Pectin delays gastric emptying and increases satiety in obese subjects

Abstract

As pectin delays gastric emptying in normal subjects and satiety may be linked to the rate of gastric emptying, we designed this study to evaluate, in a group of obese subjects, the effect of adding pectin to a meal on gastric emptying, sensation of satiety, and postprandial plasma cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide levels. We studied gastric emptying of solids in 9 adult obese subjects on 2 separate days in a randomized fashion. On day 1, 15 g of pectin was added to the meal, and on day 2 15 g of methylcellulose was added and served as control. Satiety was evaluated by an analogue rating scale. Pectin significantly delayed gastric emptying time [t1/2 = 116 +/- 23 min vs. 71 +/- 17 min observed with methylcellulose (p less than 0.001)]. Pectin also significantly increased subjects' sensation of satiety [98 +/- 7 vs. 74 +/- 17 (p less than 0.001)]. Postprandial release of cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide was not modified by pectin. As pectin induces satiety and delays gastric emptying in obese patients, it may be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of disorders of overeating.