Glycemic response in healthy rats fed with composite cereal bars

Three composite cereal bars containing white maize, blue maize, or unripe banana flours were prepared. The glycemic response in rats feed with a dose available carbohydrates, and the bars effect on a glucose tolerance test were evaluated. A dose of 0.85 g/kg was used in the experiments with the three bars. The experiment with a glucose load showed that rats previously fed with blue maize and unripe banana bars showed reduced glycemic response, probably as consequence of glucose entrapment within the food matrix and produce a slow release. The effect was more pronounced for the unripe banana bar. The groups fed with equivalent load of available carbohydrates from the various bars exhibited lower and slower glycemic responses than a control group administered only with a glucose load. The white maize bar elicited a maximal blood glucose level at 30 min postprandial, blue maize at 45 min and unripe banana bar at 60 min. Bars inducing variable glycemic response may be prepared following the proper choice of functional ingredients.