THE EFFECT OF A PLANTAGO-OVATA SEED CONTAINING PREPARATION ON APPETITE VARIABLES, NUTRIENT AND ENERGY-INTAKE

OBJECTIVES: Investigation of a Plantage ovata seed containing suppleme nt (Plantaginis ovalae semen and testa) to determine its effect on app etite variables, nutrient and energy intake in normal subjects. DESIGN : Triple blind (subjects, investigators and statisticians) cross-over design. Three, 3-day study periods when subjects were given the follow ing treatments in randomised order: Plantage ovata preparation (20 g g ranules with 200 mi water), placebo (20 g granules with 200 ml water), or water (200 ml) 3 hs pre-meal and the same dose immediately pre-mea l. A set meal was given at lunch time after the supplement to subjects who had fasted overnight. SETTING: Metabolic unit of King's College L ondon. SUBJECTS: Seventeen female subjects, all classified as non-rest rained eaters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analogue scales were comp leted premeal, postmeal and at hourly intervals for 3 hs after the mea l. All food consumed on the meal day, and the following day was weighe d. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in fullness at 1 h post -meal between Plantage and placebo, and also Plantage and water. Total fat intake was significantly lower in g/d and as a percentage of ener gy on the day of the meal after Plantage compared with water. CONCLUSI ONS: This plantago ovata containing product, which is already taken by many people world-wide to control bowel function, may be a useful sup plement in weight control diets as it affects fat intake, and may have some effect on the subjective feeling of fullness.