A preliminary investigation into the effects of a soluble dietary fibre and mineral formulation on post-prandial glucose regulation and satiation in healthy adults (Preprint)
Authors: Haynes Michael Maurice 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of obesity and overweight has steadily increased over the past decade, urging the development, and refinement of methods of intervention to combat the epidemic. Various formulations have been marketed to help tackle obesity via decreasing appetite and stimulating metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to explore the effect of Slimbiome® - a formulation containing glucomannan, chromium picolinate and fructo-oligosaccharides, on post-prandial blood glucose modulation, and hunger and satiation in healthy adults.

METHODS

This was a single-group, prospective, open-label pilot study, included 17 adults (Mean ± SD: age 26.35 ± 5.18 years; height 171 ± 11.22 cm; body weight 73.24 ± 13.23 kg; BMI 24.89 ± 2.72 kg/m2). Blood glucose concentration and subjective perceptions of satiety was measured in participants after ingesting a test solution containing a combination of dextrose, agglomerated glucomannan, fructo-oligosaccharides and chromium picolinate, over a 150-minute period.

RESULTS

Consumption of both control and test solutions resulted in a significant difference in post prandial blood glucose concentration, by an average of 172% and 168% from baseline to peak in control and test solutions respectively. There was statistically significant difference between baseline and peak glucose concentration, but not between baseline and post-trial when observing the control solution (P = .001 and .072 respectively). A similar result was also produced for the test solution, however, the difference between peak concentration and post-trial was even less statistically significant (baseline – peak, P = .001; baseline – post-trial, P = .460).
No statistically significant differences were observed in the response scores for the level of hunger felt and feeling of fullness at 75 minutes post consumption of the test solution, however there was a significant difference between these response scores at 150 minutes after consumption (P = .001)
A strong positive correlation between desire to eat and feelings of hunger increased further at 150 minutes after test solution consumption, which was statistically significant (r = .895**, P = <.001). The desire to eat and the amount of food believed could be eaten were moderately, negatively correlated, with statistical significance (r = .752**, P = <0.001). There were no significant associations between levels of thirst and any other variable.

CONCLUSIONS

The data revealed that though Slimbiome® resulted in a peak glucose concentration that was comparatively, on average, lower than the control solution, the positive effect was not statistically significant. The more substantial impacts of the test drug appeared to be related to aspects of hunger, satiety, and cravings. It was observed that the test group on average had lower response scores for how hungry they felt, and how strong their desire to eat was, at both mid-trial and post-trial time points. Not only does Slimbiome® show positive effect on reducing levels of hunger, but it may potentially play a role in delaying the onset of hunger.