Hormonal
Dietary protein and amino acids suppress food intake through redundant peripheral and central mechanisms, including vagal signaling via gut peptides (CCK, GLP-1, PYY) and central metabolic sensing (mTOR/AMPK) in the hypothalamus.
To leverage protein for appetite control, focus on its physiological effects rather than taste. Protein triggers gut hormones (CCK, GLP-1, PYY) and central brain sensors (mTOR/AMPK) that signal fullness. This is a robust biological mechanism, not just a matter of liking the food. Ensure your protein sources are well-balanced in essential amino acids to maximize this effect.
Amino acid consumption is detected by multiple and redundant mechanisms originating from visceral (during digestion) and metabolic (inter-prandial period) sources, recorded both directly and indirectly (mainly vagus-mediated) by the central nervous system (CNS). Peripherally, the satiating effect of dietary proteins appears to be mediated by anorexigenic gut peptides, principally cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY. In the CNS, HP diets trigger the activation of noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract and melanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus.
Why this rating
The paper is a comprehensive review synthesizing multiple human and animal studies, providing strong mechanistic evidence.
Source
Peripheral and central mechanisms involved in the control of food intake by dietary amino acids and proteins
Gilles Fromentin et al. · Nutrition Research Reviews · 2012
DOI 10.1017/s0954422411000175
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