MINNEAPOLIS — A new study appearing in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consumption of a lower calorie high fiber breakfast cereal may limit hunger and contribute to reduced calorie intake at breakfast and lunch combined.
The study, which was supported by a donation from the General Mills’ Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, compared the effects of General Mills’ Fiber One cereal, served with 1% milk and a glass of water, with the effects of a low-fiber cereal, also served with 1% milk and water. Three hours after breakfast, the 32 study participants were given water and unlimited pizza supplied by McCain Foods Ltd. and told to eat until completely full.
Researchers found that the individuals who ate the high fiber breakfast consumed fewer calories over the breakfast-lunch period than did the low fiber group and rated themselves more satisfied.
"Increased intake of insoluble fiber has recently gained significant attention for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk for chronic disease, such as diabetes, but few studies have examined its role in appetite control," said G. Harvey Anderson, Ph.D., professor, Nutritional Sciences and Physiology, University of Toronto, and a researcher in the study. "This study showed that for 100 calories or less, the high fiber cereal breakfast reduced hunger to a similar extent as the higher calorie, low fiber cereal. The calorie savings was sustained since participants ate a similar amount of pizza during lunch. Thus, it appears that starting the day with a lower calorie, high fiber breakfast cereal, can help people cut calories without feeling hungrier. As an added benefit, the consumption of the high fiber cereal was associated with a better blood glucose response than the low fiber cereal."
