β-glucan from plant-based fibres reduced fat, improved glucose tolerance, and boosted energy expenditure in high-fat diet mice, with positive shifts in gut microbiota and increased butyrate levels. Other fibres showed limited impact.
July 2024 – Science Direct
Key Takeaways
- β-glucan reduces fat accumulation and enhances glucose tolerance: Consuming β-glucan, a plant-based dietary fibre, helps reduce body fat in mice fed a high-fat diet. It also improves the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, supporting metabolic health and potentially reducing risks associated with ageing
- Improved energy expenditure linked to positive gut microbiota shifts: Increased energy usage is associated with changes in gut bacteria, highlighting the critical role of gut health in regulating metabolism and maintaining a healthy weight, which is important for longevity
- Butyrate levels increase, supporting metabolic improvements: Higher levels of butyrate, a beneficial short-chain fatty acid, are linked to better metabolic function, including fat loss and improved glucose metabolism, potentially contributing to a longer, healthier life
While β-glucan has significant benefits, other plant-based fibres do not provide the same metabolic improvements, suggesting that not all fibres are equally effective for supporting metabolic health and healthy ageing.
Read the article at: Xu, Wenlong, et al. “Impact of Plant-Based Dietary Fibers on Metabolic Homeostasis in High-Fat Diet Mice via Alterations in the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.” The Journal of Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Metabolism, vol. 250, 2024, doi:10.1234/jn.m408317.