Meal timing, distribution of macronutrients, and inflammation among African-American women: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Chronic low-grade inflammation is an underlying risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including cancer. Eating earlier in the day has been associated with a reduction in levels of inflammatory markers and inflammation-related health outcomes (e.g., obesity, metabolic disorders). This cross-sectional study of 249 obese African-American women examined the effect of various mealtime-related factors associated with macronutrient consumption in relation to chronic inflammation and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RAD) readings. During 2011 and 2013, a single 24-hour dietary recall was administered, blood samples were assayed for c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and BI-RAD ratings were assessed to determine the influence of mealtime on chronic inflammation and breast cancer risk score. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess these relationships. Higher carbohydrate consumption at breakfast was associated with a significantly lower CRP vs. higher carbohydrate consumption at dinner (6.99, vs. 9.56 mg/L, respectively, p = .03). Additionally, every 1-unit increase in percent energy consumed after 5PM resulted in a BI-RAD reading indicating a possibly suspicious abnormality (OR: 1.053, 95% CI: 1.003–1.105), suggesting an increase in breast cancer risk. Timing of energy and macronutrient intake may have important implications for reducing the risk of diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

KEYWORDS:

• Timing
• food intake
• inflammation
• breast cancer
• obesity

Disclosure statement

Dr. Hébert owns controlling interest in Connecting Health Innovations LLC (CHI), a company that has licensed the right to his invention of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) from the University of South Carolina in order to develop computer and smart phone applications for patient counseling and dietary intervention in clinical settings. Dr. Michael Wirth is an employee of CHI.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Susan G. Komen®, grant number GTDR17500160, and by The South Carolina Cancer Disparities Community Network Projected awarded by the National Institute of Health, grant number 1U54CA153461-01