The effect of α-cyclodextrin on postprandial lipid and glycemic responses to a fat-containing meal

α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD), a soluble dietary fiber derived from corn, marketed under the trade name FBCx®, has the potential to help individuals manage their weight and improve their lipid profiles. Initial studies in healthy overweight and/or obese diabetic individuals found that, in those consuming a normal to high fat diet over a 4 or 12 week period, α-CD use was associated with weight loss or maintenance and a reduction in triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic individuals. Furthermore, α-CD use was associated with the positive effects of increasing insulin and leptin sensitivities. To date, the immediate post-prandial glucose and lipid responses to a fat-containing meal have not been reported.

This double blinded placebo controlled cross-over trial examined the effect of 2 g of α-CD taken immediately following consumption of a commercially prepared high-fat breakfast meal on the acute postprandial responses in healthy adults.

The coincidental consumption of α-CD with a fat-containing meal was associated with a significant reduction in postprandial TG responses over time when compared to placebo. When incremental area under the curve was calculated, the area under the curve associated with α-CD consumption was significantly smaller than the Placebo area (0.30±1.07 mmol/L/3 h vs. 0.98±0.88 mmol/L/3 h, p<0.05). There were no significant changes in glucose or cholesterol levels.

α-Cyclodextrin was shown to significantly lower acute postprandial blood triglyceride levels.