Evaluation of satiety enhancement, including compensation, by blends of gum arabic. A methodological approach.

In the present study a potential satiating effect by two blends of gum arabic (EmulGold(®) (EG) and PreVitae(®) (PV)) was investigated in healthy humans applying a regression analysis on the change of values throughout the interval of the study. Two studies were thus conducted: a feasibility study using doses between 10 and 40 g and a dose-finding study of 5 or 10 g of only EG. The gums were dissolved in 250 ml of water (negative control). In both studies energy intake was determined 3 h after consumption, while Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were recorded every 30 min from the time of consumption onwards. At doses of 40 g both EG and PV yielded a significant reduction in energy intake of more than 100 and 200 kcal, respectively. At doses of 10 or 20 g the reduction in energy intake amounted to more than 100 kcal for both. The second study demonstrated a significant reduction in caloric intake of more than 60 kcal at doses of 5 and 10 g of EG. With respect to the subjective perception of satiety, VAS scores revealed a significant increase as compared to the negative control of all doses of both gums. The regression analysis was sensitive in identifying not only the intensity of the perception during the time interval of the study but also the change in this intensity over time. The results of this study show that both blends of gum arabic are able to decrease the caloric intake significantly 3 h after consumption, and increase subjective ratings of feeling satiated, and could therefore be used in a dietary approach to control body weight development.