Researchers have investigated the glycemic, insulinemic and breath hydrogen responses in humans to a food starch esterified by 1-octenyl succinic anhydride.

According to recent research published in the journal Nutrition Research, "The objectives of this study were to determine the glycemic, insulinemic and breath hydrogen responses to food starch esterified with 1-octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and glucose in 22 healthy nondiabetic adults. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were analyzed at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes postprandially. Breath hydrogen excretion was measured at baseline and at hourly intervals for eight hours after the carbohydrate challenge."

"Peak plasma glucose concentration was reduced 8% (p<0.03), and peak insulin concentration was decreased 28% (p<0.004) after subjects consumed the OSA beverage compared with the glucose beverage," said Patricia M. Heacock and colleagues at Ohio State University. "Similarly, OSA reduced (p<0.05) the area under the curve (0-120 min) for both plasma glucose and insulin. The increase in the number of positive breath hydrogen tests with the OSA-substituted starch suggests that the lowered glycemic response is at least partially due to malabsorption of OSA by the small intestine."

Heacock and her coauthors published their study in Nutrition Research (“The glycemic, insulinemic and breath hydrogen responses in humans to a food starch esterified by 1-octenyl succinic anhydride.” Nutr Res, 2004;24(8):581-592).

For additional information, contact Steven R. Hertzler, Ohio State University, School of Human Ecology, Department of Human Nutrition, 341 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1295, USA. E-mail: hertzler.4@osu.edu.