EFFECTS OF FASTING STATUS ON PLASMA ENDOCRINE BIOMARKERS IN OLDER ADULTS
2024

Effects of Fasting on Hormones in Older Adults

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Knight Erik, Tennyson Robert, Wright Molly, Graham-Engeland Jennifer, Engeland Christopher

Primary Institution: University of Colorado Boulder

Hypothesis

How does fasting status affect plasma endocrine biomarkers in older adults?

Conclusion

Eating increases cortisol and reduces total testosterone and estrone in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Eating increases cortisol levels in older adults.
  • Total testosterone and estrone levels decrease after eating.
  • Cortisone and estradiol levels are unaffected by eating.
  • The effects of eating on total testosterone are more pronounced in men.

Takeaway

Eating can change some hormone levels in older people, so it's important to think about when they eat during studies.

Methodology

Older adults attended two lab sessions with blood draws after fasting, and a meal was provided at different times to test hormone levels.

Limitations

Further research is necessary for biomarkers with weak evidence of change.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 67.5 years, 70% women.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2622

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