Examining the Relationship Between Acute Meal Intake and Inflammation in Children

Recent evidence has shown that obese and overweight children exhibit states of chronic inflammation. In obese adults, a high carbohydrate meal induces an inflammatory response; however, the effects of a high carbohydrate meal on biomarkers of inflammation has not previously been examined in children. The purpose of this research project is to characterize the inflammatory response to a high carbohydrate versus a low carbohydrate meal in healthy weight, overweight, and obese children (age 7-17 years). After completing informed consent/assent, a Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and baseline blood draw on experimental day 1, children will then return to the lab two times to ingest either a high or low carbohydrate beverage followed by post-meal blood collection for a total of 3 blood draws. Biomarkers of inflammation will be analyzed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Participants will be recruited through various studies through the Neurocognitive Kinesiology Lab/Body Composition and Nutritional Neuroscience Labs as well as through the local Champaign-Urbana community. Data from this project will provide a better understanding of the inflammatory response to different meals in healthy weight, overweight, and obese children.