Increased Meal Frequency With Exercise Mitigates Postprandial Triacylglycerol

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined how manipulating meal frequency, with and without exercise, affects postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG). Methods: Fourteen sedentary men completed four 2-day trials in a noncounterbalanced random cross-over order: (1) consumption of 1 large high-fat milkshake without exercise (1-CON), (2) consumption of 2 smaller high-fat milkshakes without exercise (2-CON), (3) consumption of 1 large high-fat milkshake with exercise (1-EX), and (4) consumption of 2 small high-fat milkshakes with exercise (2-EX)—total energy intake was standardized across trials. On day 1, participants rested (1-CON and 2-CON) or walked briskly for 60 minutes (1-EX and 2-EX). On day 2, participants consumed either a single large high-fat milkshake (75% fat; 1-CON and 1-EX) for breakfast or 2 smaller isoenergetic milkshakes (2-CON and 2-EX) for breakfast and lunch. Plasma TAG were measured fasting and for 7 hours after breakfast. Results: Peak incremental TAG was 30% lower on 2-EX than 1-CON (P = .04, d = 0.38). Postprandial TAG increased more rapidly in the first 4 hours in 1-CON than other trials; but at 6 hours, TAG was exaggerated in 2-CON compared with 1-CON. Conclusions: Increasing meal frequency after exercise, without altering overall fat intake, attenuates postprandial TAG.