Research Cooperation Between German Institute of Human Nutrition and JRS
Under the direction of Professor Pfeiffer, scientists will be examining the significance of increased dietary fibre and/or protein content in food based on parameters which have been linked with overweight and adiposity.
24/09/07 J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH is promoting a clinical Profimet study by the German Institute of Human Nutrition. The clinical Profimet study (protein – fibre – metabolic syndrome) will soon begin at the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DifE) in Potsdam-Rehbrücke.
Under the direction of Professor Pfeiffer, scientists will be examining the significance of increased dietary fibre and/or protein content in food based on parameters which have been linked with overweight and adiposity. The study should expand the current level of knowledge in this area and lead to the development of foods that are both higher in quality and healthier. This can serve the general public as an efficient and economical preventative against the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
According to the newest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than a billion people affected by overweight or adiposity worldwide. This syndrome is closely associated with the appearance of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and fatty degeneration of the liver. Currently there are more than six million people with type 2 diabetes in Germany. In the year 2030, this number is expected to rise to approximately ten million. Despite intensive research, there is still a great deal of disagreement with regard to causes, prevention and therapy of insulin resistance and overweight. Generally up until now, a low-fat diet combined with physical activity has been recommended by the experts. Additionally current studies show the negative effects of diets low in dietary fibre as well as the positive influence of increased protein content. The research and development of new types of nutritional ideas are therefore urgently needed in order to offer uncomplicated and economical measures for prevention of these diseases.
The randomized, controlled and blinded study will extend over a period of six months. In two phases, the effects of a diet rich in dietary fibre (enriched with VITACEL Oat Fibre) and/or a diet enriched with protein on insulin resistance, glucose metabolism and fatty degeneration of the liver will be examined in 80 – 100 overweight test subjects. The study participants will be supported within the framework of nutritional consultation and consume a special shake and/or crepes in addition to the daily diet. The intervention arms consist of a diet rich in protein, a combination diet of moderate protein-enriched and dietary fibre-enriched foods (additional 15 g VITACEL Oat Fibre / daily), as well as a diet rich in dietary fibre (additional 30 g VITACEL Oat Fibre / daily). A diet which is based on the guidelines of the Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE) [German Society for Nutrition] will be used as a control. In a subsequent phase (free living), the test subjects should consume the food for a further twelve weeks. During this period, the nutritional behavior will be recorded and evaluated but not influenced by the nutrition consultation. This will allow for further evidence regarding the effects of the products consumed with emphasis on changes in satiation and weight behavior.
New and tasty foods which positively affect the insulin sensitivity, satiation mechanisms and body weight development promise an outstanding market potential and can represent an effective as well as economical measure for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
