Production and utilisation of gastric rafts from polysaccharide combinations to induce satiety: a preliminary study

The purpose of this paper is to prepare alginate-pectin-starch containing matrices
expanded by the generation of carbon dioxide, from carbonates when in contact with acids,
characterise their structure in vitro and to assess their capacity to provide satiety in vivo. For in vitro characterisation, carbon dioxide expanded
polysaccharide matrices (rafts) were prepared in HCl and their structural strength was measured
in terms of their capacity to resist breakage in a model test system. For in vivo trials, 12 healthy
volunteers (mixed sex, aged 25-55) were recruited to take part in the three-part trial. Each part lasted
for one week where volunteers consumed polysaccharides (in 50 ml water) with or without rafting
salts (carbonates), or water (as a control). Effects on satiety, reduction of food intake and any change
to body weight were evaluated with the volunteers.