Effect of Supplementation with Red Rooibos Tea on Body Composition, Metabolic Outcomes, and Movement in...

Menopause is associated with increases in visceral adipose tissue, reductions in lean mass, and a reduced energy expenditure. The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model can be used to model these changes and to test potential interventions that may attenuate this response. Red rooibos (RR), due to its high polyphenol content, may counter the effect of low estrogen concentrations.

To determine if consumption of RR can blunt the changes to body composition, metabolic outcomes, and movement that occur in the OVX rat model.

Fifty-six female, 6-mo-old, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 14 per group): SHAM-WATER (sham surgery and consumed water without RR), SHAM-RR, OVX-WATER, and OVX-RR. RR (2.6 g RR per kilogram body mass) was provided ad libitum for 12 wk. At baseline and endpoint, body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and metabolic measures and movement were measured using a Promethion metabolic caging system.

RR did not attenuate OVX-induced changes. As expected, OVX resulted in a higher whole-body percent fat mass, a lower percent lean mass, and a higher body mass than SHAM rats (P < 0.05). At the endpoint, OVX rats had a higher ovarian adipose tissue mass and inguinal adipose tissue mass (P < 0.05) with a trend for reduced brown adipose tissue mass than SHAM rats (P = 0.072). There were no differences between groups for metabolic measures (energy expenditure, gas exchange). OVX rats also had a trend of a long lounge time (P = 0.065) and total lounge time (P = 0.070) compared with SHAM.

RR intervention did not attenuate the changes to body composition, metabolic, or movement outcomes observed in the OVX group. This study provides insights into the progression of body composition and metabolic changes in the OVX rat model, contributing to a better understanding of the physiological impacts of estrogen deficiency.