Effect of starch intake on satiation and satiety in preschool children

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different food starch levels on satiation and satiety in preschool children. The study was carried out in 25 preschool children, aged 24 to 48 months, with a normal nutritional status. Three rice formulas were given to the children at lunch. Three starch levels were assayed: low, medium and high (4, 8 and 12 % of starch, respectively). Nutrient and energy densities of the formulas were similar. Satiation was determined at lunch by measuring the subject's intake of prepared dishes, which were offered in high volumes. If children asked for more an additional amount was served. Satiety was determined using the food and energy intakes at tea time in those children who consumed similar amounts of meals with different starch levels at lunch. The result demonstrated that children consumed significantly less of the high-starch food preparation at lunch. Also, an inverse and significant relationship was observed between the formula starch level and the food and energy intakes at the subsequent meal time. From these results, it can be concluded that preschool children show the highest satiating rate and satiety when they consume foods with a higher starch level. The findings of this work are a contribution to a better understanding of the effect of nutritional factors on food and energy intakes in preschool children. From an applied point of view, these findings could be valuable tools in the food management of under or overnourished preschool children.