The effects of gelled konjac glucomannan fibre on appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals: a randomised cross-over trial

Br J Nutr. 2018 Jan;119(1):109-116. doi: 10.1017/S0007114517003233. Epub 2017 Dec 5.

Abstract

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a viscous dietary fibre that can form a solid, low-energy gel when hydrated and is commonly consumed in a noodle form (KGM-gel). Increased meal viscosity from gel-forming fibres have been associated with prolonged satiety, but no studies to date have evaluated this effect with KGM-gel. Thus, our objective was to evaluate subsequent food intake and satiety of KGM-gel noodles when replacing a high-carbohydrate preload, in a dose-response manner. Utilising a randomised, controlled, cross-over design, sixteen healthy individuals (twelve females/four males; age: 26·0 (sd 11·8) years; BMI: 23·1 (sd 3·2) kg/m2) received 325 ml volume-matched preloads of three KGM-gel noodle substitution levels: (i) all pasta with no KGM-gel (1849 kJ (442 kcal), control), half pasta and half KGM-gel (1084 kJ (259 kcal), 50-KGM) or no pasta and all KGM-gel (322 kJ (77 kcal), 100-KGM). Satiety was assessed over 90 min followed by an ad libitum dessert. Compared with control, cumulative energy intake was 47 % (-1761 kJ (-421 kcal)) and 23 % (-841 kJ (-201 kcal)) lower for 100-KGM and 50-KGM, respectively (both P<0·001), but no differences in subsequent energy intake was observed. Ratings of hunger were 31 % higher (P=0·03) for 100-KGM when compared with control, and were 19 % lower (P=0·04) for fullness and 28 % higher (P=0·04) for prospective consumption when comparing 100-KGM to 50-KGM. Palatability was similar across all treatments. Replacement of a high-carbohydrate preload with low-energy KGM-gel noodles did not promote additional food intake despite large differences in energy. The energy deficit incurred from partial KGM-gel substitution may have relevance in weight loss regimens, and should be further evaluated beyond the healthy population.

Keywords: CS composite score; ED energy density; KGM Konjac glucomannan; SQ satiety quotient; VAS visual analogue scales; Appetite; Dietary fibres; Energy intakes; Konjac glucomannan; Randomised controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Appetite*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Eating
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Hunger
  • Male
  • Mannans / chemistry*
  • Meals
  • Middle Aged
  • Postprandial Period
  • Satiation
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Mannans
  • (1-6)-alpha-glucomannan