Short-term satiating effect of the fat replacer sucrose polyester (SPE) in man

The effects of different amounts of the non-absorbable fat replacer sucrose polyester (SPE), water, and fat added to six warm preload lunches on feelings of appetite and food intake were investigated in two studies that were replicates of each other. In the first study thirty-nine subjects consumed rice preloads; in the second study thirty-five subjects consumed macaroni preloads. The six preloads were fixed on three energy levels: 1.8, 2.7, or 3.7 MJ. At 2 h after preload consumption a test-meal buffet of thirty-one products was presented. Food intake was recorded on the study day, and the day after the study day. For women no energy compensation occurred in either study. Men showed a tendency to compensate for the energy differences between the preloads. However, when the fat of the preloads was replaced by SPE, energy compensation was less than 50% and non-significant. Statistically significant energy compensation (66%) was found when fat was replaced by water. No macronutrient-specific compensation occurred in men or women in either study. Lower total fat and energy intakes were found with the preloads where fat was replaced by SPE compared with the preloads containing fat. The appetite ratings were in line with the energy intake values, with no differences in women, and higher appetite ratings after the lower energy preloads in men. This short-term study indicates that SPE may be a useful aid to reduce fat and energy intakes.