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The effect of a non-absorbable fat substitute, sucrose polyester, on gastrointestinal function
1Department of Gastroenterology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|October 1, 1996
Summary
A single dose of sucrose polyester, a non-absorbable fat substitute, significantly impacts gastrointestinal transit and gallbladder function. These findings suggest potential implications for its widespread use as a dietary fat alternative.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sucrose polyester is a non-absorbable fat substitute designed for weight management.
- Understanding its physiological effects on the gastrointestinal system is crucial for assessing its safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute effects of a single dose of sucrose polyester on gastrointestinal motility and hormonal responses.
- To compare these effects against a control fat in a double-blind study.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind administration of 50g sucrose polyester or control fat.
- Assessment of gastric emptying, small bowel transit time (SBTT), and whole gut transit time (WGTT).
- Measurement of fecal weight, gallbladder ejection fraction, and gastrointestinal hormone levels (cholecystokinin, motilin, enteroglucagon).
Main Results:
- Sucrose polyester significantly accelerated gastric emptying but slowed SBTT.
- A trend towards faster WGTT and increased fecal weight was observed, though not statistically significant.
- A significant reduction in gallbladder ejection fraction and decreased cholecystokinin release were noted, along with lower motilin and enteroglucagon levels.
Conclusions:
- Sucrose polyester exerts significant effects on gastrointestinal transit, gallbladder contraction, and hormone release.
- These physiological changes are likely due to reduced luminal digestion products.
- The findings have implications for the broader application of sucrose polyester as a fat substitute.