Policaptil Gel Retard Intake Reduces Postprandial Triglycerides, Ghrelin and Appetite in Obese Children: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the intake of Policaptil Gel Retard® (PGR) is able to affect appetite, metabolic and hormonal postprandial profile in obese children. 46 obese children were randomly assigned to treatment with PGR or placebo, in a double blind clinical trial. Two PGR tablets or placebo were given in fasting condition, before the ingestion of a mixed meal (15 kcal/kg lean body mass). Blood samples were taken at baseline and for 4 h, for measuring blood lipids, glucose, insulin, ghrelin, and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Appetite was quantified using a visual analog scale. Children assuming PGR had a significantly lower increase of postprandial triglycerides (area under the curve (AUC): 3021 (2879) vs. 5038 (3738) mg × 240 min/Dl) and appetite (−234 (274) vs. 36 (329)) than children assuming placebo. The AUC of ghrelin was significantly lower after PGR ingestion, than after placebo (−8179 (8073) vs. −2800 (7579) pg × 240 min/mL). Blood glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and GLP-1 profiles were not significantly different in the two groups. In conclusion, a single intake of two tablets of PGR was associated with a significant reduction of appetite, ghrelin, and triglycerides in the postprandial period in obese children. Further investigation will assess if a chronic intake of PGR may affect body weight and glucose metabolism.

Retrospective Evaluation on the Use of a New Polysaccharide Complex in Managing Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

“…Our findings in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, obesity and MetS suggest that PGR significantly lowers BMI and improves adiposity parameters, supporting our previous work and the literature on severely obese children and adolescents with insulin resistance and a family history of obesity and type 2 diabetes [30][31][32].…”

“…The use of this compound, possibly in association with a low GI/GL diet, could lead to an improvement in the parameters associated with MetS. More specifically, a recent study by Fornari et al has shown that the intake of PGR is associated with a significant reduction in appetite, ghrelin and triglycerides in obese children, confirming the effect of PGR in affecting appetite, metabolic and hormonal postprandial profile [32]. Therefore, because of its characteristics, PGR could represent a promising treatment option in these patients.…”

“…Interestingly, a recent study by Fornari et al on obese children showed that the intake of PGR is associated with a significant reduction in appetite, ghrelin and triglycerides in the postprandial period [32].…”

Nutritional Strategies for Childhood Obesity Prevention

“…The healthy effects of fibers were recently analyzed by Reynholds et al, which evaluates 45 observational studies in children aged 1 to 19 years, identifying benefits on body weight, blood lipids, blood pressure, blood glucose associated with an increased intake of fiber with the diet and high-fiber foods, in the absence of adverse events [76]. Positive effects of fiber supplementation on reducing appetite and triglycerides absorption are also demonstrated after a single intake, in the postprandial phase in the obese children [77]. For the consumption of fruit and vegetables, Bramante et al report positive results of interventions in the school environment in 2 out of 5 studies [61].…”

Metabolic profile of wistar rats after consumption of flour prepared with grains and fruits

“…Furthermore, fibers can decrease the appetite both in obese and non-obese subjects. For these reasons, these dietetic compounds are associated with the reduction of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications (Fornari et al, 2020;Rosado et al, 2020).…”