Flavanols are plant-derived bioactive compounds for which several beneficial effects have been described. When ingested, they reach the gastrointestinal tract, where they can interact with the enteroendocrine cells. In this paper, we consider the possibility that flavanols modulate enterohormone secretion. Because the regulation of food intake is among the principal functions of the hormones that are secreted in the gastrointestinal tract, we also compile the literature that covers how the effects of flavanols on food intake are measured. Although there are some papers showing the effects of flavanols on the regulation of enterohormones, there are very few papers that have addressed the specific effects at the food intake level. Instead, most of the findings are secondary to the study of the action of flavanols on body weight, which makes it difficult to reach a clear conclusion regarding the effects of flavanols on food intake.
Keywords: Catechins; body weight; enterohormones; hunger; proanthocyanidins; satiety.