Nutrient Bar Research Articles

A Markov network approach for reproducing purchase behaviours observed in convenience stores

The convenience store industry in Japan holds immense significance, making a thorough comprehension of customer purchase behaviour invaluable for companies aiming to gain insights into their customer base. In this paper, we propose a novel application of a Markov network model to simulate purchases guided by stopping probabilities calculated from real data. Each node in the Markov network represents different product categories available for purchase. Additionally, we introduce the concept of a “driving force,” quantifying the influence of purchasing product A on the likelihood of purchasing product B, compared to random purchasing. For instance, our analysis reveals that the inclusion of nutrient bars in a purchase set leads to, on average, a 13% reduction in tobacco purchases compared to random patterns. To validate our approach, we compare the simulated macro-level purchase behaviours with real point of Sale (POS) data obtained from a prominent convenience store giant, 7-Eleven. The dataset is comprised of roughly 54 million receipts, in which we focus on the product categories existing in this dataset rather than individual products. Our model successfully replicates the purchase size distribution for 99.9% of all purchases and the purchase counts across various product categories, demonstrating its efficacy in capturing broad purchase patterns.

인삼분말을 첨가한 영양바의 품질특성

This study was planed to develop a functional nutritional bar product tailored to the recent trend toward consumer health and convenience. We analyzed the sensory characteristics and consumer preferences of nutritional bars containing ginseng, and studied the quality characteristics of the final product. There were thre types of nutrition bars containing ginseng: RGA(aded by 10% of red ginseng powder), RGB(5% of red ginseng powder), and WG(5% of ginseng and soybean powder). Quality characteristics include color, pH and swetnes. Sensory tests were conducted on 23 people who had experience in consuming nutrition bars. Apearance, flavor, swetnes, sournes, biternes, texture (chewablity and strength), and overal taste were measured using 15 interval scale. RGB showed excelent palatability in the sensory test as a result while it showed lightnes (L) 35.7, rednes (a) 12.25, and yelownes (b) 15.58 in surface chromaticity with 56.2, 5.69 and 6.48 for crumbs. The pH and sugar content of RGB was 6.01 and 4.21, respectively. In conclusion, ginseng nutrient bar would be highly prefered if it has nutritious and delicious loking dark brown color, not to swet taste, crispy texture, nuts other than peanuts inside and some red ginseng scent. Further evaluation is neded for sensory characteristics of ginseng nutrient bar.

Effect of liquid and solid test meals on symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia.

Patients with gastroparesis (GP) and functional dyspepsia (FD) have similar symptoms, but the pathophysiology of postprandial symptoms remains uncertain. To compare symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) after liquid and solid test meals in patients with GP and FD. Patients enrolled in the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium Registry were studied. Clinical characteristics were measured with standard questionnaires. GP was determined by 4-h solid-phase gastric scintigraphy. GMA was measured using electrogastrography before and after ingestion of a water load or nutrient bar on separate days. Symptoms were measured on visual analog scales. GMA responses to the water load for individual patients were also determined. 284 patients with GP and 113 with FD were identified who ingested both test meals. Patients with GP and FD had similar maximal tolerated volumes of water [mean (SD) 378 (218) ml vs. 402 (226) ml, p=0.23] and reported similar intensity of fullness, nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort after the test meals. Twenty-six percent and 19% of the patients with GP and FD, respectively, ingested subthreshold (<238ml) volumes of water (p=0.15). Gastric dysrhythmias were recorded in 66% of the GP and 65% of the FD patients after the water load. Symptoms and GMA were similar in both groups after ingestion of the nutrient bar. The similarity in GMA responses and symptoms after ingestion of solid or liquid test meals suggests GP and FD are closely related gastric neuromuscular disorders.

Efficacy of B12 Fortified Nutrient Bar and Yogurt in Improving Plasma B12 Concentrations—Results From 2 Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trials

Dietary vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is common in Indians. Long-term compliance to tablet supplementation is poor in asymptomatic individuals. To study efficacy of B12 fortified nutrient bar and yogurt in improving plasma B12 concentrations in children and adults. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled directly observed therapy randomized controlled trials were conducted for 120 days: (1) Healthy children (10-13 years) were fed nutrient bar fortified with B12 (2 μg), multiple micronutrients B12 (1.8 μg) or placebo. (2) Healthy adults (18-50 years) were fed yogurt fortified with B12 (2 μg) or Propionibacterium (1 × 108 cfu/g) or placebo. B12, folate, homocysteine, and hemoglobin concentrations were measured before and post intervention. We randomized 164 children and 118 adults; adherence was 96% and 82%, respectively. In children, B12 fortified bars increased B12 concentrations significantly above baseline (B12 alone +91 pmol/L, B12+ multiple micronutrients +82 pmol/L) compared to placebo. In adults, B12 fortified yogurt increased B12 significantly (+38 pmol/L) but Propionibacterium and placebo did not. In both trials, homocysteine fell significantly with B12 supplementation. Rise of B12 and fall of homocysteine were influenced by dose of B12 and folic acid. There was no significant difference in change of anthropometry and hemoglobin between groups. B12 fortified foods are effective in improving B12 status in Indian children and adults. They could be used to improve B12 status in the national programs for children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. They could also be used as over-the-counter products.

Co-Encapsulated Synbiotics and Immobilized Probiotics in Human Health and Gut Microbiota Modulation.

Growing interest in the development of innovative functional products as ideal carriers for synbiotics, e.g., nutrient bars, yogurt, chocolate, juice, ice cream, and cheese, to ensure the daily intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which are needed to maintain a healthy gut microbiota and overall well-being, is undeniable and inevitable. This review focuses on the modern approaches that are currently being developed to modulate the gut microbiota, with an emphasis on the health benefits mediated by co-encapsulated synbiotics and immobilized probiotics. The impact of processing, storage, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions on the viability and bioactivity of probiotics together with prebiotics such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and dietary fibers using various delivery systems are considered. Despite the proven biological properties of synbiotics, research in this area needs to be focused on the proper selection of probiotic strains, their prebiotic counterparts, and delivery systems to avoid suppression of their synergistic or complementary effect on human health. Future directions should lead to the development of functional food products containing stable synbiotics tailored for different age groups or specifically designed to fulfill the needs of adjuvant therapy.

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Randomized nutrient bar supplementation improves exercise-associated changes in plasma metabolome in adolescents and adult family members at cardiometabolic risk.

Poor diets contribute to metabolic complications of obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Metabolomic biomarkers may serve as early nutrition-sensitive health indicators. This family-based lifestyle change program compared metabolic outcomes in an intervention group (INT) that consumed 2 nutrient bars daily for 2-months and a control group (CONT). Overweight, predominantly minority and female adolescent (Teen)/parent adult caretaker (PAC) family units were recruited from a pediatric obesity clinic. CONT (8 Teen, 8 PAC) and INT (10 Teen, 10 PAC) groups randomized to nutrient bar supplementation attended weekly classes that included group nutrition counseling and supervised exercise. Pre-post physical and behavioral parameters, fasting traditional biomarkers, plasma sphingolipids and amino acid metabolites were measured. In the full cohort, a baseline sphingolipid ceramide principal component composite score correlated with adiponectin, triglycerides, triglyceride-rich very low density lipoproteins, and atherogenic small low density lipoprotein (LDL) sublasses. Inverse associations were seen between a sphingomyelin composite score and C-reactive protein, a dihydroceramide composite score and diastolic blood pressure, and the final principal component that included glutathionone with fasting insulin and the homeostatic model of insulin resistance. In CONT, plasma ceramides, sphinganine, sphingosine and amino acid metabolites increased, presumably due to increased physical activity. Nutrient bar supplementation (INT) blunted this rise and significantly decreased ureagenic, aromatic and gluconeogenic amino acid metabolites. Metabolomic changes were positively correlated with improvements in clinical biomarkers of dyslipidemia. Nutrient bar supplementation with increased physical activity in obese Teens and PAC elicits favorable metabolomic changes that correlate with improved dyslipidemia. The trial from which the analyses reported upon herein was part of a series of nutrient bar clinical trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02239198.

Storage stability of healthy nutrient bar without preservatives as dietary supplement for women at risk of osteoporosis

The objective of this study was to examine the stability of the healthy nutrient bars developed as a supplement for the women approaching menopause, who are at risk of osteoporosis. In this study, convenient, ready-to-eat highly nutritious bars with natural food ingredients of plant origin were developed. These analyzed both nutritionally and microbiologically to check their suitability for supplementation to women at risk of osteoporosis. Bars were packed in metalized polyester films (MPF) under ambient conditions for a period of 90 days to further check their storage stability for a period of three months. The parameters which were determined to check its storage stability were physical, oxidative, sensory and textural profile analysis on monthly basis and microbiological changes on fortnightly basis. Physical characteristics of the bar showed no significant change however chemical parameters like Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and free fatty acid values increased significantly (p≤0.05) on storage. Bars remained microbiologically safe and acceptable during entire period of storage under ambient temperature (15-35°C) conditions. After 3 months of storage, the overall acceptability score of bars decreased significantly (p≤0.05) from 8.25 to 7.42 on a 9 point hedonic scale with an increase in free fatty acid values from 1.15 to 3.36 meqO2/kg fat, TBA value from 0.22 to 0.91 mg malonaldehyde (MA)/ kg and Browning Index showed no significant increase from 0.14 to 0.28 (OD) on three months of storage. Texture profile analysis helped in evaluating the change in hardness gumminess, chewiness and cohesiveness of the bar, which affected the physical appearance and overall acceptability of the product.

Nutrient selection and optimization to formulate a nutrient bar stable on storage and specific to women at risk of osteoporosis.

The objective of study was to select and characterize different food ingredients of plant origin and to optimize different levels of their formulations to develop nutrient bars; stable on storage and specific to women at risk of osteoporosis. After intensive literature review, ingredients selected include-cereal-mix of brown rice, oats and corn flakes, defatted soy flour, dried fruit mix of figs, dates and golden raisins, flaxseeds, two herbs namely dandelion leaves (Taraxicum officinale) and basil (Ocimum basilicum), honey and rice bran oil. Out of the 6 trials, total of 24 formulations were prepared to develop the bars. Tin moulds were used to shape and bake the bars, with standard temperature observed at 125 ± 5°C for 25 ± 5min. Selected ingredients showed high nutritional score on proximate and other nutrient analysis; four formulations of trail-VI got higher scores and were microbiologically safe. However, product showed some oxidative changes on storage. It was concluded that functional foods with healthy nutrients prepared for women at risk of osteoporosis not only aid in their bone health but are also commercially viable.

Multicomponent Nutrient Bar Promotes Weight Loss and Improves Dyslipidemia and Insulin Resistance

Multicomponent Nutrient Bar Promotes Weight Loss and Improves Dyslipidemia and Insulin Resistance

Gastric Slow Wave Spatial Abnormalities Are Present and Associated with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Among Daily Cannabis Users

Introduction: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is an emerging disorder, affecting up to one third of frequent cannabis users on a recent survey of patients presenting to an urban ER (Habboushe et al, 2018). Although diagnostic criteria have been incorporated into Rome IV, the etiology for CHS remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated daily cannabis users with and without CHS for spectral and spatial abnormalities of the gastric slow wave via cutaneous high resolution electrogastrogram (HR-EGG). Methods: Adult subjects reporting cannabis use of at least 1 gram/day were recruited from an academic center. All subjects completed a medical interview and standardized questionnaire. CHS was diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria, which requires cyclic vomiting and self-report of improvement in symptoms when cannabis is withheld. Stomach localization based on fasting abdominal CT scan guided placement of the HR-EGG array consisting of 25 skin mounted electrodes. HR-EGG recordings were 30 min fasting and 60 min after consumption of a 250 kCal nutrient bar and 8 oz water. All subjects held cannabis for three days prior to recording. Age-matched healthy controls without any history of cannabis use were also evaluated. Results: Six subjects with daily cannabis use were recruited (age 29-85, 4F, mean BMI 27±5); of these, four met Rome IV criteria for CHS. Six controls were evaluated (age 21-77, 2F, mean BMI 24±4). Traditional, spectral EGG metrics such as percent 2-4 cpm activity, DF and post-prandial power ratio did not vary between controls or cannabis users. However, HR-EGG spatial analysis revealed important differences between groups (Table 1). Abnormal wave direction, defined as the percentage of slow waves propagating outside the CT-defined axis of the stomach, differed significantly between controls and subjects with CHS. Slow wave propagation speed varied between controls and cannabis users, but did not discriminate between presence of CHS. Conclusion: Gastric slow wave spatial abnormalities are present among daily cannabis users, with more severe abnormalities in wave direction observed among subjects with CHS. Cannabis users with less than 40% abnormal slow wave direction may be protected from CHS. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether normalization of slow wave propagation occurs following cessation of cannabis use, HR-EGG can be used to prognose risk of CHS among cannabis users, and if the relationship between gastric arrhythmias and CHS is causal.473 Figure 1. Comparison of subject characteristics along with traditional EGG and HR-EGG parameters between controls, cannabis users without CHS, and cannabis users with CHS.

Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

P1 Impact of antioxidant-enriched nutrient bar supplementation on the serum antioxidant markers and physical fitness components of track and field athletes

A multicomponent nutrient bar promotes weight loss and improves dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in the overweight/obese: chronic inflammation blunts these improvements.

This study determined if twice-daily consumption of a nutrient-dense bar intended to fill gaps in Western diets, without other dietary/lifestyle requirements, favorably shifted metabolic/anthropometric indicators of dysregulation in a healthy direction. Three 8-wk clinical trials in 43 healthy lean and overweight/obese (OW/OB) adults, who served as their own controls, were pooled for analysis. In less inflamed OW/OB [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) <1.5], statistically significant decreases occurred in weight (-1.1 ± 0.5 kg), waist circumference (-3.1 ± 1.4 cm), diastolic blood pressure (-4.1 ± 1.6 mmHg), heart rate [HR; -4.0 ± 1.7 beats per minute (bpm)], triglycerides (-72 ± 38.2 mg/dl), insulin resistance (homeostatic model of insulin resistance) (-0.72 ± 0.3), and insulin (-2.8 ± 1.3 mU/L); an increase in HDL-2b (+303 ± 116 nM) and realignment of LDL lipid subfractions toward a less atherogenic profile [decreased small LDL IIIb (-44 ± 23.5 nM), LDL IIIa (-99 ± 43.7 nM), and increased large LDL I (+66 ± 28.0 nM)]. In the more inflamed OW/OB (hsCRP >1.5), inflammation was reduced at 2 wk (-0.66 mg/L), and HR at 8 wk (-3.4 ± 1.3 bpm). The large HDL subfraction (10.5-14.5 nm) increased at 8 wk (+346 ± 126 nM). Metabolic improvements were also observed in lean participants. Thus, favorable changes in measures of cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, inflammation, and obesity were initiated within 8 wk in the OW/OB by replacing deficiencies in Western diets without requiring other dietary or lifestyle modifications; chronic inflammation blunted most improvements.

PWE-182 Dysmotility In Parkinson’s Disease Correlates To Gut Symptoms: Findings Of A Wireless Motility Capsule Study

IntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative disorder with frequent involvement of the gut. Symptoms arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract through dysmotility secondary to autonomic and enteric nervous system involvement, as...

Sa2024 Dysmotility in Parkinson's Disease Correlates to Gut Symptoms: Findings of a Wireless Motility Capsule Study

Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative disorder with frequent involvement of the gut. Symptoms arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract through dysmotility secondary to autonomic and enteric nervous system involvement, as well from skeletal muscle involvement in the oropharynx and anorectum. It has been speculated that gut involvement may precede motor symptoms. The Wireless Motility Capsule (WMC) yields data on transit and motility throughout the gut. We report the first use of WMC to systematically assess motility in PD patients with and without gut symptoms, compared to controls. Methods 15 patients with established PD completed the study: eight (2 f, mean age 70 [47–85]) had GI symptoms and seven (2 f, mean age 61 [49–77]) did not based on history and baseline scores on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) and Wexner constipation score. Data comparison with seven controls (3f, mean age 52 [39–63]). Medications affecting GI motility /pH were discontinued for the study and the WMC was ingested following a standardised nutrient bar meal. Data on gastric emptying time (GET), small bowel transit time (SBTT), colonic transit time (CTT) and whole gut transit time (WGTT) were calculated. Results PD patients with gut symptoms showed significantly slower transit in the stomach (GET 5.2 vs. 2.7 h, p = 0.0003), colon (CTT 57.8 vs. 27.4 h, p = 0.02) and overall gut (WGTT 67.2 vs. 34.7 h, p = 0.02) compared to asymptomatic patients. Small Bowel transit (mean SBTT 4.17 h) did not significantly differ. GET, SBTT, CTT and WGTT did not differ between asymptomatic PD and controls. There was a significant correlation between the Wexner constipation score and CTT in all patients (p 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrates that symptomatic PD patients have markedly delayed transit times throughout the whole gut compared to asymptomatic PD patients and controls. The correlation between scores and transit times suggest that WMC is a less useful indicator of gastric emptying than small bowel and colonic transit. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.

Viewpoint: Are there valid concerns for completing a marathon at 39 weeks of pregnancy?

recently, widespread media attention has been given to Amber Danielle Miller, a 27-yr-old woman (163 cm tall), who, at 39 wk of pregnancy, gave birth following her completion of the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011 ([17][1], [19][2], [21][3]). She completed the Marathon in 6 h, 25 min, and 50 s

Relationship Between the Colonic Transit of Wireless Capsule (Smartpill®) and Radio Opaque Markers in Constipation

Purpose: Recently, it has been shown that the colonic and whole gut transit time as assessed by a novel wireless pH and pressure recording capsule (SmartPill® (SP)) correlates well with radio opaque markers (ROM), both in constipated and healthy subjects (Am J Gastroenterol 2007;1075:S512). Whether the SP traverses the colon at the same speed as ROM is however not known. This multicenter study aimed to simultaneously assess and compare the location of SP capsule with the majority of ROM that were either present on a plain x-ray of the abdomen taken at two specified time intervals or with those that had been expelled in constipated (Rome II) and healthy subjects. Methods: After overnight fast, subjects ingested a nutrient bar (260 kcal) followed by a Sitzmark® capsule (24 ROMs) and a SP capsule. Subjects wore a data receiver for 5 days or until SP was expelled and kept stool diary. Abdominal x-rays were obtained on days 2 & 5. The x-rays obtained on day 2 and day 5 were analyzed by two independent observers and the number of ROM located in the right colon and the left colon were counted. The difference between the number of markers ingested and those retained on the x-rays were taken as markers expelled. The location of the SP on day 2 or day 5 x-ray with respect to the right and left colon was also recorded. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the location of the majority of ROM on the day 2 and day 5 x-ray with the location of the SP. Results: 73 constipated (m/f = 8/65; mean age = 46 ± 1.7 years) and 91 healthy (m/f = 48/43; mean age = 37 ± 1.3 years) subjects participated. Table shows the number of subjects in whom the SP and the majority of ROM were seen on day 2 and day 5 x-rays and in the two colonic segments as well as those that had been expelled. The location of SP in the colon and when expelled on day 2 and day 5 were strongly associated with the location of the majority of ROM (P < 0.0001). Likewise, the location of SP was also associated with the majority of ROM in the constipated and healthy group of subjects.TableConclusion: The location of SP is strongly associated with the region of the colon where a majority of retained markers were seen or with those that had been expelled. This suggests that SP traverses the colon at approximately the same speed as ROM. These data further reaffirm that SP is a useful and valid technique of assessment of colonic and whole gut transit time.

Simultaneous Assessment of Colonic Transit Using Wireless Capsule (SmartPill®) and Radiopaque Markers in Healthy Subjects and Effects of Gender

Purpose: Colonic transit time (CTT) is used in the evaluation of constipation. Conventionally, CTT is assessed by ingesting radiopaque markers (Sitzmarks® (SZ) followed by abdominal x-ray(s). However, there is limited normative data, gender effects are unclear, and the technique is hampered by poor compliance and complex protocols. Recently, the SmartPill® (SP) wireless pH and pressure recording capsule has been advocated for assessing CTT. The aim of this multicenter study was to simultaneously assess and compare CTT as measured by SP with that of SZ in healthy subjects and to assess the effects of gender. Methods: After overnight fast, subjects ingested a nutrient bar (260 kcal) followed by a SZ capsule (24 markers) and a SP capsule. Subjects were instructed to wear a data receiver for 5 days or until SP was expelled and to record their bowel habit on a stool diary. Abdominal x-rays were obtained on day 2 and day 5. SP tracing was examined to assess gastric emptying time (GET) (time to sudden rise in pH >4), small bowel transit time (SBTT) (time to cecal entry with >1 pH drop after GET), CTT (time from cecal entry to abrupt temp. drop), and whole gut transit time (WGTT) (time from ingestion to abrupt temp. drop). The number of retained markers, transit times, and gender differences were assessed and compared. Results: Table (mean ± SEM, *=P< 0.05). 70 (36 M (mean age = 25 yrs)/34 F (mean age = 38 yrs), mean age = 37 yrs) were studied. The SP CTT correlated with% of markers expelled on day 2 (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and on day 5 (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). The number of markers retained on Day 5 were greater (P < 0.001) in females and likewise, the SP CTT was also slower (P < 0.03) when compared to males. The GET (P < 0.002) and WGTT (P < 0.03) were also slower in females. All subjects expelled the SP. Conclusion: This large prospective study demonstrates very good correlation of colonic transit as measured by SmartPill® with conventional SZ technique. Also, women had slower gut transit time when compared to men. Thus, gender should be considered when interpreting CTT measurements. SP is a valid technique of measuring colonic and regional gut transit time.Table

Investigation of Wireless Capsule (SmartPill®) for Colonic Transit: A Comparative Study with Radiopaque Markers in Health and Constipation

Purpose: Traditionally, colonic transit time (CTT) has been assessed with radiopaque marker (Sitzmarks® (SZ)) technique. Although useful, it requires radiation and is hindered by poor patient compliance and complex protocols. This multicenter study aimed to simultaneously assess and compare CTT as measured by SmartPill® (SP)-wireless pH and pressure recording capsule with that of Sitzmarks® in constipated (Rome II) and healthy subjects. Methods: After overnight fast, subjects ingested a nutrient bar (260 kcal) followed by a Sitzmarks® (24 markers) and a SmartPill® capsule. Subjects wore a data receiver for 5 days or until SmartPill® was expelled and kept stool diary. Abdominal x-rays were obtained on days 2 & 5. SmartPill® tracing was examined to assess gastric emptying time (GET) (time to rise in pH>4), small bowel transit time (SBTT) (time to cecal entry with >1 pH drop after GET), CTT (time from cecal entry to abrupt temperature drop), and whole gut transit time (WGTT). To account for the known influence of gender and age on CTT, analysis of covariance was used in the statistical examination of SmartPill® CTT. Results: Table (mean ± SEM, *=P< 0.05). 71 constipated (m/f = 8/63) and 83 healthy (m/f = 42/41) subjects participated. CTT, WGTT, day 2 Sitzmarks® transit, and day 5 Sitzmarks® transit were different (P < 0.001) between constipated patients and controls, even after accounting for gender and age. CTT correlations between SmartPill® and% of markers expelled on day 5 were r = 0.59 (P < 0.0001) in patients and r = 0.46 (P < 0.001) in controls. The diagnostic utility of CTT to predict historical diagnosis of constipation was satisfactory with a computed ROC AUC of 0.74. Patients had slower (P < 0.001) GET, slower (P < 0.01) CTT, and slower (P < 0.02) WGTT compared to controls. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: SmartPill® is a novel, and more useful technique of assessing CTT. Its transit highly correlates with Sitzmarks®, and it provides comparable data. Additionally, it provides regional information on GET and SBTT. Thus, SmartPill® provides comprehensive data under physiological conditions, on whole gut and regional transit time in health and functional GI disorders.

Ready-to-eat cereal products as meal replacements for weight loss

Objective To test the effectiveness of three commercially available partial meal replacement products on weight-loss outcomes.Methods In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 164 eligible overweight and obese adults (ages 18–65 years; body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a Control group (CN) or to one of three intervention groups, including ‘Cereal Substitution plus Nutrient Bar’ (CB), ‘Cereal and Waffle Substitution plus Nutrient Bar’ (CWB), and ‘Cereal Substitution, no Nutrient Bar’ (CR).Results Compared with the CN group, the CB, CWB, and CR groups evidenced significantly greater reductions in weight, body mass index, waist, hip, and thigh measurements, and the CB and CR groups evidenced significantly greater reductions in percentage body fat. Despite strong adherence (88%) and retention (80%), the groups did not differ in cardiovascular risk profile, mood, or satiety.Conclusions A variety of ready-to-eat cereal products may be safely and effectively used as meal replacements in weight-loss programs.