Exploring the Relationship Between Carbohydrates and Their Sources With Fat- Related Indices Among College Students

Abstract

There is a causal link between consuming carbohydrate food sources with anthropometrics and fat-related body composition in adults, however, there are scarce data investigating the longitudinal relationship between intake of carbohydrate sources with anthropometrics and body composition over time in college students. As part of a larger study, 17 students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout were evaluated over 4 years. Participants filled out a yearly diet history questionnaire to assess carbohydrates as percent of energy intake, fruit, vegetable, and added sugar intake. Yearly anthropometrics were collected, including, weight and height for body mass index calculation, as well as waist circumference. Fat-related body composition measures, including total body fat percentage and visceral adipose tissue, were measured using serial dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry scans. A statistically significant difference between the association of different intakes of carbohydrates with anthropometrics and body fat composition measures was not established. Although there was a trend toward reduced weight and visceral adipose tissue with increased fruit intake (weight: -0.54 kg; p<.05; visceral adipose tissue: -0.60 in3, p<.05) and reduced visceral adipose tissue with increased vegetable intake (visceral adipose tissue: -0.60 in3, p<.05) in year 1, this was found to clinically insignificant by year 4. Although our study was underpowered and did not show an association between carbohydrate intake with anthropometrics and body fat composition, there were promising trends between diet, weight, and visceral fat composition during the first year that warrant further study and expansion of our clinical cohort.