No effect of a rapidly fermentable fiber on satiety in healthy subjects

The role of fiber in body weight regulation may involve enhanced satiety. This double blind, crossover design study (N=20) sought to examine the satiety response of a short‐chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) and its ability to decrease energy intake. On 3 occasions subjects were randomly assigned to consume 2 separate doses of 0g (control), 5g or 8g of scFOS, the first at breakfast in beverage form, the second prior to dinner in solid chews. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were completed to assess satiety between breakfast and lunch. Ad libitium food intake was measured at a lunch meal and over 24 hours. Hydrogen breath measures were obtained and gastrointestinal tolerance was assessed. Results were analyzed as area under the curve (AUC). Food intake was lower after scFOS treatments; however, differences were not significant. No enhancements in satiety were found. Hydrogen breath measures indicated significant dose dependent fermentation rates within 4 hours of ingestion; however, all treatments were well tolerated with no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms. These results indicate that scFOS are well tolerated but do not enhance satiety. Hydrogen breath response evidenced rapid fermentation indicating that the prebiotic properties of scFOS may provide physiological benefits beyond satiety. This research was supported by GTC Nutrition, Golden, CO.