The Effect of an Encapsulated Nutrient Mixture on Food Intake and Satiety: A Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Proof of Concept Study

Activation of the intestinal brake by infusing nutrients into the distal small intestine with catheters inhibits food intake and enhances satiety. Encapsulation of macronutrients, which protects against digestion in the proximal gastrointestinal tract, can be a non-invasive alternative to activate this brake. In this study, we investigate the effect of oral ingestion of an encapsulated casein and sucrose mixture (active) targeting the distal small intestine versus a control product designed to be released in the stomach on food intake, satiety, and plasma glucose concentrations. Fifty-nine volunteers received the active and control product on two separate test days. Food intake was determined during an ad libitum meal 90 min after ingestion of the test product. Visual analogue scale scores for satiety and blood samples for glucose analysis were collected at regular intervals. Ingestion of the active product decreased food intake compared to the control product (655 kcal compared with 699 kcal, respectively, p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for hunger was decreased (p < 0.05) and AUC for satiety was increased (p < 0.01) after ingestion of the active product compared to the control product. Ingestion of an encapsulated protein-carbohydrate mixture resulted in inhibition of food intake compared to a non-encapsulated control product.