Effect of Drinks Containing Fruit Polyphenol Extracts and Fibre on Postprandial Glycaemia. (Glu-MIX)

Overview

Postprandial glycaemia refers to the transient rise in blood glucose levels that occurs after consuming a meal. Large fluctuations in blood glucose levels, experienced on a frequent basis, may impair the functioning of pancreatic beta cells, and thus elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Our group has previously shown that consuming a drink containing fruit polyphenols immediately before a meal, may reduce postprandial glycaemia. Importantly, other fruit components, namely soluble fibres, also impact on carbohydrate digestion by slowing gastric emptying rates. Combining fruit polyphenols and fibre in a drink may, potentially, have additive or synergistic effects on reducing postprandial glycaemia. This study will investigate the effects of drinks containing blackcurrant polyphenol extract combined with pulp (source of fibre), and pulp alone, on postprandial outcomes and cognitive function following a mixed carbohydrate (starch and sucrose) test meal.

Intake of carbohydrate-rich foods transiently increases blood glucose levels (known as postprandial glycaemia). Repeated, high, postprandial glucose responses are evidenced to impair pancreatic beta cell function, thus increasing the risk of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, meals that elicit a reduced, or more gradual, rise in blood glucose levels are desirable. Previous studies have shown that consuming a drink containing fruit polyphenols, such as those from blackcurrants (BC), immediately before a high carbohydrate meal, reduced the postprandial glycaemic response. Importantly, other fruit components, namely soluble fibres, also impact on carbohydrate digestion by slowing gastric emptying rates. It is not yet known the effect of combining fibre and polyphenols on postprandial glycaemia. Although limited, there is a growing body of evidence showing beneficial acute effects of polyphenols in cognitive function which is of great interest in many work and academic environments where fast cognitive enhancement is wanted to perform a task or an exam. This study will investigate the effects of drinks containing BC polyphenol extract combined with pulp (source of fibre), and pulp alone, on postprandial outcomes and cognitive function following a mixed carbohydrate (starch and sucrose) test meal. Study design: A randomised, controlled, double-blind, cross-over study, of the healthy adult UK population, will be conducted. All subjects will receive the placebo drink, pulp only drink and the pulp with polyphenol drink in a random order. Baseline (fasted) blood samples will be taken before consuming the test drink (T0 min). Immediately following consumption of the drink, a mixed carbohydrate test meal will be consumed. Further blood samples will be collected at regular times until T150 min. Blood samples will be analysed for plasma glucose, insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and C-peptide. Subjects will also perform a 30 min computer based cognitive performance test at baseline (T-45 min) and endpoint (T165 min). Visual analogue scales will be used to assess the effect of the test drinks on a range of sensory characteristics e.g. palatability, satiety and subjective mood feelings. Finally, an ad libitum pasta meal at the end of the study visit (T 215 min) will be used to assess the effects on energy intake.