Influence of food images with different macronutrient compositions on serum ghrelin levels: Analysis in healthy males.

Objective: Serum concentrations of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin fluctuate in anticipation of food intake. Moreover, presentation of food images causes an increase in serum ghrelin levels. Thus, the visual system may have a quantifiable role in the development of hunger via the endocrine system. The influence of macronutrient visualization on ghrelin has not yet been investigated.

Methods: In four separate sessions, ghrelin concentrations, insulin, and glucose levels were compared before and after the presentation of different pictures to 14 male participants. Pictures included neutral, non-food-related items or isocaloric dishes whose macronutrient composition corresponded predominately to protein/fat, simple carbohydrates, or complex carbohydrates.

Results: While pre/post ghrelin concentrations numerically increased in all sessions, significant increases were only observed following neutral and protein/fat pictures. The differences were not significant between food groups and compared to neutral images. Insulin levels decreased in all groups, but no significant differences were observed between sessions. The glucose concentrations were within the euglycemic range.

Conclusion: The results did not reproduce the induction of ghrelin secretion in different food images. Therefore, it is unclear whether the visual perception of food influences ghrelin secretion or whether separation into macronutrients changes the hormone response. Further research is required to differentiate the interactions of sensory-specific satiety.