Short-term Effects of a Carob Snack on Postprandial Glycemic Responses and Energy Intake and Satiety

Short-term Effects of a Low Glycemic Index Snack Including Carob on Postprandial Glycemic Responses, Energy Intake and Satiety in Normal-weight, Healthy Adults

This study investigated any potential associations between two preloads offered as snacks and postprandial glycemic response, subjective and objective appetite and energy intake in healthy, normal-weight adults.

This study aimed at 1. firstly determine the glycemic index (GI) of a carob snack compared with an isoenergetic, equal weight chocolate cookie and 2. test the hypothesis that a carob preload consumed as snack before a meal, compared to chocolate cookie would: (a) have greater short-term effect on satiety measured by subsequent ad libitum meal intake, (b) induce greater satiety as assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS), and (c) reduce postprandial glycemic response.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Healthy, non-smoking, non-diabetic men and women individuals with normal body mass index (BMI; between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe chronic disease (e.g. tumors, manifest coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, severe kidney or liver conditions, endocrine and immunological conditions)
• Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
• Lactose intolerance
• Pregnancy
• Competitive sports
• Lactation
• Alcohol
• Drug dependency