Increased Meal Frequency With Exercise Mitigates Postprandial Triacylglycerol.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Postprandial lipemia, indicated by elevated plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations after a meal, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Meal frequency and exercise are known modulators of postprandial TAG metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of meal frequency manipulation, with and without concurrent exercise, on postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG) response.
• To determine if altering meal frequency affects the metabolic handling of dietary fat.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen sedentary men participated in four 2-day trials with standardized total energy and fat intake.
• Trials involved either one large or two smaller high-fat milkshakes, with or without a 60-minute brisk walk on day 1.
• Plasma TAG levels were measured fasting and for 7 hours post-breakfast on day 2.

Main Results:

• Peak incremental TAG was 30% lower in the two-meal exercise condition (2-EX) compared to the single large meal without exercise (1-CON).
• Postprandial TAG increased more rapidly in the first 4 hours in the 1-CON trial.
• At 6 hours post-meal, TAG levels were higher in the two-meal non-exercise condition (2-CON) compared to 1-CON.

Conclusions:

• Increasing meal frequency following exercise, without changing total fat intake, effectively attenuates postprandial TAG elevations.
• Exercise combined with increased meal frequency appears to be a beneficial strategy for managing postprandial lipemia.