Acute glycemic and blood lipid response to the ingestion of a candy bar-like protein supplement compared to its candy bar counterpart

Candy bar-like protein supplements are sometimes consumed for their sugar alcohol content, which lowers the glycemic response. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute glycemic and blood lipid response to the ingestion of a candy bar-like protein supplement compared with its candy bar counterpart. In a crossover design, 5 males and 5 females (N = 10; age, 24 ± 5.5 years; height, 174 ± 8.3 cm; weight, 80 ± 21.9 kg) consumed a candy bar (CBR) or a similar protein bar (PBR) after a 10-h fast. Blood draws occurred at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after consumption and were analyzed for blood glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles. A 2×5 ANOVA was used, with Student's t tests for significant interactions. A significant (p < 0.05) blood glucose time effect occurred in both groups, with a more profound glucose response from the CBR at 15 min (CBR: 6.2 ± 0.8 mmol·L(-1); PBR: 4.9 ± 0.5 mmol·L(-1)). Triglycerides increased significantly (p < 0.05), independent of group, peaking at 60 min (Δ CBR: 0.8 ± 0.3 mmol·L(-1); Δ PBR: 1.3 ± 0.3 mmol·L(-1)). Insulin increased significantly (p < 0.05), independent of group, peaking at 15 min (Δ CBR: 42 ± 27 μIU·mL(-1); Δ PBR: 25 ± 11 μIU·mL(-1)). No significant change (p > 0.05) was observed in total cholesterol. Blood glucose, triglycerides, and insulin all increased significantly in response to both CBR and PBR consumption. The CBR elicited a greater effect on blood glucose; however, the PBR had a strong impact on serum triglycerides and insulin.