This study was designed to test whether a substantial fibre-rich break
fast could influence satiety sensations and daily energy. In non-conse
cutive weeks 24 volunteers were given two high-fibre cereals (Kellogg'
s 'Bran Flakes' and Kellogg's 'All Bran') in a breakfast meal that acc
ounted for about 20% of the total daily energy intake. During the tria
l a questionnaire for hunger and satiety sensations was filled out jus
t before, immediately after and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after breakfast. The m
ore reliable questions in evaluating sensations correlated to hunger a
nd satiety were: 'How satiated do you feel?' and 'How full do you feel
?'. Significant differences in the satiety sensations were found for t
he experimental breakfasts compared to the usual one. There was no sta
tistical differences between the two cereal breakfast meals, however,
the highest scores of fullness and satiety always corresponded to the
highest fibre content. Furthermore, after the two experimental breakfa
sts the calorie intake at lunch was lower than after the habitual one.
Regression analysis showed a positive linear correlation between the
scores corresponding to satiety sensations and the fibre and energy in
takes. The findings indicate that a substantial breakfast rich in fibr
e has a positive impact on subsequent food intake and the sensations a
ssociated with satiety.