Satiation, satiety and the action of fibre on food intake.

This paper sets out to provide a review of the effect of fibre upon the motivation to eat and ultimately upon the amount of energy consumed. In addition the authors suggest various ways in which the analysis and understanding of the effects of fibre may be extended by embracing different types of experimental design and varying the assessment procedures. In the course of this work it became obvious that some important pieces of information had yet to be demonstrated. In particular it seems necessary for studies to measure the actual amounts of energy ingested in addition to tapping motivational indices. Moreover, the evaluation of the motivation to eat could become more sensitive and more comprehensive. Evidence suggests that fibre does exert effects on the short-term control of food consumption. The action appears to be expressed both within and between meals. Both of these effects may be clinically relevant. It has yet to be determined the extent to which these effects are influenced by the mode of administration of the fibre, the type of fibre and the amount.