Gum arabic blend may boost satiety, and aid weight management: Study
The new study, published in Appetite, tested the satiety boosting effects of two blends of gum arabic (EmulGold and PreVitae, produced by Kerry Ingredients and Flavours) in healthy, non-obese, humans using both energy intake measurements and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. The researchers reported that volunteers given between ten and 40 grams of gum arabic mix can reduce energy intake by up to 200 kcal.
“The results of this study show that both blends of gum arabic are able to decrease the caloric intake significantly three hours after consumption, and increase subjective ratings of feeling satiated, and could therefore be used in a dietary approach to control body weight development,” wrote the researchers, led by Wim Calame of StatistiCal BV in The Netherlands.
The authors, including researchers from Leatherhead Food International, and Kerry Group, added that a dose as low as five grams of EmulGold was able to reduce caloric intake three hours after consumption, without causing compensation at a subsequent meal, making it “a potentially important ingredient to support body weight management programs.”
Study details
Calame and colleagues reported a significant reduction in energy intake, of approximately 60 to100 kcal, three hours after consumption of EmulGold in a dose range between 5 and 40 grams, adding that PreVitae consumption resulted in an energy reduction of between 100 and 200 kcals.
They added that a compensatory effect, where people may consume more at a second meal due, was not observed
“The outcome in the present study demonstrated a decrease in energy intake three hours after consumption of EmulGold of about 60 kcal at a dose of 5 to10 grams. With this reduction it is unlikely that the consumer will actually lose bodyweight; instead with this finding one should focus on avoiding body weight increase,” said the researchers.
“Moreover, the amount of extra calories from consuming EmulGold should also be taken into account. As a result of this by consuming 5 or 10 g of EmulGold a reduction in energy intake of about 50 kcal is feasible,” they added.
Weight management
The researchers noted that obesity has become a world-wide epidemic affecting people on every continent. They said that in addition to excess weight, “the major drawback of being obese is the high incidence of health-associated risks, like metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.”
The control of body weight in overweight and obese people, is key to reducing the associated health risks, and can be achieved either through additional energy expenditure, or via a reduction in energy intake.
“Consequently it is believed that control of energy intake is a pivotal factor in controlling body weight,” said Calame and colleagues.
They said that a sustainable reduction in energy intake may be the best way to regain bodyweight balance. They added that providing increased satiety, “resulting in a subsequent reduction in energy intake may be a tool for achieving this.”
Source: Appetite
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.06.005
“Evaluation of satiety enhancement, including compensation, by blends of gum arabic. A methodological approach”
Authors: W. Calame, F. Thomassen, S. Hull, C. Viebke, A.D. Siemensma
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