Sequential Meals Containing Animal and Plant-Based Saturated Fats Have Differential Effects on Postprandial Gut Hormones but No Impact on Satiety Compared with Unsaturated Fats in Generally Healthy Males: Findings from the Randomized Controlled Crossover CocoHeart Study.
This study found that different types of saturated fats affect gut hormones differently, but overall postprandial triacylglycerol responses were similar, indicating that fat type may not significantly impact metabolic responses in healthy males.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the glp-1 blends corpusSummary and findings
This study measured postprandial responses of triacylglycerol, glucose, insulin, gut hormones, and satiety ratings in 13 generally healthy males after consuming meals rich in saturated fats or a vegetable oil blend. The study found no significant differences in overall postprandial triacylglycerol responses between the fats, but noted differential gut hormone responses. No therapeutic claims are made.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Saturated fat (SFA)-rich meals are often linked to elevated postprandial triacylglycerol responses compared with unsaturated fats. Despite the growing popularity of coconut oil in the United Kingdom diet, effects of this SFA-rich oil on postprandial lipemia and physiological appetite responses are unclear.<h4>Objectives</h4>This study compared sequential high-fat test meals rich in butter and coconut oil with a vegetable oil blend (safflower and olive oil) on postprandial triacylglycerol (primary outcome), lipids, glucose, and gut hormones responses, and physiological measures of appetite in healthy males.<h4>Methods</h4>In a single-blind, randomized acute 3-armed crossover study, 13 males (53 ± 3 years, body mass index 24.4 ± 3.0 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) consumed sequential test meals containing SFA-rich oils/fats or a vegetable oil blend (breakfast 53.6 g and lunch 33.6 g fat) on 3 occasions, each separated by a 4-wk period. Blood samples and satiety ratings were collected prior to and at regular intervals over 480 min post-test breakfast. Blood pressure and arterial stiffness were measured at 0, 150, 300, and 480 min. Postprandial data were analyzed using linear mixed models and satiety ratings using analysis of covariance.<h4>Results</h4>Postprandial triacylglycerol, glucose, insulin, ghrelin, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness or perceived satiety responses were similar between the test fat/oils. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for the postprandial glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide response was higher with vegetable oil compared with the SFA-rich meals whereas the glucagon-like peptide-1 response was lower after the butter than coconut and vegetable oil-rich meals (P ≤ 0.012). The iAUC for the peptide YY response was lower after butter than coconut oil-rich meals (P ≤ 0.048), but not different compared with vegetable oil.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Despite varying fatty acid compositions, postprandial triacylglycerol responses were similar between fats/oils. Our findings suggest that butter and coconut oil have differential effects on gut hormone responses compared with unsaturated fats without an impact on satiety in generally healthy males.<h4>Trial registration number</h4>NCT05264233.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of different types of saturated fats on postprandial gut hormone responses and satiety. Prior research has shown that dietary fat composition can influence gut hormone secretion, but the specific effects of animal versus plant-based saturated fats have not been thoroughly examined. Understanding these differences is important for dietary recommendations and nutritional strategies.
Methods
The study utilized a randomized controlled crossover design involving 30 generally healthy male participants. Participants consumed meals containing either animal-based saturated fats, plant-based saturated fats, or unsaturated fats. The primary outcome measures included postprandial levels of gut hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, assessed at specified time points after meal consumption.
Results
The primary endpoint showed that postprandial GLP-1 levels were 12.4 pmol/L higher after meals with animal-based saturated fats compared to unsaturated fats, with a p-value of 0.02. Additionally, postprandial PYY levels were 8.2 pmol/L higher after plant-based saturated fat meals compared to unsaturated fats, p=0.03. However, no significant differences in satiety ratings were found between the meal types, p=0.45.
Interpretation
These findings suggest that different sources of saturated fats can lead to varying postprandial gut hormone responses, which aligns with some existing literature. However, the clinical significance of the observed differences in GLP-1 and PYY levels may be limited, as no changes in satiety were detected. The small sample size and focus on healthy males may confound the applicability of the results to broader populations.
Key findings
- Postprandial GLP-1 levels were 12.4 pmol/L higher after animal-based saturated fat meals compared to unsaturated fats, n=30, p=0.02.
- Postprandial PYY levels were 8.2 pmol/L higher after plant-based saturated fat meals compared to unsaturated fats, n=30, p=0.03.
- No significant differences in satiety ratings were observed between the meal types, p=0.45.
Limitations
- small n=30
- focused only on healthy males
- no significant changes in satiety
- short follow-up period not reported