Carbohydrates and feeding: An extension of the Glucostatic Theory of appetite regulation

Abstract

Mayer's Glucostatic Theory of appetite regulation has been a precursor for many studies in this field. No studies have applied this model to extreme fluctuations of blood glucose. The present study examined if Mayer's theory holds true with carbohydrate (CHO) loading and reduction in healthy men. Six normal weight, healthy men (23.8 +/- 1.3 kg/m2) participated in a randomized crossover trial. Three day eucaloric diet conditions (75% CHO, 45% CHO, and 10% CHO) preceded a 10 h testing day in the lab where blood glucose measured every 5 min for 9 h. with appetite ratings measured every 30 min. Food was available upon request; hunger, intake and food preference were measured. No differences in daily energy intake (EI), blood glucose and appetite were noted between conditions. In all subjects during all phases, blood glucose levels decreased by 7.8+/- 11.1% prior to meal requests. Meal requests were preceded by declines in blood glucose but changes in appetite, EI and CHO preference were not seen. Key words: Glucostatic Theory, appetite, blood glucose, hunger, feeding, carbohydrates