Pectin delays gastric emptying and increases satiety in obese subjects

Gastroenterology. 1988 Nov;95(5):1211-5. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(88)90352-6.

Abstract

As pectin delays gastric emptying in normal subjects and satiety may be linked to the rate of gastric emptying, we designed this study to evaluate, in a group of obese subjects, the effect of adding pectin to a meal on gastric emptying, sensation of satiety, and postprandial plasma cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide levels. We studied gastric emptying of solids in 9 adult obese subjects on 2 separate days in a randomized fashion. On day 1, 15 g of pectin was added to the meal, and on day 2 15 g of methylcellulose was added and served as control. Satiety was evaluated by an analogue rating scale. Pectin significantly delayed gastric emptying time [t1/2 = 116 +/- 23 min vs. 71 +/- 17 min observed with methylcellulose (p less than 0.001)]. Pectin also significantly increased subjects' sensation of satiety [98 +/- 7 vs. 74 +/- 17 (p less than 0.001)]. Postprandial release of cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide was not modified by pectin. As pectin induces satiety and delays gastric emptying in obese patients, it may be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of disorders of overeating.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholecystokinin / blood
  • Female
  • Gastric Emptying / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylcellulose / pharmacology
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / blood
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Pancreatic Polypeptide / blood
  • Pectins / pharmacology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Satiation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Pancreatic Polypeptide
  • Pectins
  • Methylcellulose
  • Cholecystokinin