Kehlet U, et al. – In this current study, researchers explored if ad libitum energy intake (EI), appetite, and metabolic markers in a meal context were affected by fiber addition (rye bran and pea fiber) to pork meatballs, the food matrix of the fiber (fiber meatballs compared with fiber bread), or the protein source (animal compared with vegetable protein patties). As per findings, in healthy men, ad libitum EI was affected in a similar manner by meals based on meatballs and bread with differences in the fiber content, food matrix of fiber, and protein source. However, a favorable impact of fiber addition to pork meatballs on appetite sensations was noted, with no reported impact on hormonal and metabolic responses. Moreover, animal– and vegetable–protein–based, fiber–matched meals had similar effects on appetite regulation.

Methods

• In a crossover design, 40 healthy men [mean ± SD: body mass index (BMI; in kg/m²), 22.2 ± 1.9; age, 23.3 ± 2.9 y] consumed 4 test meals: a low-fiber meal consisting of pork meatballs plus wheat bread (LF meal); pork meatballs plus fiber bread; fiber meatballs plus wheat bread, and vegetable patties with a natural fiber content plus wheat bread (~3000 kJ; protein ~18% of energy, carbohydrate ~50% of energy, fat ~30% of energy; 13 g fiber in the fiber meals).
• Ad libitum EI after 4 h was the primary endpoint.
• Researchers measured appetite sensations and postprandial responses of glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY 3–36, and plasma amino acids.

Results

• Findings demonstrated that ad libitum EI did not differ significantly between the meals.
• Researchers observed that satiety and fullness increased 11% and 13%, respectively, and hunger and prospective intake decreased 17% and 15%, respectively, after the meal of fiber meatballs plus wheat bread compared with the LF meal (P < 0.01).
• They also noted that hormonal and metabolic responses did not differ between the meals.
• Data revealed that, in general, plasma amino acid concentrations were higher after the fiber-rich meals than after the LF meal.