In vivo study on the slow release of glucose in vacuum fried matrices

In vitro studies have shown that vacuum frying may be an effective process to reduce starch digestibility as it may limit gelatinization; this is significant as overconsumption of starchy foods contributes to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although in vitro studies are an instrumental tool, in vivo studies allow observation of the overall effect on a living organism. The aim of this research was to assess how in vivo starch digestibility can be reduced when frying under vacuum (9.9 kPa), after feeding Sprague-Dawley rats, while also understanding its relationship to in vitro starch digestibility. Results showed that vacuum-fried dough has a lower degree of gelatinization (similar to 53.8%) and a maximal blood glucose level at 60 min (slower glycemic response) than atmospheric counterparts (similar to 98.3% degree of gelatinization and maximal blood glucose level at 30 min). Similarly, in vitro procedures exhibited less rapidly available glucose and higher unavailable glucose fractions in vacuum-fried dough.