Carbohydrate-mediated appetite regulation: physiological mechanisms, gut hormone-based therapies, and nutritional interventions
摘要
Recently, glycemic carbohydrates have received increasing attention for their roles in regulating postprandial glycemic responses and appetite through coordinated digestive, hormonal, and neural mechanisms. This review provides an overview of how carbohydrate digestion rate influences gut-derived hormonal responses and appetite regulation. The physiological roles of gut hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are discussed in relation to the nutrient-sensing, gut-brain axis, and intestinal feedback (ileal and colonic brakes) mechanisms. Furthermore, this review highlights food-level approaches for modulating carbohydrate digestion rate using structurally modified carbohydrates with slow digestive properties. Phytochemicals and non-starch polysaccharides are also discussed as inhibitory factors in carbohydrate digestion and absorption. This work offers a theoretical framework for future research aimed at long-term appetite regulation through dietary strategies rather than therapeutic interventions, thereby contributing to sustained glycemic control and long-term metabolic health.