248 - Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Aerobic Capacity Inversely Associate with Plasma Leptin Concentration in Children – The Arkansas Active Kids Study

Poster Number: 248
Publication Number: 248.141

Eva C. Diaz, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States; Judith L. Weber, UAMS, Little Rock, AR, United States; Tim Edwards, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, United States; Elisabet Børsheim, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States

Background: Leptin is involved in the regulation of appetite, blood pressure, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Children with obesity frequently present with hyperleptinemia, a marker of and predisposing factor for leptin resistance. In rodents, polyphenol-rich diets and exercise improve leptin sensitivity. Human data in this area are scarce and shows conflicting results.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the association of fasting plasma leptin concentrations with direct measures of aerobic capacity (peak O2-uptake; VO2peak), and habitual fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in children with normal and excessive adiposity (NA vs. EA).

Design/Methods: Children (7-10 years old, n=193) attended one study visit. Fasting plasma leptin concentration (FPLC, ng/ml) and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured. Fat-mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) and respective z-scores were calculated. Children were classified as having NA (n=159) or EA (n=34) if their FMI z-score fell below or above 1. Habitual FV consumption [cup equivalent/ day] was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and cup equivalent z-scores computed. VO2peak was measured using an incremental cycle ergometer test and normalized to FFMI. FPLC (dependent variable) was modeled against adiposity status, VO2peak, FV consumption, and the confounding effects of age and sex considered (independent variables). The best fitted model was created using generalized linear regression analysis.

Results: Age, sex, race, and FV consumption were comparable between groups. VO2peak was lower in children with EA vs. NA (86±19 vs. 96±19 ml∙min-1∙FFMI-1, p=0.0004). Best fitted model: FPLC was in average 13.7 ng/ml higher in children with EA compared to children with NA (pConclusion(s): FPLC of children with EA decreased with increasing FV consumption. FPLC negatively associates with aerobic capacity, regardless of adiposity. Families of children with obesity should receive targeted recommendations promoting adherence to dietary guidelines for FV intake and physical activity.

Funding: USDA-ARS Projects 3092-51000-056- 04A and 6026-51000-012-06S. NIH-NIGMS 5P20GM109096, NIH 8UG1OD024945. NIH-NCATS 1UL1TR003107.