Impact of slow versus rapid digesting carbohydrates on substrate oxidation in pre-pubertal children: A randomized crossover trial

Zachary M Gillen; Vikkie A Mustad; Marni E Shoemaker; Brianna D Mckay; Todd J Leutzinger; Jose M Lopez-Pedrosa; Ricardo Rueda; Joel T Cramer

doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2021.05.004

Impact of slow versus rapid digesting carbohydrates on substrate oxidation in pre-pubertal children: A randomized crossover trial

Clin Nutr. 2021 Jun;40(6):3718-3728. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.05.004. Epub 2021 May 11.

Authors

Zachary M Gillen¹, Vikkie A Mustad², Marni E Shoemaker³, Brianna D Mckay⁴, Todd J Leutzinger⁵, Jose M Lopez-Pedrosa⁶, Ricardo Rueda⁶, Joel T Cramer⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
² Abbott Nutrition, 2900 Easton Square Place, Columbus, OH, 43219, USA.
³ College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
⁴ Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
⁵ Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA.
⁶ Abbott Nutrition R&D, 18004, Granada, Spain.
⁷ College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA. Electronic address: jtcramer@utep.edu.

PMID: 34130017
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.05.004

Abstract

Background & aims: Consumption of rapid digesting sugars by children are under increased scrutiny because of their contribution to unhealthy weight gain. Previous studies in adults and children have suggested that altering the blend of carbohydrates (CHOs) consumed may cause shifts in substrate utilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of consuming a slow digesting carbohydrate (SDC) and rapid digesting carbohydrate (RDC) on CHO and fat oxidation, glucose, and insulin responses at rest, during exercise, and post-exercise rest in pre-pubescent children.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover design was used. Nineteen pre-pubescent children (n = 10 boys, n = 9 girls, mean ± standard error, age = 9.84 ± 0.37-yrs) participated. Visits to the laboratory began with a 30-min measurement of resting metabolism followed by consumption of either an RDC or SDC drink. Postprandial resting metabolism was recorded for 60-min, immediately followed by 60-min of submaximal cycling exercise while metabolism was recorded, which was immediately followed by another 60-min recording of post-exercise metabolism. Total CHO and fat oxidation, endogenous and exogenous CHO oxidation, blood glucose, and insulin were assessed.

Results: Total CHO oxidation rate (g∙min^-1) was greater after the RDC drink at 60 min (p = 0.032). Endogenous CHO oxidation rate (g∙min^-1) was greater after the SDC drink at 15 min (p ≤ 0.010). Cumulative endogenous CHO oxidation (g) was greater after the SDC drink at 45 min (p = 0.009). Endogenous CHO oxidation accounted for a greater proportion of substrate oxidation after the first 60-min rest period (p = 0.028), while exogenous CHO oxidation accounted for a greater proportion of substrate oxidation for the RDC at all time points (p ≤ 0.019).

Conclusions: The present study provides novel data suggesting that an SDC promotes greater endogenous substrate utilization in pre-pubertal children, which may have beneficial health impacts on energy intake and carbohydrate regulation/metabolism during growth and development.

Clinical trials registry number: NCT03185884, clinicaltrials.gov.

Keywords: Carbohydrate oxidation; Children; Endogenous; Exogenous; Fat oxidation.

Publication types

Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Blood Glucose / metabolism
Carbohydrate Metabolism*
Child
Cross-Over Studies
Dietary Carbohydrates / metabolism*
Dietary Fats / metabolism
Double-Blind Method
Energy Metabolism*
Exercise
Female
Humans
Insulin / metabolism
Male
Oxidation-Reduction*
Oxygen Consumption
Postprandial Period

Substances

Blood Glucose
Dietary Carbohydrates
Dietary Fats
Insulin

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03185884