Purpose of review: The purpose of this review was to highlight recent research developments on effects of the dietary fibre polydextrose (PDX) on appetite, satiety and energy intake and glucose metabolism. For this purpose, clinically relevant human studies were reviewed and putative mechanisms and pathways were discussed.
Recent findings: A number of acute human intervention studies provide strong indications for an energy and glucose metabolism-regulating role of PDX. These effects might be mediated via a reduced gastro-intestinal transit reducing glycaemia and insulinemia after PDX ingestion and the potential of PDX as soluble dietary fibre to alter the intestinal microbial composition, which might lead to changes in signalling in both peripheral and central pathways involved in energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis.
Summary: In acute studies, PDX seems to have an inhibiting effect on energy intake and satiety and to reduce glycaemic and insulinemic response through effect on gastro-intestinal transit time and macronutrient absorption as well as through effects of the microbial products such as short-chain fatty acids on energy and substrate metabolism. In particular, well controlled human intervention studies are required to confirm these effects in the long term. Overall, supplement PDX to the daily diet may be a promising approach for the management and treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.