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. 2022 Jul;39(7):976-983.
doi: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2053702. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

Meal timing, distribution of macronutrients, and inflammation among African-American women: A cross-sectional study

Samantha C Truman  1   2 , Michael D Wirth  1   2   3 , Swann Arp Adams  1   2   3 , Gabrielle M Turner-McGrievy  4 , Kelly E Reiss  1 , James R Hébert  1   2   5
Affiliations

Meal timing, distribution of macronutrients, and inflammation among African-American women: A cross-sectional study

Samantha C Truman et al. Chronobiol Int. 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Chronic low-grade inflammation is an underlying risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including cancer. Eating earlier in the day has been associated with a reduction in levels of inflammatory markers and inflammation-related health outcomes (e.g., obesity, metabolic disorders). This cross-sectional study of 249 obese African-American women examined the effect of various mealtime-related factors associated with macronutrient consumption in relation to chronic inflammation and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RAD) readings. During 2011 and 2013, a single 24-hour dietary recall was administered, blood samples were assayed for c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and BI-RAD ratings were assessed to determine the influence of mealtime on chronic inflammation and breast cancer risk score. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess these relationships. Higher carbohydrate consumption at breakfast was associated with a significantly lower CRP vs. higher carbohydrate consumption at dinner (6.99, vs. 9.56 mg/L, respectively, p = .03). Additionally, every 1-unit increase in percent energy consumed after 5PM resulted in a BI-RAD reading indicating a possibly suspicious abnormality (OR: 1.053, 95% CI: 1.003-1.105), suggesting an increase in breast cancer risk. Timing of energy and macronutrient intake may have important implications for reducing the risk of diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

Keywords: Timing; breast cancer; food intake; inflammation; obesity.

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