How Nutrition Relates to Body Clock Rhythms in Mammals

The circadian clock regulates food processing and energy balance by controlling various metabolic enzymes.

• The master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) influences circadian rhythms in mammals.
• Circadian rhythms are associated with the regulation of metabolism for cholesterol, amino acids, lipids, glycogen, and glucose.
• Hormones like insulin and glucagon show daily fluctuations that may impact metabolic processes.
• Disruption of these circadian rhythms could be linked to conditions such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
• Calorie restriction may help synchronize the SCN clock, while meal timing influences other peripheral biological clocks.
• Food metabolism and certain nutrients might cause shifts in circadian rhythms.

Simplified