The influence of thermic effect of food on satiety.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate energy expenditure after three isoenergetic meals of different nutrient composition and to establish the relationship between the thermic effect of food (TEF), subsequent energy intake from a test meal and satiety sensations related to consumption.


METHODS
The study employed a repeated measures design. Ten subjects received, in a randomized order, three meals of 2331+/-36 kJ (557+/-9 kcal). About 68% of energy from protein in the high protein meal (HP), 69% from carbohydrate in the high carbohydrate meal (HC) and 70% from fat in the high fat meal (HF).


METHODS
The experiments were performed at the University of Milan.


METHODS
Ten normal body-weight healthy women.


METHODS
Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetric measurements, using an open-circuit ventilated-hood system; intake was assessed 7h later by weighing the food consumed from a test meal and satiety sensations were rated by means of a satiety rating questionnaire.


RESULTS
TEF was 261+/-59, 92+/-67 and 97+/-71 kJ over 7 h after the HP, HC and HF meals, respectively. The HP meal was the most thermogenic (P < 0.001) and it determined the highest sensation of fullness (P=0.002). There were no differences in the sensations and thermic effect between fat and carbohydrate meals. A significant relationship linked TEF to fullness sensation (r=0.41, P=0.025). Energy intake from the test meal was comparable after HP, HC and HF meals.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that TEF contributes to the satiating power of foods.
Crovetti
R
R
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Milan, Italy.
Porrini
M
M
Santangelo
A
A
Testolin
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D012527:Satiation / Q000502:physiology*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins