Effect of meal frequency on serum amino acids and creatinine clearance in young men

Seven healthy men consumed a liquid formula diet either as 3 meals taken at 0, 4, and 8 hours, or as 72 equal portions taken at 10-minute intervals (sipping). Day-long mean serum amino acids were similar on both treatments. Sipping reduced the fall in serum creatinine levels by more than 50% (p < 0.01), and reduced urine creatinine output and creatinine clearance by 11% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that increased meal frequency warrants investigation as a potentially beneficial maneuver in the dietary management of chronic renal failure.