Oligofructose promotes satiety in healthy human: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Human Nutrition
• Dietary Fiber Research
• Appetite Regulation

Background:

• Fermentable dietary fiber, like oligofructose (OFS), has shown potential in animal models to increase satiety hormones and reduce spontaneous energy intake.
• Understanding the effects of OFS on appetite regulation in humans is crucial for its application in weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of oligofructose (OFS) supplementation on satiety, hunger, and energy intake in a human pilot study.
• To assess the relevance of previously observed effects of OFS in rats on human appetite regulation.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded, crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study involving 10 healthy adults (5 men, 5 women).
• Participants received either 16g/day of oligofructose (OFS) or placebo (dextrine maltose) for two 2-week periods, separated by a 2-week washout.
• Assessed energy intake, hunger, satiety, and prospective food consumption using analogue scales.

Main Results:

• Oligofructose significantly increased satiety after breakfast and dinner.
• OFS reduced hunger and prospective food consumption after dinner.
• Energy intake at breakfast and lunch was significantly lower with OFS, leading to a 5% reduction in total daily energy intake.

Conclusions:

• Oligofructose supplementation effectively enhances satiety and reduces hunger and food intake in humans.
• This pilot study provides a rationale for considering oligofructose as a supplement for managing food intake, particularly in overweight and obese populations.