April 14/Guildford, U.K./Biotech Week -- Investigators publish new data in the report "Acute Ingestion of Resistant Starch Reduces Food Intake in Healthy Adults.” "Resistant starch (RS), a non-viscous dietary fiber, may have postprandial effects on appetite regulation and metabolism, although the exact effects and mechanisms are unknown. An acute randomized, single-blind crossover study, aimed to determine the effects of the consumption of 48g of RS on appetite compared to energy and available carbohydrate-matched placebo," investigators in Guildford, U.K., report.

"Twenty young healthy adult males consumed either 48g RS or the placebo divided equally between two mixed meals on two separate occasions. Effects on appetite were assessed, using an ad libitum test meal and 24-hour diet diaries for energy intake, and using visual analogue scales for subjective measures. Changes to postprandial glucose, insulin and C-peptide were also assessed. There was a significantly lower energy intake following the RS supplement compared to the placebo supplement at both the ad libitum test meal (5241 (sem 313) v. 5606 (sem 345) kJ, p=0.033) and over the 24 hours (12 603 (sem 519) v. 13 949 (sem 755) kJ, p=0.044). However, there was no associated effect on subjective appetite measures. Postprandial plasma glucose concentrations were not significantly different between supplements, but there was a significantly lower postprandial insulin response following the RS supplement (p=0.029). The corresponding C-peptide concentrations were not significantly different, although the ratio of C-peptide to insulin was higher following the RS supplement compared to placebo (p=0.059). These results suggest that consumption of 48g RS, over a 24-hour period, may be useful in the management of the metabolic syndrome and appetite," wrote C.L. Bodinham and colleagues, University of Surrey.

The researchers concluded, "Further studies are required to determine the exact mechanisms."

Bodinham and colleagues published their study in The British Journal of Nutrition ("Acute Ingestion of Resistant Starch Reduces Food Intake in Healthy Adults.” The British Journal of Nutrition, 2010;103(6):917-22).

For additional information, contact C.L. Bodinham, University of Surrey, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Postgraduate Medical School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7WG, United Kingdom.

From the April 26, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition