Title:
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The interplay of body composition, nutrition and inflammation
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Both the quantity and distribution of body fat are associated with the expression of
inflammatory markers. This thesis aims to examine (1) associations between measures of
body composition (anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) with
markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, (2) the efficacy of body composition
indices as predictors of inflammation in young adults and postmenopausal women, (3) the
effects of modest weight change on markers of inflammation over 24 months in
postmenopausal women and (4) the effects of a calcium rich marine-derived multi-mineral
supplement administered alone or with short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) on
cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in postmenopausal women over 24 months. Results
demonstrate that anthropometric measures of body composition are similarly associated with
markers of inflammation in comparison to DXA and therefore may be reliable and clinically
useful in the prediction of disease risk in young adults and postmenopausal women. Although
sex differences were apparent, similar strong associations between leptin and body
composition measures were evident among both men and women, highlighting a potential
role for this marker in the assessment of inflammatory disease risk. Additionally, modest
weight change in postmenopausal women has significant effects on pro-inflammatory marker
concentrations over 24 months which may positively or negatively impact inflammatory
status. With age, women experience changes in body composition, inflammation and bone
health. Calcium supplements are routinely taken, particularly by postmenopausal women to
meet the daily required intake and prevent osteoporosis. However, high calcium intakes via
calcium containing supplements have been implicated as a risk factor for CVD. This thesis
demonstrates that supplementation with a calcium rich marine-derived multi-mineral
supplement alone or with scFOS, a prebiotic that enhances intestinal absorption, lowered
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol concentrations in postmenopausal women
over 24 months and had no effect on body composition, blood pressure or systemic
inflammation. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the interplay between body composition,
nutrition and inflammation in young adults and postmenopausal women.
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