Effect of Sourdough Bread Consumption on Postprandial Responses, Appetite Regulation and Energy Intake

Effect of Sourdough Bread Consumption on Postprandial Responses, Appetite Regulation and Energy Intake at the Subsequent Meal (SPAR Study)

During this project the effect of yeast bread and sourdough breads consumption on satiety, energy intake at subsequent meal and postprandial metabolic responses, will be investigated.

The primary aim of this study will be to evaluate the impact of an alternative starter culture that produces high levels of lactic acid on appetite regulation (subjective satiety and energy intake at the subsequent meal). The second aim will be to identify mechanistic parameters that may explain the observed effects, including glycaemic and insulin response, and gastric emptying rate. In addition, habitual physical activity levels, and mood and stress levels of the subjects will be evaluated as potential covariates of appetite regulation.

It is hypothesized that:

Sourdough breads fermented with the alternative starter culture that produce high concentrations of lactic acid will reduce glucose response via lower starch digestibility and/or slower gastric emptying rate. The reduced glycaemic response will lead to higher satiety and lower energy intake at the subsequent meal (more than 10%).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female and male participants
• age range 18 - 50
• BMI range 18.5 - 25.0 kg/m2 at screening visit
• Regular eating pattern (3 meals per day on at least 5 days per week)
• Stable body weight for the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently smoking (has smoked in the last 28 days) or willingness to smoke during the study period
• Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant during the study period
• Family history of diabetes
• Previous or current gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders
• Previous or current substance/alcohol dependence or abuse (> 2 units per day/14 units per week)
• Coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity
• Use of pre- or probiotics within one month preceding the study
• Use of antibiotics within 3 months preceding the study
• Excessive concern about eating habits or body weight as evidenced from scores < 18 on the restraint and disinhibition subscales of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (Stunkard & Messick, 1985)