INTROCUCTION. Disorders of energy homeostasis depend on interactions between genetic, hormonal/metabolic and environmental factors. Several studies have confirmed the influence of diet with different nutrients content on central and peripheral mechanisms that regulate energy balance.The aim of the study was to evaluate metabolic and hormonal response to meals with different carbohydrate content.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty healthy men aged 28–52 years and body mass index (BMI) 19.6–43.0 kg/m² (average BMI 28.0 ± 5.8 kg/m²) were examined. Subjects received (in two weeks interval) standardized (450 kcal) meals: Nutridrink Fat Free (89% of energy from carbohydrate) and Cubitan (45% of energy from carbohydrate). Plasma glucose, insulin, triacyloglicerol, leptin and total ghrelin levels were measured at 0’, 30’, 60’, 120’, 180’ and 240’ min after meal ingestion. Substrate oxidation was determined by indirect calorimetry.
RESULTS. After the meal containing 89% of energy from carbohydrates we found higher glucose (p < 0.01) and insulin (p < 0.01) concentrations. At 180 min after the high-carbohydrate meal in 15% (3 men), and at 240 minutes in 25% (5 men) of subjects glucose levels < 60 mg/dl (hypoglycemia) were noted. After the meal containing 45% of energy from carbohydrates, triacyloglicerols levels were higher (p = 0.02) and lipid oxidation was increased (p < 0.01). We observed tendency (p = 0.12) to reduce plasma ghrelin levels after meal with 45% of total energy as carbohydrates, which was not observed after high-carbohydrate meal. Moreover, varying secretion of leptin (p = 0.03) was noted. Concentrations of leptin increased significantly (p = 0.01) from 60 minutes after meal with lower carbohydrate content.
CONCLUSIONS. The results indicate that metabolic and hormonal response after a high-carbohydrate meal ingestion may affect unfavourably the balance between factors involved in appetite regulation. Observed changes may favor obesity.