Effect of a balanced mixture of dietary fibers on gastric emptying, intestinal transit and body weight

Abstract

Background/aims: Dietary fibers are frequently included in diets to decrease body weight, but their scarce palatability and the occurrence of meteorism prevent a long-term intake. The aim of this study was to test a mixture of dietary fibers expressly chosen to decrease their negative properties and strengthen their positive effects.

Methods: In a series of 10 patients with a slight overweight, the effectiveness of a palatable dietary fibers mixture on gastric emptying and intestinal transit was tested with scintigraphic methods. Then, the effects on body weight and digestive sensations and characteristics of defecations, were evaluated for 4 weeks.

Results: The intestinal transit was significantly shortened by the fiber intake, while the gastric emptying was delayed, but not significantly. The body mass index significantly and progressively decreased, whereas the sense of satiation significantly increased. No effect on abdominal bloating was referred, whereas a significant increase in number of defecations with stools of normal consistency was observed. The acceptability of the fiber mixture was good.

Conclusions: The present research demonstrated that it is possible to prepare a palatable mixture of dietary fibers that maintains the property of decreasing body weight, favors the sense of satiation and accelerates the intestinal transit, with normalization of the stool consistency without the occurrence of meteorism.