A Low‐Calorie Beverage Supplemented with Low‐Viscosity Pectin Reduces Energy Intake at a Subsequent Meal

Abstract: The addition of fiber to foods and beverages has been linked with greater satiety and reduced energy intakes at the next meal. However, measures of satiety can be influenced by the time interval between beverage consumption and the next meal. The objective of this study was to determine how the time interval between consumption and a subsequent test meal impacts the satiating power of a low‐calorie beverage supplemented with low‐viscosity pectin fiber. Forty‐two participants (20 men, 22 women) each participated in 4 study sessions. Study preloads were 2 low‐calorie beverages (355 mL, 8 kcal) containing either 0 g fiber (no fiber) or 8 g low‐viscosity fiber (added fiber). These preloads were consumed either 90 min before lunch or 15 min before lunch. Every 15 min, participants rated hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and thirst using 100‐mm visual analogue scales. A test lunch was served and plate waste was measured. Beverages with added fiber reduced energy intakes at lunch relative to those without fiber. A short delay (15 min) between beverage consumption and a subsequent meal was associated with higher satiety ratings and reduced energy intakes, regardless of fiber content. The addition of low‐viscosity pectin to low‐calorie beverages reduced energy intakes at the next meal, presenting a possible tool for intake regulation. A short time interval between consumption of a low‐calorie beverage and a meal also increased satiety and decreased food intake, reflecting the short‐lived effect of volume. Practical Application: Consumption of a low‐calorie beverage supplemented with 8 g of low‐viscosity pectin fiber reduced energy intakes at the next meal. However, beverages consumed 15 min prior to the test meal were associated with higher satiety and lower subsequent energy intakes than beverages consumed 90 min prior to the test meal, regardless of fiber content. Timing of preload consumption has an important impact on measures of satiating power.