Green tea extract decreases starch digestion and absorption from a test meal in humans: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study

Sci Rep. 2015 Jul 30:5:12015. doi: 10.1038/srep12015.

Abstract

Green tea is known worldwide for its beneficial effects on human health. However, objective data evaluating this influence in humans is scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of green tea extract (GTE) on starch digestion and absorption. The study comprised of 28 healthy volunteers, aged 19 to 28 years. In all subjects, a starch (13)C breath test was performed twice. Subjects randomly ingested naturally (13)C-abundant cornflakes during the GTE test (GTE 4 g) or placebo test. The cumulative percentage dose recovery (CPDR) was significantly lower for the GTE test than for the placebo test (median [interquartile range]: 11.4% [5.5-15.5] vs. 16.1% [12.7-19.5]; p = 0.003). Likewise, CPDR expressed per hour was considerably lower in each point of the measurement. In conclusion, a single dose of green tea extract taken with a test meal decreases starch digestion and absorption.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Breath Tests
  • Carbon Isotopes / chemistry
  • Carbon Isotopes / metabolism
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Digestion / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placebo Effect
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Starch / metabolism*
  • Tea / chemistry*
  • Tea / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Plant Extracts
  • Tea
  • Starch