Microencapsulate technology shows promise for weight-management applications, according to proof-of-concept study

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A microencapsulated nutrient mixture designed to release in the distal small intestine has a significant effect on food intake and satiety, according to a double-blind, randomized crossover proof-of-concept study that was recently published in Nutrients.¹ Researchers gave 59 volunteers either 1) the active microencapsulated product containing 16 g of sucrose, 10 g of casein, and 2 g of whey protein, or 2) a control product which contained 16 g of sucrose and 10 g of casein encapsulated to release in the stomach. The microencapsulate technology is proprietary to AnaBio Technologies Ltd. (Dublin, Ireland).

Qualified subjects included those between the ages of 18 and 65 with a body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2 who were weight stable for six months prior to screening, as well as unrestrained eaters not on a diet. After a 10-hour overnight fast, a fasted blood sample was taken from subjects, and they were subsequently given a standardized breakfast meal consisting of a whole-grain sandwich with cheese and 200 ml of water. Next, 180 minutes after breakfast, subjects were given the microencapsulated nutrient mixture or control in a randomized order on different test days. Subjects had a washout period of one week before crossover. Ninety minutes after taking the active product or control, subjects were given a 1-kg pasta meal, and subjects were instructed to eat until they felt satisfied. Food intake was assessed by measuring the pasta meal after consumption.

Compared to controls, subjects had significantly lower food intake following consumption of the microencapsulated nutrient mixture, as well as higher levels of satiety and lower levels of hunger. Researchers also observed that when subjects took the active product, plasma glucose concentrations did not increase like they did after subjects consumed the control product.

References:

1. A.M.E. Allelyn et al. “The effect of an encapsulated nutrient mixture on food intake and satiety: a double-blind randomized cross-over proof of concept study.” Nutrients, vol. 10 (2018): 1787