Encapsulation of lipid as emulsion-alginate beads reduces food intake: a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over human trial in overweight adults

This study investigates the ability of ingested emulsion-alginate beads to decrease food intake, and to increase feelings of satiety without increasing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Thirty-three healthy overweight volunteers (mean age: 43 yrs.; BMI: 27.7 kg/m2; 14 male) received two treatments in a randomized placebo-controlled trial with cross-over design. Test days started with a standardized small breakfast (t = 0), followed by a yogurt (t = 90 min) that contained either encapsulated lipid as emulsion-alginate beads (active) or an equicaloric mixture of non-encapsulated nutrients with similar sensory properties (control). Feelings of satiety and GI symptoms were monitored prior to and after consumption of the yogurt, and food intake was measured during ad libitum pasta meal consumption (t = 210 min).