Chronobiology And Diet

Background Studying the association between chronobiology and nutrition is of increasing interest. The important question is not only what we eat but also when we eat and in how far we do eat in accordance with our biological clock.Methods We summarized current evidence from a nutritional epidemiological perspective about the relevance of different circadian dietary patterns (time and frequency of dietary intake, breakfast skipping and time restricted feeding) and the association between individual chronotype and the development of body weight and nutrition related chronic diseases.Results From this narrative review it appears that avoiding high energy and carbohydrate intakes, especially carbohydrates with high Glycamic index, in the evening may support the maintenance of long-term health. The current evidence from observational and intervention studies on the relationship between breakfast and body weight management is contradictory. Adherence to a circadian eating rhythm aligned with the individual chronotype seems to be beneficial for body weight management and therefore the prevention of other chronic diseases. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the amount of eating occasions one should adhere to and the right amount of time between the first and the last meal in order to influence weight reduction.Conclusion The field of chronobiology and nutrition is emerging and holds path breaking results. However, further research especially prospective cohort studies providing repeated measurements and randomized controlled trials are necessary to interpret the impact of circadian dietary patterns on the prevention of diet related chronic diseases. The conception and interpretation of future studies regarding chronobiology and diet should account for the individual chronotype.