Glycemic response to a rapidly digested starch is not affected by the addition of an indigestible dextrin in humans

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of supplemental indigestible dextrin on the glycemic response to a rapidly digested starch, 30 healthy nondiabetic adult subjects were studied in a double-blind crossover design. After an overnight fast, subjects consumed a product containing either 67.5 g of corn syrup solids or the same plus 16 g of indigestible dextrin. Finger-prick capillary blood was obtained at baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial for glucose measurement. The postprandial incremental change from baseline did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments across all time points. Mean peak incremental change from baseline and net incremental area under the curve did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. Minimal effects on gastrointestinal symptoms (intensity and frequency of nausea, cramping, distention, and flatulence) were noted for both products, with no clinically significant difference between products. In conclusion, an acute challenge of 16 g supplemental indigestible dextrin did not affect the postprandial glycemic response to a rapidly digested starch and was well tolerated by fasting healthy adult subjects.