Time-restricted eating to entrain circadian rhythms, increase physiological responsiveness, and prevent stressor-induced frailty: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Amber S Kleckner, Carin L Clingan, Shalet James et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of daytime-aligned time-restricted eating (TRE) and exploratory supportive-care outcomes in adults aged 55 years or older receiving treatment for prostate or metastatic breast cancer. Participants were assigned to a self-selected 10-hour eating window or control, with nutrition counseling for 12 weeks. Of 24 randomized participants, 20 completed the intervention (83.3% retention). The TRE group averaged a 9.2 ± 1.4-hour eating window versus 13.3 ± 1.5 hours in controls. There were no between-group effects on fatigue, frailty, or rhythm measures; greater rest-activity rhythm amplitude was associated with less fatigue.
Key findings
- Twenty of 24 randomized participants completed the intervention, for 83.3% retention.
- Across weeks 1–12, average eating windows were 9.2 ± 1.4 hours with TRE and 13.3 ± 1.5 hours in controls (p < 0.001).
- No between-group effects were found for fatigue, frailty, or rhythm measures (p > 0.05).
- Greater relative amplitude of rest-activity rhythms was associated with less fatigue (b ± SE = -6.3 ± 2.8, p = 0.03).
Why it matters
Fatigue and frailty can complicate cancer treatment in older adults. This pilot suggests that a dietitian-supported eating-window program can be implemented in this population, while its exploratory associations between circadian rhythm measures and supportive-care outcomes provide a rationale for further study. The absence of between-group effects means the findings do not establish that TRE improves fatigue or frailty.
What to keep in mind
This was a small pilot study, and only 20 participants completed the intervention. The study found no between-group effects on its fatigue, frailty, or rhythm measures.