PurposeIncreased awareness of the importance of dietary fibre has led to increased interest in “functional” fibre components like digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RMD). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effects of RMD in the colonic transit time (CTT) and defecation characteristics (frequency, stool volume and consistency).MethodsSixty-six healthy adult volunteers (32 men) who did not have a daily defecation habit had a 7-day run-in period before the 21-day intervention period with RMD or placebo. CTT and segmental CTT (SCTT) were assessed by a single abdominal X-ray film taken at the end of both periods after radiopaque marker ingestion. Defecation characteristics and intestinal functions were also assessed, which were self-reported by patients. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by Student’s paired t test, Bonferroni test and Chi-square test, while time comparisons by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time-by-treatment interaction by repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsFifty-seven subjects were assessed for CTT (placebo, n = 28; RMD, n = 29). In the RMD group, the total CTT, left SCTT and rectosigmoidal SCTT decreased significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.01 each; −13.3, −4.7, −8.7 h, respectively). Significant differences between groups were observed in total CTT and left SCTT. Significant time-by-treatment interaction was observed in the RMD group for stool volume (p = 0.014), increasing 56 % compared to baseline (p < 0.01), while remained unchanged in the placebo group. Stool consistency was improved only in the RMD group (p < 0.01). No adverse effects related to study products were observed.ConclusionsThe results show that RMD improved CTT, stool volume, stool consistency and some intestinal functions in a healthy population.

ResumenIntroducción: la quinua es un pseudocereal que contiene hidratos de carbono de bajo índice glucémico, fibra alimentaria, proteínas de alto valor biológico, fitoesteroles y ácidos grasos n-3 y n-6, y que ha suscitado interés en la intervención nutricional de la prediabetes. Este estudio aleatorizado (2:1), controlado con placebo y doble ciego, evaluó los efectos de la quinua sobre el índice de masa corporal (IMC), hemoglobina glicada (HbA 1c ), glucemia basal (GB) y el grado de saciedad y plenitud en pacientes prediabéticos. Material y método: se aleatorizaron (2:1) 30 pacientes en dos ramas a estudio: el producto Kuska Active (quinua procesada) y placebo (maltodextrina). El periodo de ingesta fue de 28 días. Antes de iniciar el tratamiento y a los 28 días se determinó el IMC, HbA 1c y la GB. La sensación de saciedad y plenitud se evaluó mediante escala visual analógica (EVA). Para demostrar la eficacia de la quinua procesada Kuska Active sobre las variables a estudio se realizó ANOVA para medidas repetidas con dos factores a estudio (factor intrasujeto: tiempo y factor intersujeto: producto consumido). Resultados: finalizaron el estudio un total de 29 pacientes (placebo, n = 10; quinua, n = 19). Se detectó en el grupo quinua procesada una disminución significativa en los valores de IMC (p < 0,05) y HbA 1c (p < 0,001) y un aumento en la sensación de saciedad y plenitud (p < 0,001). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de GB desde el momento basal hasta el periodo postingesta. Conclusiones: los resultados muestran que la quinua procesada disminuye el IMC y los niveles de HbA 1c , mantiene los niveles de GB y aumenta la sensación de saciedad y plenitud en pacientes prediabéticos. AbstractIntroduction: Quinoa is a pseudocereal containing low glycemic index carbohydrates, dietary fiber, high biological value protein, phytosterols, and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, which has generated interest in prediabetes nutritional interventions. This randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the effects of processed quinoa on body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the satiation and fullness (complete) degree in prediabetic patients. Material and method: Thirty patients were randomized (2:1) in two study arms: Kuska Active product (processed quinoa) and placebo (maltodextrin), with an intake period of 28 days. BMI, HbA 1c and FPG were determined before starting treatment and at 28-day intake. Satiety and fullness sensation were just assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) at the day 28. ANOVA was performed for repeated measures with two factors to study (within-subject factor: time; intersubject factor: product consumed) to demonstrate the effectiveness of processed quinoa on the study variables. Results: Twenty-nine patients (placebo, n = 10; quinoa, n = 19) completed the study, and the quinoa group shows a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.05) and HbA 1c values (p < 0.001), and an increase in the satiation and fullness (complete) d...