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

Nutrients. 2020 Jan 14;12(1):214. doi: 10.3390/nu12010214.

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 hours, 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.

Keywords: appetite; children; fibers; ghrelin; obesity; postprandial phase; triglycerides.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Appetite / drug effects*
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eating / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Ghrelin / blood
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Macromolecular Substances / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / blood
  • Pediatric Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Polysaccharides / administration & dosage*
  • Postprandial Period / drug effects*
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Gels
  • Ghrelin
  • Insulin
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polysaccharides
  • Triglycerides