The effect of food intake patterns on growth remain largely unknown. In this issue of the JCI, Hornsby et al. provide compelling evidence that, in young males, confining food intake to three meals a day entrains preprandial ghrelin release, leading to postprandial growth hormone pulse release that is associated with an increase in epiphysial plate expansion — a measure indicative of increased bone growth. The positive effects of discrete meal intake, on bone, was dependent on an intact ghrelin signaling system. This Commentary posits that meal-entrained ghrelin release may enhance skeletal accrual, whether through direct action on bone cells, via stimulation of growth hormone secretion, or in concert with other nutrient-responsive hormones. Coordinating these hormonal cues with food intake could maximize bone acquisition and improve bone health throughout the lifespan.
Rhonda D. Kineman, Shoshana Yakar
Usage data is cumulative from June 2025 through July 2025.
Usage | JCI | PMC |
---|---|---|
Text version | 1,215 | 10 |
236 | 1 | |
Figure | 127 | 0 |
Citation downloads | 40 | 0 |
Totals | 1,618 | 11 |
Total Views | 1,629 |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.