Consuming a Protein and Fiber-Based Supplement Preload Promotes Weight Loss and Alters Metabolic Markers in Overweight Adults in a 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Higher protein and fiber diets promote weight management and metabolic health.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if greater weight loss and positive changes in metabolic outcomes could be achieved with twice-daily consumption of a high-protein and fiber-based multi-ingredient nutritional shake (HPF) compared with an isocaloric low-protein, lower fiber-based placebo (LPF).

Methods: Study procedures were conducted by an independent research organization under clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT03057873. Healthy overweight and obese adults [n = 206; BMI (kg/m2): 27-35; 70% female] were randomly assigned to HPF or LPF. All participants were prescribed an energy-restricted diet (500 kcal/d less than energy needs) and consumed a HPF (17 g protein, 6 g fiber) or LPF (1 g protein, 3 g fiber) shake 30 min before breakfast and lunch for 12 wk. Primary outcomes included body weight and total body fat percentage. Blood samples were collected at days (D) 0, 28, 56, and 84 for secondary analyses related to metabolic markers of health.

Results: Although weight loss occurred in both groups, HPF had greater weight loss at D84 compared with LPF (-3.3 kg vs. -1.8 kg, P < 0.05). Percentage body fat decreased in both groups (HPF: -1.33%, LPF: -1.09%; P < 0.001) with no differences between groups. Serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxidized LDL decreased between -5.1% to -8.3%, whereas adiponectin increased over time in both groups; these changes occurred to a greater extent in HPF compared with LPF (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: A multi-ingredient HPF nutritional supplement shake consumed as a preload before breakfast and lunch positively influenced weight management and metabolic outcomes in overweight adults compared with an LPF placebo. These findings suggest that specific nutrient factors (i.e., potentially including protein, fiber, and bioactive content) other than calorie reduction alone influence the success of a weight-loss regimen. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03057873.

Keywords: DXA; adiponectin; body composition; fiber; metabolic health; nutrition; protein.

© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.

Figures

FIGURE 1

Study disposition and flow of an independently conducted, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial on overweight adults who consumed supplement shake preloads with low protein and lower fiber (LPF) or high protein and high fiber (HPF) for 12 wk. Participants were screened on D45 and D7, after which they were randomly assigned to each treatment. D/d, day; HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin; ox-LDL, oxidized LDL; QI, qualified investigator.

FIGURE 2

Body weight and body fat percentage of overweight adults who consumed supplement shake preloads with high protein and high fiber (HPF) or low protein and lower fiber (LPF) for 12 wk. Intent-to-treat analyses on the change from baseline (day 0) in body weight (A) and body fat % (C) and per-protocol analyses on the change from baseline (day 0) in body weight (B) and body fat % (D). For the intent-to-treat analysis, between-group differences were assessed using ANCOVA, with time as a within-participants fixed effect, group as a between-participants fixed effect, and their interaction [body-weight sample sizes: day 28, n = 89 (LPF) and n = 98 (HPF); day 56, n = 79 (LPF) and n = 89 (HPF); and day 84 n = 73 (LPF) and n = 80 (HPF); body-fat sample sizes, n = 71 (LPF) and n = 79 (HPF)]. For the per-protocol analysis, noncompliant participants were removed and data modeled using generalized least-squares regression with the same main and interaction effects, but with both baseline and sex as covariates [n = 68 (LPF) and n = 65 (HPF) for all time points]. Values are presented as estimated marginal means ± SEs. *Different from LPF at that time, P < 0.05 (Tukey-adjusted between-group comparison). #Different from day 0, P < 0.05 (Tukey-adjusted within-participant comparison). †Different from day 0, P < 0.05 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). ‡Different from LPF at that time, P < 0.05 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test).