According to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, fish is one of the eight major allergen foods. Reliable analytical methods for the detection of food ingredients derived from fish are important for the protection of fish allergic individuals. Surimi is defined as a protein concentrate made of fish muscle and is usually used for the manufacture of shellfish analogues or substitutes. They are typically made from white-flesh fish (e.g. pollock or whiting) and may be a hidden ingredient in some processed foods. This study developed a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for quantitative detection of fish protein in heat-processed crab meat. A previously developed MAb 8F5, which recognizes a 36-kDa thermostable fish protein, was used in this study. The icELISA was optimized and 11 sets of spiked samples adulterated at 0.01% to 5% were used to produce sets of standard inhibition curves and transformed linear curves for quantification of surimi in crab samples. The effect of cooking methods and cooking times on the detectability of a representative surimi product was also examined. The 50% inhibitory concentration values (IC50) of the icELISA were 4.0% (g/g)-10.0% (g/g) for surimi samples and 3.9% (g/g) for fish samples. Fish samples have smaller IC50 value than surimi samples, which means that fish samples contain a larger amount of antigenic fish proteins than surimi samples at the same total protein concentration. The difference in IC50 also indicated that the fish samples have a higher sensitivity than surimi products analyzed by this icELISA. This assay exhibited a linear response within a wide concentration range (0.01 to 100%) of all 11 sets of spiked samples. It can reliably distinguish fish products from crab meat and the detection limit for these spiked samples was less than 5.0% (g/g). This assay exhibited low intra-assay variability (< 6.3%) and inter-assay variability (< 4.1%). The different effects of heat treatments on the detectability of a representative surimi product indicated that accurate quantification of fish proteins in crab meat requires a standard curve obtained from matched sample matrix with matched cooking methods and time. This developed immunoassay demonstrated its usefulness for the detection and quantification of low levels of fish ingredient in processed crab meat, and would help discourage the illegal practice of substituting crab meat by cheaper surimi products at the retail and restaurant levels. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the Degree Awarded: Fall Semester, 2011. / Fall Semester, 2011. / September 29, 2011. / competitive ELISA, crab meat, fish detection, surimi / Includes bibliographical references. / Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh, Professor Directing Thesis; Shridhar K. Sathe, Committee Member; Mary Ann Moore, Committee Member.

Osteoporosis and obesity are well-known public health concerns, particularly for postmenopausal women. Recently, an increasing research interest has been focused on the adipocyte-secreted hormones, leptin and adiponectin, as potential mediators between adipose tissue and bone. Studies show that both leptin and adiponectin can be either beneficial or harmful to bone depending on the mode of action. This study used the data collected from the longitudinal study of weight loss described elsewhere. The aim of this study was to examine the association of serum leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin-adiponectin ratio (L:A) with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of various skeletal sites, markers of bone turnover, and body composition (fat and lean mass), respectively. Additionally, the changes in both adipokines with the weight and body composition change during the six-month weight loss program were examined as well. At baseline, participants included (n=184) healthy Caucasian women (BMI range=25.0-40.0 kg/m2, age=55.7±4.4 years, mean±SD). BMD/BMC and body composition were assessed by iDXA. Serum leptin, adiponectin and bone markers (osteocalcin, serum amino- (N-) terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx), and urine carboxyl- (C-) terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTx)) were analyzed with immunoassay kits. Pearson's and partial correlation, multiple regression models controlling for multiple confounders, including age, physical activity, dietary calcium and vitamin D intake as well as BMI, and repeated measures ANOVA were calculated using SPSS. In a cross-sectional analysis at baseline, serum leptin and L:A ratio were significantly positively correlated with BMD at the femoral neck, total femur and forearm before and after controlling for age, physical activity, and dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D. However, both correlations were lost after controlling for BMI. Multiple regression, with serum leptin or L:A as independent variable, revealed a positive association with both femoral neck and total femur BMD (before and after controlling for the above confounders). After six months, participants (n=100) lost ~3.9% and~ 3.4% of body weight and fat, respectively, as well as some of the bone mass in several skeletal sites (although NS). As expected, serum leptin significantly decreased while adiponectin increased with weight and fat loss. Adiponectin was significantly negatively correlated only with serum NTx before and after controlling for the above confounders. In conclusion, the influence of higher leptin and L:A to bone may be site-specific. A six-month weight loss resulted in slight bone loss and decreased leptin and increased adiponectin levels. The positive effect of leptin on femoral BMD remained, even after weight loss caused decreased levels of it. These findings suggest that leptin may be beneficial to femoral bone in overweight and obese postmenopausal women independent of weight or fat loss. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2013. / March 21, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Jasminka Ilich-Ernst, Professor Directing Thesis; Maria Spicer, Committee Member; Dan McGee, Committee Member.

No Abstract / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Fall Semester, 2009. / June 2, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. / Arturo Figueroa, Professor Directing Dissertation; Karen Berkley, Outside Committee Member; Lynn Panton, Committee Member; Michael Overton, Committee Member.

The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength (i.e. sarcopenia) is a fundamental cause of frailty, functional decline, and disability, leading to poor quality of life in aging populations. Sarcopenic obesity, a recent medical term, refers to a new trend in aged individuals who simultaneously demonstrate reductions and increases in lean mass and fat mass, respectively. It is currently thought that increases in fat mass with age start the actual sarcopenic process by increasing inflammatory factors. Chronic resistance exercise training (RET) is considered the most cost effective intervention to combat sarcopenia, improving muscle strength followed by improved quality of life. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3) attract great attention for their anti-inflammatory properties, possibly reducing risks of muscle wasting. However, the efficacy of CLA/n-3 on resting or loaded muscles during chronic high fat diet (HFD)-induced inflammation has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the overarching aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of HFD-induced inflammation on sarcopenia and the effects of 20-wk CLA/n-3 administration on muscle at rest or with RET in the middle aged mice. Nine-month old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=10/group): 1) normal diet (C), 2) High fat diet (H), 3) HFD+RET (HE), 4) HFD+CLA/n-3 (HCN), and 5) HFD+RET+CLA/n-3 (HECN). Progressive RET (4 sets of 3 repetitions with 1-min inter-set rest) was conducted using a ladder climbing device 3x/wk for 20 wks. The combined supplement was comprised of 1% CLA (0.5% of c9, t11 and 0.5% of t10, c12) and 1% n-3. Body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry, DXA), grip strength, and sensorimotor function were assessed pre- and post-experiment. Muscle isolation was performed to determine muscle wet weight and RT-PCR was used to analyze transcript levels of target factors involved in muscle cell growth and regeneration: pro-inflammatory regulators [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)], anti-inflammatory regulators (IL-6 and IL-15), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), atrogin-1, muscle ring finger 1 (MURF1), insulin-like growth factor-I Ea(IGF-IEa), MyoD, and myogenin. There were significant group x time interactions (p ≤ 0.01) for lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), grip strength, and sensorimotor function. FM increased in H (+74%) and HE (+142%), (p ≤ 0.01) and HECN (+43%, p ≤ 0.01) but not in C and HCN. LBM decreased in C (-27%), H (-31%), and HE (-55%), (p ≤ 0.01) while no change was found in HECN. Strength significantly declined in H (-15%) and HCN (-17%), (p ≤ 0.01) but was maintained in C. Sensorimotor function markedly declined in H (-11%, p ≤ 0.01) with no change in C, HCN, and HE. Interestingly, CLA/n-3 administration appeared to facilitate greater RET-mediated improvements in strength (+22%) and sensorimotor coordination (+17%, p ≤ 0.01). There were significant group effects in muscle wet weight. Gastrocnemius wet weight significantly decreased in C (-27%), H (-39%) and HCN (-35%), (p ≤ 0.01) from baseline but was maintained in HE and HECN. Soleus wet weight significantly decreased in H (-24%, p ≤ 0.01) while maintained in C, HE, and HCN. In contrast, soleus wet weight was greater in HECN (p ≤ 0.01) compared to C, H, and HCN. FA was significantly decreased in HECN (-22%, p ≤ 0.05). While eigen (λ) 2 decreased in HECN (-8%, p ≤ 0.05), HCN significantly increased λ3 from baseline (+16%, p ≤ 0.05). Chronic CLA/n-3 administration improved the inflammatory state in HFD-fed middle aged animals. TNF-α mRNA expression was greater in H compared to C, HCN, HECN (p ≤ 0.05) and HE (p ≤ 0.01) in the gastrocnemius. Moreover, HE, HCN, and HECN demonstrated increased IL-6 mRNA expression (p ≤ 0.05) from baseline in the gastrocnemius. HCN showed increased IL-15 mRNA expression (p ≤ 0.01) from baseline and was greater than H (p ≤ 0.05) in the gastrocnemius. Both H and HE had significantly lower IL-15 expression than C (p ≤ 0.01) and HECN (p ≤ 0.05) in the soleus. Based on our findings, chronic HFD negatively altered body composition, muscle wet weight, and functional capacity in middle aged mice. Daily CLA/n-3 administration attenuated these impairments while facilitating RET-induced improvement in functional capacity, possibly by improving the inflammatory state. Future research needs to apply for a human trial in the same condition to authenticate our findings. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2012. / March 23, 2012. / Aging, Exercise, Inflammation, Obesity, Sarcopenia / Includes bibliographical references. / Jeong-Su Kim, Professor Directing Dissertation; Samuel C. Grant, University Representative; Lynn B. Panton, Committee Member.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women and accounts for 28% of all new cancer cases. Osteoporosis is another debilitating disease that affects approximately 10 million Americans. Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are subject to many side effects physically and emotionally due to various forms of treatment and symptoms of the disease. Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is one major effect that can lead to osteoporosis and fracture. Studies have investigated diet in relation to breast cancer as well osteoporosis. The time at cancer diagnosis has been noted to be a "teachable moment" in a patient's life and therefore more susceptible to lifestyle and dietary changes. Diet composition has been shown to help with prognosis and decrease risk of recurrence and risk of contracting secondary diseases. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein has also been noted to bring beneficial effects to those with low BMD. Twenty-seven postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (stages 0-III) were assessed from a convenience sample from a larger ongoing study. Change in dietary intake diagnosis after breast cancer diagnosis was examined along with the effect of dietary composition on BMD. Skeletal BMD was assessed with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Participants were asked to fill out two nutrition history questionnaires to assess dietary change after diagnosis and a twenty-four hour dietary recall to assess diet composition in relation to BMD. Fifteen participants (60%) reported making a dietary change after cancer diagnosis with a decrease in fat (24%) being the most common change. The average percent of energy intake of the participants was 17% protein, 49% carbohydrate, and 34% fat. Percent protein intake was positively correlated to total BMD, body weight, and left total femur BMD (p ≤ 0.05). ANOVA was used to analyze percent protein of those consuming ≤ 20% with those consuming ≤ 20% on measurements of BMD. Based on this cut point, those that consumed ≤ 20% protein had significantly higher total BMD (p =0.028). Dietary calcium was positively correlated to lumbar spine BMD, body weight, and lean mass (LM). Supplemental calcium was negatively correlated to total BMD, possibly due to the fact most women had low BMD and were supplementing calcium. The DXA results showed that 27 women 22 were osteopenic and 3 were osteoporotic. Dietary intake is more likely to change at diagnosis of cancer and the quality of diet composition can lead to a decreased risk of recurrence and a decreased risk of contracting secondary diseases that are more susceptible in breast cancer survivors. Having the recommended amounts of protein and calcium in the diet can also aid in maintaining or increasing BMD. Dietary composition as a non-pharmaceutical approach in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors is a viable option to help reduce problematic long-term effects of cancer and its secondary diseases such as osteoporosis. Focusing on dietary changes and diet composition would be highly beneficial to improve the physical conditions as well as the quality of life in this population. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Fall Semester, 2011. / October 24, 2011. / Bone mineral density, Breast Cancer, Diet change, Diet composition, Osteoporosis / Includes bibliographical references. / Lynn B. Panton, Professor Directing Thesis; Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Thesis; Cathy W. Levenson, Committee Member.

Fish provides a valuable source of many essential nutrients. However, it is also one of the "Big Eight" allergenic foods that account for more than 90% of food allergic reactions, so reliable detection of its presence is crucial. The addition of acid ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato sauce has shown to markedly reduce the detectability of fish in an immunoassay using a previously developed fish-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb 8F5), whose antigenic protein is fish tropomyosin-a 36 kDa myofibrilar protein, and acid ingredients may also reduce fish's allergenicity. This study, therefore, focused on studying the effects of vinegar on the detectability (assay immunoreactivity) and allergenicity of three commonly consumed fish species (whiting, cod, and red grouper). MAb 8F5 [Immunoglobulin G (IgG)] and human plasma [Immunoglobulin E (IgE)] from three fish allergic patients were individually used to investigate the effects of vinegar on the detectability and allergenicity of each fish sample, using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot were used to reveal changes in the overall and antigenic protein banding patterns in vinegar-treated samples. The results of iELISA with MAb 8F5 demonstrated that vinegar dramatically reduced the detectability of fish samples (up to 90% of the OD reading) when compared with water-treated and non-treated control samples. SDS-PAGE results showed that the intensity of bands of vinegar-treated samples became lighter than those of controls in all three fish species. The vinegar-treated samples in western blot showed little or no band at 36 kDa, which agreed with the results of the MAb-8F5 based iELISA. Considerable reductions of the OD readings were also apparent in all the fish samples cooked (100 °C) with vinegar for 60 min when tested by IgE-based iELISA. However, there were variations among species and subjects: of the three fish species tested, red grouper was more resistant to vinegar treatment and the subject with a higher IgE concentration in plasma was less affected by vinegar-induced alterations in the fish allergens. Moreover, the chemical reactions that attribute to the vinegar's effects on antigenic tropomyosin-IgG binding and fish allergen-IgE binding are distinctively different. These results indicate that vinegar treatment of fish decreases x the detectability of finfish using MAb 8F5-based iELISA via acidic precipitation of the antigenic protein-tropomyosin, while the decreased allergenicity caused by vinegar was due to the acid denaturation of the allergen. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2013. / June 24, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh, Professor Directing Thesis; Shridhar Sathe, Committee Member; Ming Cui, Committee Member.

The effects of multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS) on perceived soreness, strength, flexibility and vertical jump performance following eccentric exercise are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of MIPS (NO-Shotgun®) pre-loaded 4 weeks prior to a single bout of downhill running (DHR) on muscle soreness and performance. Twenty trained men, currently running a minimum of 20 miles per week for at least one year and with a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) ≥ 55 ml/kg/min, volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were stratified by VO2max, strength, and lean body mass to one of two experimental groups. Group 1 (n=10; MIPS) ingested one serving daily of NO-Shotgun® for 28 days prior to a single bout of DHR, as well as 30 minutes prior to all post testing visits (3 days). Group 2 (n=10; Control, CON) consumed an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo in an identical manner as MIPS. Perceived soreness and performance measurements (strength, flexibility, and jump height) were tested immediately prior to the DHR, immediately after the DHR, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours post DHR. Statistical analysis was conducted using a 2 x 5 (group: MIPS or CON x time: pre, immediately post (IP) DHR, 24, 48, and 72 h after DHR) ANOVA with repeated measures. Significance was set at p<0.05. There were no group x time interactions for perceived soreness, jump height, strength, or flexibility. However, there was a significant time effect for both groups for perceived soreness, jump height, strength, and flexibility. Perceived soreness increased at 24 and 48 hours from baseline, strength decreased IP DHR returning to baseline values at 72 hours, with flexibility and vertical jump decreasing at 24 and 48 hours post DHR. Consumption of MIPS for 4 weeks prior to a single bout of DHR does not decrease the ratings of perceived soreness, nor attenuate the decreases in jump performance, strength, or flexibility compared to an isocaloric placebo in highly trained male runners for up to 72 hours post exercise. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2013. / February 26, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Lynn B. Panton, Professor Directing Thesis; Michael J. Ormsbee, Committee Member; Tom Ratliffe, Committee Member.

Background: Body composition abnormalities are independent predictors of health outcomes in a variety of disease states. The simultaneous condition of low muscle mass and high fat mass, termed sarcopenic obesity, is an abnormal body composition phenotype associated with metabolic abnormalities and co-morbidities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall body composition variability among obese patients, and to compare health characteristics between sarcopenic obese and non-sarcopenic obese patients. Methods: In this retrospective, chart review study, patients ( ≥18 years old) seeking weight loss treatment at a local center in Tallahassee, FL and with available baseline bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) data on file were included in this study. The ratio between fat mass index [FMI, defined as fat mass (kg) / height (m2)] and fat free mass index [FFMI, defined as fat free mass (kg)/height (m2)] were used to define sarcopenic obesity. Medical records were further reviewed for information on metabolic profile and health status. Results: Ninety-one obese patients with a mean age of 57 ± 11 years were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 31.6 to 68.7 kg/m2. Eighty-one percent were morbidly obese. The FMI/FFMI ratio was variable ranging from 0.35 to 2.46 kg/m2, independent of body weight. A gender-specific FMI/FFMI ratio above the median was used to depict the sarcopenic obesity phenotype. This corresponded to: FMI/FFMI ≥ 1.05 kg/m2 in women and FMI/FFMI ≥ 0.78 kg/m2 in men. As expected, men presented with higher body weight, height, waist circumference and FFMI, compared to women. On the contrary, women presented with higher percent body fat and FMI/FFMI ratio. No gender differences were observed for body mass index (BMI), fat mass and FMI. Plasma albumin concentration was lower in sarcopenic obese patients compared to non-sarcopenic obese patients (p=0.032). Sarcopenic obese patients reported a higher prevalence of low back pain compared to their counterparts. In fact, sarcopenic obesity was the strongest predictor of low back pain, with an odds ratio of 2.3 (95% CI=1.01-5.41, P=0.048). Similarly, the prevalence of alcoholism and sexual dysfunction were significantly greater among sarcopenic obese patients compared to non-sarcopenic obese patients (P=0.026 and P=0.030, respectively). Conclusion: A wide variability in body composition was observed in this cohort of patients, illustrating how the proportions of fat to fat-free tissues may differ among patients with similar BMI. We suggest the use of the FMI/FFMI ratio as a potential approach for the assessment of sarcopenic obesity in patients with severe obesity. Using this approach, patients with a sarcopenic obesity phenotype presented with higher risk of certain metabolic abnormalities and comorbidities. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2013. / June 12, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Carla Prado, Professor Directing Thesis; Michael Ormsbee, Committee Member; Robert J. Contreras, Committee Member.

Background:The efficacy and acceptability of some probiotic strains for the management of lactose intolerance remains to be established, and the synbiotic combination of probiotic and prebiotic intervention in lactose maldigesters is not well known. The aims of this study were as follows: Aim 1. To evaluate the effect of a 5-week probiotic treatment on gastrointestinal symptoms and breath hydrogen exhalation followed by the 5 weeks of the same probiotic blend in combination with a prebiotic product in lactose intolerant (LI) subjects. Aim 2: To determine whether probiotic and prebiotic supplements are feasible to use and acceptable to subjects. Aim 3: To provide calcium education catered to a lactose intolerant population and measure effectiveness of educational sessions.Methods:Twenty female and male LI participants underwent hydrogen breath tests and symptom assessment at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint following a 25g lactose challenge. Midpoint analysis was performed following 5 weeks of supplementation with a probiotic blend containing 10 billion CFU of a blend of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. This was followed by a 5-week supplementation of the same probiotic blend combined with 750mg fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as prebiotics. For each time point, the area under curve (AUC) for breath hydrogen concentration vs. time (AUC 180 min) was calculated, and symptom scores were recorded using two validated forms; a lactose intolerance rating scale (LIRS) which measured overall gastrointestinal symptoms, and a visual analog scale (VAS) which assessed 5 specific symptoms of lactose intolerance one hour following the lactose challenge. These results were compared to a group (n= 18) of lactose digesters (LD) who underwent the same supplemental protocol. Surveys evaluating acceptability and symptoms of synbiotic supplementation were administered at each time point, along with calcium knowledge assessments after an initial educational session. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 and included paired-test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. A p-value <.05 was considered significant. Results:The probiotic blend significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptom scores compared with baseline in both LI and LD groups. Addition of prebiotics to the treatment, further reduced (p = .049) LIRS symptoms in the LI group compared to the LD group. VAS assessment showed a significant decrease in symptoms of diarrhea (p=.046) and abdominal cramping (p=.032) with the addition of prebiotics to the treatment compared to probiotics treatment alone. Supplements were well-tolerated with most participants reporting they were willing to continue taking the synbiotics. Calcium education improved calcium knowledge scores compared to baseline (p < .05). Conclusion:Five-week consumption of a probiotic blend improved gastrointestinal distress associated with a lactose load in LI subjects. Symptoms were further reduced with the addition of prebiotics to the treatment. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation was safe and well tolerated with no serious side effects reported in this group of subjects. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the beneficial effect of synbiotic mix in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms in LI individuals. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Fall Semester, 2013. / November 7, 2013. / Hydrogen Breath Test, Lactose Intolerance, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance, Synbiotics / Includes bibliographical references. / Jasminka Ilich-Ernst, Professor Directing Thesis; Maria Spicer, Committee Member; Penny Ralston, Outside Committee Member.

Background: Obesity increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart diseases. An ideal approach to treat obesity is to increase energy expenditure and thermogenesis and simultaneously decrease energy intake. This is typically accomplished by increasing planned physical activity, and non-exercise activity thermogenesis which includes lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, less than 50% of people who begin a new lifestyle program of diet and exercise actually comply with it in the long-term. Caffeine, green tea extracts (GT), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been shown to individually improve body composition in overweight and obese men and women. However, to date no study has examined the combined effects of these ingredients on body composition. Purpose: To investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient dietary supplement (MIDS) containing caffeine, CLA, green tea, and BCAA taken for 8 weeks on body composition and abdominal fat mass in overweight and obese men and women. Methods: Thirty-four healthy men and women were randomly assigned and stratified by body fat percentage to two groups: 1) a soybean oil placebo (PL) or 2) a MIDS. Each pill of MIDS contained 99 mg of caffeine and a propriety blend containing 1510 mg of CLA, green tea extract (45% EGCG), L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. The PL was a calorie-matched pill consisting of soybean oil. Twenty-two participants completed the study (PL, n=11; 7 women, 4 men; age, 34 + 3.5 years; height, 169.2 + 3.3 cm; body mass, 96.9 + 6.8 kg; BMI, 34.1 + 1.8 kg/m2 ; MIDS, n=11; 9 women, 2 men; age, 36 + 3.4 years; height, 173.2 + 2.9 cm; body mass, 91.9 + 5.6 kg; BMI, 30.0 + 1.5 kg/m2). The serving size for both groups was two pills consumed with breakfast and two pills with lunch. Body composition and android fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation. Participants were instructed to maintain their dietary and exercise habits for the duration of the study. Data were analyzed using JMP 9 Pro (Cary, NC), and significance was set to p<0.05. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements was used to evaluate changes in dependent variables over time ([Pre x Post] x [PL x DS]). If significant time, group, or group-by-time interactions were reported, a Tukey test was used for post hoc comparisons. Results: Twenty two participants completed the study. Five participants withdrew from the study due to personal reasons and seven were excluded from the data due to low compliance (<80%) to the supplement. No significant changes were measured for any of the variables of body composition. Feelings of hunger were significantly higher in MIDS versus PL with no changes observed in satiety or desire to eat. Heart rate and blood pressure were unaltered in MIDS after 8 weeks of supplementation. Furthermore, lipid profile, food intake, mood state variables, fasting blood glucose, and endocrine markers (insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and hs-CRP) did not significantly change after 8 weeks regardless of group. Conclusion: Eight weeks of MIDS intake did not improve body composition, abdominal fat, blood lipids, endocrine markers (insulin, leptin, adiponectin, hs-CRP), or fasting blood glucose in overweight and obese men and women more than PL. Subjective feelings of hunger increased in MIDS, however, food intake (as assessed with a 2-day dietary record) did not change. Furthermore, MIDS appears to be safe and was well tolerated with no serious side effects reported. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Fall Semester, 2013. / October 29, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Michael J. Ormsbee, Professor Directing Thesis; Maria M. Spicer, Committee Member; Yu Kyoum-Kim, Committee Member.