 3 dimensions of eating behavior: timing, frequency, and regularity. To date, few studies have investigated how an individual's circadian typology, i.e., one's chronotype, affects the association between chrono-nutrition and cardiometabolic health. This review sets the directions for future research by providing a narrative overview of recent epidemiologic research on chronotype, its determinants, and its association with dietary intake and cardiometabolic health. Limited research was found on the association between chronotype and dietary intake in infants, children, and older adults. Moreover, most of the evidence in adolescents and adults was restricted to cross-sectional surveys with few longitudinal cohorts simultaneously collecting data on chronotype and dietary intake. There was a gap in the research concerning the association between chronotype and the 3 dimensions of chrono-nutrition. Whether chronotype modifies the association between diet and cardiometabolic health outcomes remains to be elucidated. In conclusion, further research is required to understand the interplay between chronotype, chrono-nutrition, and cardiometabolic health outcomes.

Diurnal distribution of carbohydrates and fat affects substrate oxidation and adipokine secretion in humans

Background

A diet in which fat is mainly eaten in the morning and carbohydrates mainly in the evening (compared with the reverse order) was recently shown to worsen glycemic control in people with prediabetes.

Objective

We investigated the effects of these dietary patterns on energy metabolism, and on the daily profiles of circulating lipids, adipokines, and inflammatory markers.

Design

In a randomized controlled crossover trial, 29 nonobese men (with normal glucose tolerance, n = 18; or impaired fasting glucose/glucose tolerance, n = 11) underwent 2 isocaloric 4-wk diets: 1) carbohydrate-rich meals until 1330 and fat-rich meals between 1630 and 2200 (HC/HF); or 2) the inverse sequence of meals (HF/HC). During a 12-h clinical investigation day after each intervention period, 2 meal tolerance tests were performed, at 0900 and 1540, respectively. Substrate oxidation and concentrations of circulating lipids, adipokines, and cytokines were assessed pre- and postprandially. The postprandial inflammatory response in leukocytes was analyzed ex vivo.

Results

Fasting carbohydrate oxidation decreased (P = 0.004) and lipid oxidation increased (P = 0.012) after the HC/HF diet. Fasting concentrations of blood markers did not differ between diets. The diets modulated the daily profiles of carbohydrate oxidation, lipid oxidation, and β-hydroxybutyrate, although the average daily values of these parameters showed no difference between the diets, and no interaction between diet and glucose tolerance status. Diurnal patterns of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, visfatin, and of LPS-induced cytokine secretion in blood leukocytes were also modulated by the diets. Average daily concentrations of leptin (P = 0.017) and visfatin (P = 0.041) were lower on the HF/HC diet than on the HC/HF diet.

Conclusions

Diurnal distribution of carbohydrates and fat affects the daily profiles of substrate oxidation, circulating lipids, and cytokine secretion, and alters the average daily concentrations of adipokine secretion in nonobese nondiabetic humans. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02487576.

Dark matters: effects of light at night on metabolism

Life on earth has evolved during the past several billion years under relatively bright days and dark night conditions. The wide-spread adoption of electric lights during the past century exposed animals, both human and non-human, to significant light at night for the first time in their evolutionary history. Endogenous circadian clocks depend on light to entrain to the external daily environment and seasonal rhythms depend on clear nightly melatonin signals to assess time of year. Thus, light at night can derange temporal adaptations. Indeed, disruption of naturally evolved light-dark cycles results in several physiological and behavioural changes with potentially serious implications for physiology, behaviour and mood. In this review, data from night-shift workers on their elevated risk for metabolic disorders, as well as data from animal studies will be discussed. Night-shift workers are predisposed to obesity and dysregulated metabolism that may result from disrupted circadian rhythms. Although studies in human subjects are correlative, animal studies have revealed several mechanisms through which light at night may exert its effects on metabolism by disrupting circadian rhythms that are associated with inflammation, both in the brain and in the periphery. Disruption of the typical timing of food intake is a key effect of light at night and subsequent metabolic dysregulation. Strategies to avoid the effects of light at night on body mass dysregulation should be pursued.

Eating patterns of Australian adults: associations with blood pressure and hypertension prevalence

PURPOSE

Eating patterns have been linked to obesity, an established risk factor for hypertension; however, their contribution to hypertension is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine associations of frequency of meals, snacks and all eating occasions (EO), and temporal eating patterns, with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension.

METHODS

Dietary data collected via two 24-h recalls during the 2011-2012 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 4482 adults, ≥ 19 years) were analysed. Frequencies of EO, meals, and snacks were calculated. Temporal eating patterns were determined using latent class analysis. Multivariate regression models assessed associations of eating patterns with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and hypertension prevalence.

RESULTS

Among men, a higher snack frequency was inversely associated with DBP [β = - 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) (- 1.12, - 0.07)] and hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 0.86, 95% CI (0.75, 0.98)] after adjustment for covariates and BMI. However, these associations disappeared after additional adjustment for total energy intake and overall diet quality. Among women, a temporal eating pattern characterized by a later "lunch" meal was associated with SBP [β = 2.45, 95% CI (0.05, 4.84)], DBP [β = 1.69, 95% CI (0.25, 3.13)], and hypertension [OR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.00, 2.22)], when compared to a "conventional" eating pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, an inverse association found between snack frequency and BP among men disappeared after adjustment for dietary factors and a "later lunch" pattern was associated with higher BP in women. Future research is needed to understand the relationship and potential mechanistic pathways between eating patterns and BP.