Fasting Reduces D-Chiroinositol in Muscle
Author Information
Author(s): Pavel N. Shashkin, Laura C. Huang, Joseph Larner, George E. Vandenhoff, Abram Katz
Primary Institution: University of Virginia Charlottesville
Hypothesis
Does a 3-day fast affect the muscle content of inositols in healthy humans?
Conclusion
A 3-day fast significantly decreases the muscle content of D-chiroinositol, which may contribute to insulin resistance.
Supporting Evidence
- The 72-hour fast resulted in a 20% decrease in muscle D-chiroinositol content.
- Plasma glucose and insulin levels increased significantly after fasting.
- Fasting is associated with insulin resistance in humans.
Takeaway
When people don't eat for three days, their muscles have less of a substance called D-chiroinositol, which helps insulin work properly.
Methodology
The study involved healthy volunteers undergoing a 3-day fast, with muscle biopsies taken before and after the fasting period to measure inositol levels.
Limitations
The study only included healthy volunteers, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
Participant Demographics
12 healthy volunteers, 5 males and 7 females, average age 30 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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