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. 2017 Dec 7;4(3):255-263.
doi: 10.3233/NHA-170031.

Effect of alternate day fasting on markers of bone metabolism: An exploratory analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial

Adrienne Barnosky  1   2 , Cynthia M Kroeger  1   3 , John F Trepanowski  1   4 , Monica C Klempel  1 , Surabhi Bhutani  1 , Kristin K Hoddy  1 , Kelsey Gabel  1 , Sue A Shapses  5 , Krista A Varady  1
Affiliations

Effect of alternate day fasting on markers of bone metabolism: An exploratory analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial

Adrienne Barnosky et al. Nutr Healthy Aging. .

Abstract

Background: Alternate day fasting (ADF) is a novel diet therapy that reduces body weight, but its effect on bone health remains unknown.

Objective: This study examined the impact of ADF versus traditional daily calorie restriction (CR) on markers of bone metabolism in a 6-month randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Overweight and obese subjects (n = 100) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 6 months: 1) ADF (25% energy intake fast day, alternated with 125% intake feast day; 2) CR (75% intake every day); or 3) control (usual intake every day).

Results: Body weight decreased similarly (P < 0.001) by ADF (-7.8±1.2%) and CR (-8.8±1.5%), relative to controls by month 6. Lean mass, total body bone mineral content and total body bone mineral density remained unchanged in all groups. Circulating osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, and C-terminal telopeptide type I collagen (CTX) did not change in any group. IGF-1 increased (P < 0.01) in the CR group, with no change in the ADF or control group. When the data were sub-analyzed according to menopausal status, there were no differences between premenopausal or postmenopausal women for any marker of bone metabolism.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that 6 months of ADF does not have any deleterious impact on markers of bone metabolism in obese adults with moderate weight loss.

Keywords: Alternate day fasting; bone metabolism; bone mineral content; bone mineral density; calorie restriction; obese adults.

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Figures

Fig.1
Fig.1
Study flow chart.
Fig.2
Fig.2
Experimental design.
Fig.3
Fig.3
Change in body weight and body composition after 6 months. Mean±SEM. BMC: Bone mineral content. Means with different superscript values are significantly different (P < 0.01) for each body composition parameter. A. All participants: Body weight and fat mass decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the ADF and CR groups, relative to controls. Lean mass and BMC remained unchanged in all groups. B. Premenopausal women: Body weight and fat mass decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the ADF and CR groups, relative to controls. Lean mass and BMC remained unchanged in all groups. C. Postmenopausal women: Body weight and fat mass decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the ADF and CR groups, relative to controls. Lean mass and BMC remained unchanged in all groups. Postmenopausal women lost more (P < 0.05) body weight and fat mass relative to premenopausal women in the same intervention group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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