Dose‐Dependent Suppression of Hunger by a Specific Alginate in a Low‐Viscosity Drink Formulation

Abstract

Addition of specific types of alginates to drinks can enhance postmeal suppression of hunger, by forming strong gastric gels in the presence of calcium. However, some recent studies have not demonstrated an effect of alginate/calcium on appetite, perhaps because the selected alginates do not produce sufficiently strong gels or because the alginates were not sufficiently hydrated when consumed. Therefore, the objective of the study was to test effects on appetite of a strongly gelling and fully hydrated alginate in an acceptable, low‐viscosity drink formulation. In a balanced order crossover design, 23 volunteers consumed a meal replacement drink containing protein and calcium and either 0 (control), 0.6, or 0.8% of a specific high‐guluronate alginate. Appetite (six self‐report scales) was measured for 5 h postconsumption. Relevant physicochemical properties of the drinks were measured, i.e., product viscosity and strength of gel formed under simulated gastric conditions. Hunger was robustly reduced (20–30% lower area under the curve) with 0.8% alginate (P < 0.001, analysis of covariance), an effect consistent across all appetite scales. Most effects were also significant with 0.6% alginate, and a clear dose‐response observed. Gastric gel strength was 1.8 and 3.8 N for the 0.6 and 0.8% alginate drinks, respectively, while product viscosity was acceptable (<0.5 Pa·s at 10 s−1). We conclude that strongly gastric‐gelling alginates at relatively low concentrations in a low‐viscosity drink formulation produced a robust reduction in hunger responses. This and other related studies indicate that the specific alginate source and product matrix critically impacts upon apparent efficacy.

Mechanism of Suppression of Blood Glucose Level by Calcium Alginate in Rats

“…In addition, it is used as a food additive (thickening stabilizer) and medicinal additive. [17][18][19][20] However, excessive intake of sodium is one of the risk factors for hypertension. 21) Therefore, if the calcium salt of alginic acid (Ca-Alg) has a similar effect of Na-Alg, it might be more beneficial than Na-Alg.…”

Relationship between Physical Parameters of Various Metal Ions and Binding Affinity for Alginate

“…[13][14][15] It also protects the gastric mucous membrane. 16) Moreover, it was reported that accumulation of strontium (Sr) in the human body decreased when sodium alginate (Na-Alg) was ingested before exposure to Sr. 17) Further, when rats pre-fed with NaAlg for ten days were administered Sr, the cumulative amount of Sr in the body was markedly reduced, compared with the control group.…”

Alginate Enhances Excretion and Reduces Absorption of Strontium and Cesium in Rats

“…[3][4][5] Alginate (ALA), an intercellular polysaccharide associated with brown algae, is used as a food additive and as a health food to decrease blood cholesterol and inhibit weight gain. 3,[6][7][8] It also has a protective effect on the gastric mucous membrane. 9) Further, it has already been reported that accumulation of strontium (Sr) in the human body decreased to one-eighth when sodium alginate (ALA-Na) was ingested before administration of Sr. 10) Moreover, when rats pre-fed with ALA-Na for ten days were administered radioactive Sr ( 85 Sr, half-life= 64.8 d), the cumulative amount of 85 Sr in the body was markedly reduced, compared with the control group.…”