Metabolic Effects of Short Term Sugarcane Bagasse Supplementation

Metabolic Effects of Short Term Sugarcane Bagasse Supplementation

The purpose of this study is to help understand the benefits of eating food supplemented with fiber in the form of sugarcane bagasse (the leftover fiber after cane juice is extracted) on glucose metabolism and body weight.

The investigators will employ a double-blind randomized controlled study design with 3 arms such that obese, insulin resistant adults will be randomly selected to receive food made with 1) sugarcane bagasse, 2) non-caloric, non-fermentable fiber, or 3) a similar product with minimal fiber for 4 weeks. The intervention will be in the form of brownies and cookies and will look and taste nearly identical to each other. Caloric value will be constant with all three delivery systems. Subjects will have blood testing and body composition analysis before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females age 18-50 years
• Body Mass Index ≥ 30 kg/m2 (a ratio of weight to height)
• Fasting insulin level >5 µIU/mL, as determined by tests performed during screening

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are pregnant
• Past medical history of diabetes
• History of intestinal surgery such as removal of bowel
• History of problems with absorbing food such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndrome
• Taking chronic medications for any medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid hormone, etc.
• Any food allergies