Fibersol-2 Soluble Fiber May Increase Satiety, Lower Hunger

Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion, which slows digestion. A recent study suggests that drinking soluble fiber in tea while eating a meal may increase satiety hormones and lower hunger in healthy men and women.

Participants in the study included nine men and 10 women who were instructed to eat a standardized meal and in addition were given tea with 0, 5, or 10 grams of Fibersol-2, a soluble dietary fiber. The researchers took blood samples at the start of the experiment and then every 30 minutes for the next four hours.

The researchers noted that the 10 g supplement was associated with delays in hunger and increases in satiety at 1.5 to 2 hours after ingestion. There were no similar effects noted in the lower dose or control interventions.

The researchers also noted increases in the PYY and GLP-1 hormones, both of which regulate appetite, in the 10 g group. There were no similar increases in the 0 g or 5 g groups.

Researchers from Iowa State conducted the study. It was published online ahead of print on March 19, 2015, in Nutrition Research.

Previous studies have linked Fibersol-2 consumption with better cholesterol, blood sugar control and improved elimination.

Soluble fiber can be found naturally in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.