Using 13C MRS to Assess Fasted and Postprandial Glycogen Stores in Healthy Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to use 13C MRS to compare hepatic glycogen levels before and after an overnight fast and following a small breakfast of varying carbohydrate quantities (0, 15.5 and 31g CHO) in children. Liver glycogen concentration decreased overnight from 378 ± 141 to 277 ± 107 mmol l-1 with a between visit coefficient of variation of 21 ± 15 %. There was also a significant difference in the postprandial AUC (P < 0.005) with a linear CHO ‘dose’ response (R=0.51, P < 0.001). This study expands knowledge of normative glycogen storage in children.