Protein, calcium, and gut hormone secretion

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The influence of protein form and the presence or absence of calcium on gut hormone secretion and gastric emptying in lean healthy individuals

  • IRAS ID

    277805

  • Contact name

    Javier Gonzalez

  • Contact email

    J.T.Gonzalez@bath.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Bath

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Summary of Research
    This research proposal will reveal how protein form and calcium affect gut digestion and absorption, and subsequent release of gut hormones in men and women who are overweight/obese. These hormones released from the gut play roles in suppressing hunger and improving blood sugar control. Enhanced nutrient delivery to the gut, leading to greater release of these hormones is reportedly a key driver of weight loss and diabetic remission following bariatric surgery (a gold standard approach to treating obesity). Targeting this mechanism by nutrition could act as a more widely available approach to tackling obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Evidence suggests that the ingestion of protein and calcium together cause a potent gut hormone response. Alongside this, by changing protein form it may be possible to increase the speed at which nutrients are exposed to the gut. However, few studies have investigated this process and how this subsequently affects gut hormone release. This project will reveal the effects of protein form and calcium on the release of gut hormone concentrations into the blood and the speed at which these nutrients are digested and absorbed. These results will provide key evidence to aid future research and refine recommendations for nutrition to help the prevention and management of obesity and T2D.

    Summary of Results
    Plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 release was greater following the ingestion of a drink containing an aggregate protein with calcium compared to a drink containing an aggregated protein alone. Gastric emptying (rate of drink emptying from the stomach) was not different following these two drinks, nor was energy intake captured as part of an all you can eat lunch following the study period.

  • REC name

    South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/SW/0060

  • Date of REC Opinion

    9 Jul 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion