Effects of High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diets on Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Activities: An Experimental Study Using Heart Rate Variability

Abstract

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is affected by several factors, including major nutrients. However, their effects on the ANS remains unclear. Most studies had several limitations. They focused on humans, therefore they had difficulties excluding factors other than the nutrients. Their observation periods were too short (<4 hours) to align with typical absorption times of carbohydrates versus fats. They assessed the effects compared with the pre-prandial state rather than comparisons between different nutrient types. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS. Method: We employed a rat model to exclude the effects of external stimuli, used sufficient observation period, and compared the ANS parameters among animals fed 3 different diets. The rats were divided into carbohydrate-rich-diet (carb group) and fat-rich-diet (fat group) groups. We investigated the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS by measuring heart rate variability parameters in rats. Electrodes and electrocardiography (ECG) transmitters were implanted in 14 Wistar rats maintained on a standard diet for 2 days followed by the experimental diets for 2 days. ECG readings were continuously recorded for 4 days. The R waves, function of the R-R interval, and time were calculated. A fast Fourier transform was used to obtain the power spectrum of the fluctuation (low frequency [LF: 0.2-0.75 Hz]; high frequency [HF: 0.75-3.0 Hz]; LF/HF ratio). Result: Compared with the standard-diet group, the carb group showed significantly increased HF activity, while the fat group showed a significantly increased LF/HF ratio. Conclusion: The results reveal a link between macronutrients and ANS activity.