Comparative effects of the free fatty acids, lauric acid and oleic acid, on antropyloric motility and energy intake in healthy young men.

Abstract

The effects of fatty acids on gastrointestinal function and energy intake vary with their chain length. In rats, lauric acid, a fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms (“C12”) suppressed energy intake more than oleic acid, a fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms (“C18”), on a calorie-for-calorie basis. We hypothesised that, at equicaloric loads, C12 would inhibit antral pressure waves (PWs), stimulate pyloric pressure waves (IPPWs) and suppress appetite and energy intake more than C18. Ten healthy males were studied on three separate occasions. Pressure waves and appetite perceptions were measured during 60-min intraduodenal infusions of (i) C12, ii) C18 or iii) control (saline) (all pH 8.4, 0.4 kcal/min for C12 and C18). Energy intake was quantified at a cold buffet-style meal immediately following the infusions. Both C12 and C18 suppressed antral PWs and stimulated IPPWs compared with control (P