The interaction of macronutrients and body composition among individuals with chronic spinal cord injury

Br J Nutr, 2023 · DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522001830 · Published: December 24, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study examines the relationship between macronutrient intake (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) and body composition in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). It uses the Geometric Framework for Nutrition (GFN) to analyze these complex relationships. The researchers assessed body composition using anthropometric measures, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They also collected self-reported dietary recall sheets to analyze macronutrient intake. The study found that carbohydrate intake was negatively associated with fat mass, suggesting that higher carbohydrate intake is linked to lower body fat in individuals with SCI. This was observed across different body composition measurement methods.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

48 individuals with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Carbohydrates were negatively associated with several measures of fat mass as measured by DXA.
2
Significant associations between all circumference measures and carbohydrates were observed.
3
Significant associations between SAT and protein × carbohydrate as well as carbohydrates were identified.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between macronutrient intakes and body composition in individuals with chronic SCI using the Geometric Framework for Nutrition (GFN). The study found that carbohydrate intake was inversely associated with body fat mass, suggesting that higher carbohydrate intake is linked to lower body fat in individuals with SCI. The researchers recommend additional research to determine how carbohydrate intake influences body composition and cardiometabolic health after SCI.

Practical Implications

Dietary Recommendations

The findings suggest that dietary recommendations for individuals with SCI should consider the role of carbohydrate intake in managing body composition and reducing fat mass.

Further Research

Future studies should investigate the types of carbohydrates (simple vs. complex) and their impact on body composition and cardiometabolic health in the SCI population.

Personalized Nutrition

The Geometric Framework for Nutrition (GFN) approach can be used to develop personalized nutrition plans that take into account the complex interactions between macronutrients and health outcomes in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study relies on self-reported dietary data.
2
The sample includes few females and excludes individuals with common co-morbid conditions.
3
Physical activity levels were not measured in the study.

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