Significant impact of pace of eating on serum ghrelin and glucose levels

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effect of normal versus slow eating on serum ghrelin, glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in healthy subjects from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Design and methods: The specified breakfast meal was served on two randomized occasions to 24 healthy volunteers to eat with a normal pace or at a slow rate. Venous blood samples were collected at 7 time points for biochemical analysis. Results: The slow ingestion of meals resulted in a significant increase in blood glucose and ghrelin levels as compared to normal pace of eating. Conclusions: Normal eating speed appears to be beneficial for maintaining the optimal blood glucose and ghrelin levels. © 2009 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.