Glycaemic and Appetite Suppression Effect of a Vegetable-Enriched Bread

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Human Physiology
• Food Science

Background:

• Bread is a staple food, offering a potential matrix for nutrient fortification.
• Enriching bread with vegetables may enhance its health benefits and nutritional profile.
• Understanding the metabolic and appetite effects of novel bread formulations is crucial for dietary recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of vegetable-enriched bread (VB) versus commercial white bread (WB) and wheatmeal bread (WMB) on glycemic and insulinemic responses.
• To assess the effect of VB on subjective appetite sensations, including hunger and fullness.
• To explore the potential health benefits of incorporating vegetables into bread formulations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, cross-over study involving 10 healthy participants (aged 23 ± 7 years).
• Participants consumed 75g servings of WB, WMB, or VB after an overnight fast on three separate occasions.
• Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured over 120 minutes, alongside subjective appetite ratings.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in serum glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) were observed among the three bread types.
• Vegetable-enriched bread (VB) elicited a significantly lower insulin iAUC compared to both WB and WMB.
• Participants reported significantly higher feelings of fullness after consuming VB over the 120-minute post-consumption period.

Conclusions:

• Vegetable-enriched bread (VB) consumption is associated with reduced insulinemic response and enhanced satiety.
• The higher fiber content and texture of VB may contribute to its favorable effects on insulin and appetite regulation.
• Further research into the role of vegetable and fruit fibers, like pectin, in modulating insulin response is warranted.