Research

Effect of different protein sources on satiation and short-term satiety when consumed as a starter.

Rania Abou Samra, Lian Keersmaekers, Dino Brienza, Rajat Mukherjee and Katherine Mace

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Nutrition Journal 2011, 10:139 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-139

Published: 23 December 2011

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Because the source of protein may play a role in its satiating effect, we investigated the effect of different proteins on satiation and short-term satiety.

Methods

Two randomized single-blind cross-over studies were completed. In the first study, we investigated the effect of a preload containing 20g of casein, whey, pea protein, egg albumin or maltodextrin vs. water control on food intake 30 min later in 32 male volunteers (25 +/- 4 yrs, BMI 24 +/- 0.4 kg/m2). Subjective appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales at 10 min intervals after the preload. Capillary blood glucose was measured every 30 min during 2 hrs before and after the ad libitum meal. In the second study, we compared the effect of 20g of casein, pea protein or whey vs. water control on satiation in 32 male volunteers (25 +/- 0.6 yrs, BMI 24 +/- 0.5 kg/m2). The preload was consumed as a starter during an ad libitum meal and food intake was measured. The preloads in both studies were in the form of a beverage.

Results

In the first study, food intake was significantly lower only after casein and pea protein compared to water control (P = 0.02; 0.04 repectively). Caloric compensation was 110, 103, 62, 56 and 51% after casein, pea protein, whey, albumin and maltodextrin, respectively. Feelings of satiety were significantly higher after casein and pea protein compared to other preloads (P <0.05). Blood glucose response to the meal was significantly lower when whey protein was consumed as a preload compared to other groups (P <0.001). In the second study, results showed no difference between preloads on ad libitum intake. Total intake was significantly higher after caloric preloads compared to water control (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Casein and pea protein showed a stronger effect on food intake compared to whey when consumed as a preload. However, consuming the protein preload as a starter of a meal decreased its impact on food intake as opposed to consuming it 30 min before the meal.