Comparison of the Acute Glycemic and Insulinemic Response of Fossence™, a Short Chain Fructo-Oligosaccharide, Taken Alone, Added or Substituted into a Carbohydrate Load

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To explore the physiological response to ingestion of FossenceTM, a short chain fructo-oligosaccharide, when taken alone or when added or substituted into a carbohydrate load. Methods In a randomized, controlled, cross-over design, 25 healthy subjects completed three phases (phase 1: 13M:12F; 41 ± 14y; 24.4 ± 2.2 kg/m²; phase 2: 13M:12F; 40 ± 14y; 24.5 ± 2.4 kg/m²; phase 3: 13M:12F; 41 ± 14y; 24.3 ± 2.6 kg/m²; Mean ± SD). On separate days, each subject received in Phase 1: 10 g FossenceTM(10FOS), 10 g Dextrose (10Dex) or a water control (Control); Phase 2: 50 g Dextrose alone (50Dex), Dextrose with 15 g FossenceTM(50Dex + 15FOS), 35 g Dextrose alone (35Dex) or Dextrose with 15 g FossenceTM(35Dex + 15FOS); and Phase 3 received: 50 g available carbohydrate (avCHO) from white bread alone (50WB) or with 15 g FossenceTM(50WB + 15FOS), 35 g avCHO from white bread alone (35WB) or with 15 g FossenceTM(35WB + 15FOS). Blood samples were collected at fasting and over 2 hours after the start of the test meal and analyzed for glucose and insulin levels. The primary endpoint was differences in glucose IAUC. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03755232). Results Phase 1: The glucose IAUC was significantly lower after 10FOS and Control compared to 10Dex (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the insulin IAUC was significantly lower after Control and 10FOS compared to 10Dex (P < 0.0001). Phase 2: The glucose IAUC was significantly lower after 35Dex and 35Dex + 15FOS compared to 50Dex (P < 0.0001). Insulin IAUC was significantly lower after 35Dex compared to 50Dex and 50Dex + 15FOS, the IAUC of 35Dex + 15FOS was significantly lower than 50Dex (P < 0.0003). Phase 3: The glucose IAUC was significantly lower after 35WB and 35WB + 15FOS compared to 50WB and 50WB + 15FOS (P < 0.00001). Insulin IAUC was significantly lower after 35WB and 35WB + 15FOS compared to 50WB and 50WB + 15FOS (P < 0.00001). Conclusions These studies demonstrate that FossenceTM, when consumed alone, does not increase postprandial glucose and insulin levels, indicating it is resistant to breakdown. When added to a carbohydrate load, no increase in postprandial glucose or insulin levels is observed while substitution of 30% of glycemic carbohydrate by FossenceTMsignificantly decreased postprandial glucose and insulin levels. FossenceTM, being sweet to taste, may be advised to individuals on restricted sugar intake. Funding Sources Tata Chemicals Ltd, India.