Effect of High-Protein Diet on Postprandial Energy Expenditure in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of measuring a postprandial increase in energy expenditure (ΔEE) using a state-of-the-art whole-body calorimetry unit (WBCU) in children and youth with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Five participants (aged 10-25 y) received both a standard and a high-protein diet in a random order (crossover design). Resting energy expenditure, postprandial ΔEE 6 h after intake of a standard [15% of total energy (TE)] and a high-protein (30% TE) meal, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured in a WBCU. No differences were observed in ΔEE comparing the 2 meals. Mean RER was lower following the high-protein meal (0.80 ± 0.01) compared with the standard meal (0.87 ± 0.02) (P = 0.009). Despite the high participant burden, it was feasible to conduct this metabolic test in children and youth with PWS. This study paves the way for further studies targeting EE in this patient population.