The effect of refeeding after semistarvation on catecholamine and thyroid metabolism.

To investigate the effect of nutrition on catecholamine metabolism, four subjects were initially energy-restricted for three weeks and then refed a high-carbohydrate diet, salt intake being kept constant. Energy restriction was associated with a reduction in plasma noradrenaline, urinary excretion of 4-hydroxy 3-methoxymandelic acid (HMMA), serum triiodothyronine (T3), systolic and diastolic pressures, pulse and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Within 72 hours of refeeding there was a significant increase in the urinary excretion of HMMA, serum T3, blood pressure, pulse and the RMR. Thus catecholamine metabolism is affected both in semistarvation and during the first few days of refeeding.