Breakfast Protein: Why Does It Matter?

Date

2017-03-01

Authors

Adamski, Katherine
Darlington, Gerarda
Duncan, Alison
Haines, Jess
Ma, David
Buchholz, Andrea

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Abstract

Approximately 27% of Canadian children are overweight or obese, and overweight children are at risk for becoming overweight adults. Dietary protein, particularly that consumed at breakfast, may have benefits for the metabolism and optimize body composition. Paradoxically, consumption of higher animal:plant protein may increase body mass index (BMI). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine associations between total protein and animal:plant protein consumed at breakfast and body composition in 59 preschool-aged children enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study. Researchers analyzed three-day food records and measured the percentage of fat mass (%FM). Associations between protein consumption at breakfast and body composition, adjusted for age, sex, and sibling effect, were assessed using random effects models. Data revealed that every gram of total protein consumed was associated with 0.18 cm lower waist circumference (WC). There was no association with the %FM. Conversely, for every 1 unit increase in the animal:plant protein intake, WC and %FM increased by 0.83 cm, and 0.33%, respectively. There was no significant association between total protein consumption and waist-to-height ratio, or between animal:plant protein and BMI score. These data suggest that breakfasts higher in total protein are associated with lower WC, however, those with a higher animal:plant protein are associated with greater WC and FM%.

Description

Poster was part of 'What We Know' display, held on March 1, 2017 at the Quebec Street Mall in Downtown Guelph. At 'What We Know,' the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute brought together 50 posters featuring diverse research on Guelph and Wellington from community organizations, municipal staff, faculty and students. Topics included feral cats, farmland loss, food waste, the wellbeing of children and more - all specific to Guelph and Wellington.

Keywords

What we know, Guelph, Guelph Wellington, Wellington, Guelph Family Health Study, breakfast, dietary protein, body composition, BMI, waist circumference

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