Effective suppression of myocardial glucose uptake using predesigned low-carbohydrate boxed meals.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dietary preparation protocols are an effective means to suppress physiological myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of various carbohydrate-restricted diets using predesigned boxed meals. METHODS: The patients were divided into four groups to undergo different preparatory protocols as follows a minimum 15-hour fast alone, two meals of high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (HFLCD), two meals of high-animal-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (HAPLCD), and two meals of high-plant-based-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (HPPLCD). Boxed meals were prepared to meet the required carbohydrate restrictions. Myocardial SUVmax and SUVmean were measured and the suppression rate was analyzed. RESULTS: The average myocardial SUVmax of fast alone, HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD were 8.26 ± 5.85, 2.21 ± 1.50, 2.34 ± 1.88, and 4.10 ± 3.61, respectively, and the suppression rates were 36.6%, 93.3%, 93.3%, and 70%, respectively. The effectiveness of HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD was all statistically superior to that of a 15-hour fast alone. SUVmax of HFLCD and HAPLCD showed no significant differences (p = 1), whereas HFLCD and HPPLCD had significant differences (p = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Using the predesigned boxed meals based on carbohydrate restriction, HFLCD, HAPLCD, and HPPLCD can be administered to patients with different dietary needs while providing a substantial reduction in physiological myocardial FDG uptake.