Effect of starch intake on satiation and satiety in preschool children

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different food starch le vels on satiation and satiety in preschool children. The study was carried out in 25 preschool children, aged 24 to 48 months, with a normal nutrition al status. Three rice formulas were given to the children at lunch. Three s tarch levels were assayed: low medium and high (4, 8 and 12% of starch, res pectively). Nutrient and energy densities of the formulas were similar. Sat iation was determined at lunch by measuring the subject's intake of prepare d dishes, which were offered in high volumes. If children asked for more an additional amount was served. Satiety was determined using the food and en ergy intakes at tea time in those children who consumed similar amounts of meals with different starch levels at lunch. The result demonstrated that c hildren consumed significantly less of the high-starch food preparation at lunch. Also, an inverse and significant relationship was observed between t he formula starch level and the food and energy intakes at the subsequent m eal time. From these results, it can be concluded that preschool children s how the highest satiating rate and satiety when they consume foods with a h igher starch lever. The findings of this work are a contribution to a bette r understanding of the effect of nutritional factors on food and energy int akes in preschool children. From an applied point of view, these findings c ould be valuable tools in the food management of under or overnourished pre school children. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.