How Long-Term Lifestyle Changes Impact Children's Serum Metabolites
Eight-year diet and exercise intervention in children leads to lasting effects on metabolic pathways, improving cardiometabolic health
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A study spanning eight years examined a range of serum metabolites in children, demonstrating that sustained lifestyle interventions can influence the body's metabolic profile, particularly in lipid metabolism.
The researchers employed non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis to measure the effects of a combined diet and physical activity intervention on 315 serum metabolites in children. The study, part of the "Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children" (PANIC) trial, tracled 504 children aged 6–9 years from Finland over eight years.
The intervention program consisted of regular counseling sessions focusing on improving the children's diet and physical activity levels. Key dietary goals included reducing the consumption of high-fat dairy and meat products, increasing intake of unsaturated fats through vegetable oils, and encouraging the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Participants were also advised to reduce sugar and salt intake while increasing overall physical activity and decreasing sedentary time. Children in the intervention group were also encouraged to join after-school exercise clubs to further boost their physical activity levels.
Key findings from the study revealed that 17 metabolites were significantly impacted by the intervention over the eight-year period, including fatty amides, acylcarnitines, and phospholipids. Notably, the intervention led to sustained elevations in levels of fatty amides, such as palmitic amide, linoleamide, and oleamide, which are bioactive lipids known to regulate inflammation and sleep.
The study also observed changes in microbiota-derived metabolites, including hippuric acid and indolepropionic acid, both of which were linked to improved glucose metabolism. Elevated levels of these metabolites in the intervention group suggest that the dietary improvements positively influenced gut health and metabolic function over the long term.
The research also demonstrated effects on purine metabolism, noting significant changes in the levels of guanosine, inosine, and xanthine metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and associated with physical activity.
“Our research provides compelling evidence that early and sustained lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on a child’s health trajectory,” said Timo Lakka, the lead researcher of the study, in a press release.
