Branched-Chain amino acids intake is negatively related to body adiposity in individuals at cardiometabolic risk

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the relationship between branched-chain amino acids intake in the current diet and the metabolic and body adiposity markers in a population at cardiovascular risk. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 282 adults and elderly people from the Cardiovascular Health Care Program of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and body composition data, as well as metabolic biomarkers were collected using standardized protocols. Dietary intake of branched amino acids was assessed using a 24-hour recall. Results Individuals with a higher branched-chain amino acids intake (≥2.6g/day, median value) had lower body fat (29.6 vs 32.2%; p=0.019), and higher serum ferritin (113.2 vs. 60.1mg/dL; p=0.006) and uric acid concentrations (4.4 vs. 4.0; p=0.023). In addition, a lower prevalence of overweight and excessive abdominal fat (p