Effects of protein supplementation on 4 weeks of alternate-day fasting on blood parameters and body composition in young men

• Main Author: Huang, Christopher Bingqiang
• Other Authors: National Institute of Education
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/73867
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is effective in weight loss via muscle and fat loss. However, it is not known if protein supplementation during ADF will reduce muscle loss during loss of body mass. The study was conducted to examine the effects of protein supplementation on 4-weeks of ADF on blood parameters and body composition in young men with body mass index (BMI) of 23kg/m2 or greater. Participants fasted every other day for 28 days. On fasting days, they consumed 400-600 kcal inclusive of a whey supplement (125kcal, 25g protein) between 12 to 2pm. Body composition, body height and weight, fasting blood pressure and plasma glucose were assessed at before and after 4-weeks of ADF. These measurements, except body composition, will be repeated at the end of each week of ADF. There is a significant reduction in body weight (P = .004), fat mass (P = .003), BMI (P = .004) and percentage body fat (P = .002). No significant changes were seen in fat free mass (P = .053), blood pressure and heart rate (P < .05) from baseline. While fat free mass lost (0.87kg [-0.01, 1.76]) was not statistically significant (P = .053), it’s effect size was moderate (Cohen’s d = 0.66). In conclusion, 4 weeks of ADF is effective in overweight and obese young men as a short-term alternative to weight loss through fat and muscle loss. Protein supplementation have a protective effect on fat free mass. However, 0.87kg of fat free mass lost is clinically important.