This abstract was presented as the Whole Body Metabolism Theme highlight.
Previous work suggests the calcium content of a meal influences postprandial appetite sensations and insulinaemia(Reference Gonzalez, Rumbold and Stevenson1), which may be explained by elevated incretin hormone concentrations(Reference Gonzalez and Stevenson2). Extracellular calcium and L-amino acid concentrations synergistically stimulate secretion of the incretin hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-17–36 (GLP-17–36), in an isolated rodent intestinal model(Reference Mace, Schindler and Patel3). This synergistic effect of calcium and protein on postprandial incretin hormones has not, to date, been demonstrated in humans. This study aimed to assess the isolated and combined effects of calcium and protein ingestion on postprandial appetite sensations, plasma insulin and incretin hormone concentrations.
Twenty, young, healthy volunteers completed 4 trials in a randomised, double-blind, crossover design. During trials, participants consumed a test meal made from instant oats and water, which was low in protein and calcium (CON), high in protein (PRO; 350 mg/kg body mass), high in calcium (CAL; 15 mg/kg body mass) or high in both protein and calcium (PROCAL). Blood samples were collected, at baseline, and 15, 30, 45 and 60 min in the postprandial period to determine plasma concentrations of insulin, GIP and GLP-17–36. Visual analogue scales were completed to assess subjective appetite sensations, which are expressed as a combined-appetite score (incorporating hunger, fullness, prospective consumption and satisfaction). All data were converted into a time-averaged postprandial area under the curve (AUC). Plasma analysis is ongoing, thus n = 12 for insulin, and n = 19 for GLP-17–36. GIP data are not yet available.
Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of trial on combined-appetite (P = 0·024) and GLP-17–36 (P < 0·001), but not for insulin concentrations (P = 0·116). Following adjustment for multiple comparisons, combined-appetite score was lower on PROCAL vs. CON (Table 1), whilst GLP-1 concentrations were higher with PRO and PROCAL vs. CON, and with PRO vs. CAL (Table 1).
Values expressed as means ± SD. n = 20 for combined-appetite score, n = 12 for insulin and n = 19 for GLP-17–36. CON, control; PRO, high-protein; CAL, high-calcium; PROCAL, high-protein and high-calcium. *, significantly different from CON (P < 0·05); #, significantly different from CAL (P < 0·05).
These data suggest the intake of protein and calcium in combination, but not alone, significantly suppresses postprandial appetite sensations. Postprandial plasma GLP-17–36 appears to be elevated by protein ingestion independent of calcium, whilst insulinaemia is not significantly affected.