A combination of a sugar compound with detergent was used to selectively determine LDL-C in serum [28]. The HDL-C was determined directly in serum using polyethylene glycol-modified enzymes and dextran sulfate [28]. Both food intake and PA were assessed over four days. Food intake was assessed using household estimates in a food record, and entered into the Foodworks (v.3.02) nutrient analysis software (Xris software Pty Ltd. Brisbane, Australia, http://​www.​xyris.​com.​au).

Protein and fat were expressed as source of check details energy intake (EI). As PA has been shown to have no effect with calcium intake <1000 mg/d [21], an average daily intake of 1000 mg of calcium was used as the cut-off to divide participants into low- and high-intake of calcium groups. Physical activity was assessed based on activity records selleckchem using nine categories of PA intensity (1–9) to account for each 15-min period

throughout the day. The four-day PA record scores 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 correspond to 1, 1.5, 2.3, 2.8, 3.3, 4.8, 5.6, 6 and 7.8 metabolic equivalents (METs), respectively [29]. Using measured RMR, the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was calculated for each participant selleck chemicals llc after accounting for each of the 96 15-min periods of a day and multiplying the score by its specific MET value. Physical activity level was calculated by dividing TDEE by RMR. For each participant, 15-min periods were classified into three PA levels, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine Position Statement [30]: a) light (TDEE < 3 METs), moderate (3–6 METs) and vigorous (TDEE ≥ 6 METs). The B-PAR scores 1 to 4, 5 to 7 and 8 to 9 correspond to light, moderate and vigorous PA, respectively [29, 31]. A median 20% percent of TDEE engaged in moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA served as the cut-off for high vs. lower level PA groups. Cardiorespiratory

fitness was measured by a continuous speed, incremental grade running test on a treadmill. Participants were fitted with a Polar Coded Transmitter™ and receiver (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland), a Hans-Rudolf headset (with two-way Bcl-w breathing valve and pneumotach) and a nose-clip. After a 4-min warm-up at 3.5 mph, 0% grade, speed was increased to a previously determined comfortable speed, which was the same until the end of the test. Thereafter, the treadmill slope was increased by 2% every min, until the participant reached exhaustion. Rating of perceived exertion using the Borg scale was obtained during each stage and participants were encouraged to achieve a rating of 18 or higher as an indicator of maximal effort. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was assessed using a MOXUS Modular O2 System (AEI Technologies, Pennsylvania, USA). VO2max was achieved when the difference between the last 2 completed stages determined by the average of the last 30-sec period before the load increased was <1.6 ml/kg.