Spatial-temporal changes in pH, structure and rheology of the gastric chyme in pigs as influenced by egg white gel properties
Résumé
The hypothesis is that the characteristics of ingested protein gels influences the subsequent in vivo gastric digestion process. Three egg white gels (EWGs) of identical composition but differing in structure and texture were prepared and fed to pigs. Sampling throughout a 6 h postprandial period, and at different locations in the stomach of the pigs, enabled a detailed spatial-temporal mapping of the pH, dry matter content, particle size and
rheological properties. The results showed different gastric acidification kinetics implying an effect of the gel
structure and/or texture. The most elastic and cohesive gel resulted in the highest median particle size and the
most viscoelastic chyme. Distal and proximal regions of the stomach did not differ in terms of dry matter content,
particle size distribution or rheological properties. These results demonstrate the consequences of protein food
structure on gastric chyme properties, and thus suggest an effect on the digestion process.
