Satiety of High-Protein Ramen Noodles

The aim of this study is to determine if high-protein instant ramen noodles acutely increase satiety, reduce hunger, and improve blood sugar levels compared to standard instant ramen noodles in generally healthy young to middle aged adults. In addition, investigators aim to test if intake of high-protein instant ramen noodles reduces caloric intake at the next meal compared to standard instant ramen noodles. Subjects meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited and offered a 2-condition, randomized, crossover postprandial study. Participants will be asked to limit physical activity to a specified level, consume a standardized meal at night and report to the clinic after a 12 h overnight fast. At our clinic, in random order, participants will consume: 1) one portion of high-protein instant ramen noodles (71 g; Chef Woo, Borealis Foods); 2) an isocaloric, weight matched portion of standard instant ramen noodles. The participants will have to finish consuming the noodles within 15 minutes. Water will be provided at the time of breakfast and for the next two hours. In the 4-hours following the ramen breakfast, blood will be sampled at regular intervals (0 minutes - before starting the breakfast, and 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after stopping breakfast) for hunger and satiety hormones (i.e., glucagon like peptide-1, peptide-YY, and ghrelin), and glucose and insulin. Visual Analogue Scales will also be administered to assess subjective hunger and satiety. At 4-hours, a buffet-style lunch will be provided and caloric intake at the meal will be covertly assessed. Subjects will leave the clinic at this point. The process will be repeated for the second condition after at least 7 d washout period.

Inclusion criteria

• Body Mass Index 20-30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Unwilling or unable to have an IV catheter inserted
• Body weight <110 pounds
• Diabetes (any type)
• Fasting capillary glucose ≥100 mg/dL
• Unstable systemic medical condition

•>10% change in body weight in the prior 3 months

• Medications that affect appetite or glucose regulation
• Prior bariatric surgery
• Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., unmedicated blood pressure >130/90 mmHg)
• Intolerance, dislike or allergy to the study food
• Current or recent (within 6 months) tobacco use
• High alcohol consumption (>14 drinks/week)
• Currently following a weight loss diet
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Currently pregnant or lactating
• Principal investigator discretion (e.g., disrespectful or inappropriate interactions with study staff