Glycemic response to a rapidly digested starch is not affected by the addition of an indigestible dextrin in humans

To evaluate the effect of supplemental indigestible dextrin on the glycemic response to a rapidly digested starch, 30 healthy nondiabetic adult subjec ts were studied in a double-blind crossover design. After an overnight fast , subjects consumed a product containing either 67.5 g of corn syrup solids or the same plus 16 g of indigestible dextrin. Finger-prick capillary bloo d was obtained at baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial fo r glucose measurement. The postprandial incremental change from baseline di d not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments across all time points. Mean pea k incremental change from baseline and net incremental area under the curve did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. Minimal effects on gastroint estinal symptoms (intensity and frequency of nausea, cramping, distention, and flatulence) were noted for both products, with no clinically significan t difference between products. In conclusion, an acute challenge of 16 g su pplemental indigestible dextrin did not affect the postprandial glycemic re sponse to a rapidly digested starch and was well tolerated by fasting healt hy adult subjects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.