Two specific kinds of dietary fiber could lead to weight loss if taken daily over a long term, according to a new study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Despite research suggesting that certain dietary fibers can increase the presence of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce the risk of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and other diseases, many people don't get the daily recommended amount.
The new study led to a novel finding, which involved a shift in the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, in which Bacteroidetes overtook the latter.
"This was of particular interest to us because other research has shown that having more Bacteroidetes may be beneficial because the higher that proportion is, the individual tends to be leaner.
With higher Firmicutes, that individual tends to be more obese," says Dr. Hannah Holscher, a U of I postdoctoral researcher and registered dietician in animal sciences.
In the current study, a team led by Dr. Kelly Swanson, a U of I professor of nutrition, built on his previous research, in which researchers had worked with 20 healthy male participants whose average fiber intake was 14 grams per day and given them snack bars.
The control group received fiberless snack bars and the two test groups ate either bars that contained 21 grams of polydextrose -- a common fiber food additive -- or bars with 21 grams of soluble corn fiber.
Using fecal samples from the aforementioned study, they conducted DNA sequencing to examine the spectrum of bacterial genetic information in the fecal microbiota.
In addition to the shift in the ratio of species, whole-genome sequencing data revealed shifts in the functional capacity of the microbiota associated with fiber intake.
For example, Dr. Holscher remarks on a decrease in genes associated with protein metabolism, which likely explains the reduced protein fermentation that occurred in the digestive tracks of participants who consumed fiber supplements.
"We don't know if there is any causality for weight loss, but studies have shown that having a higher fiber diet is protective against obesity. It's an exciting shift and helps to drive researchers to study these fibers as part of a weight loss diet."
Polydextrose and soluble corn fiber are typically found in packaged foods such as cereal, cereal bars and baking mixes.
According to Dr. Holscher, food production companies are interested in including them because they are lower in calories and do not deter from the taste or texture of their products.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Wed Nov 19 2014
Do you have the fear of becoming obese? A new study has proven that two specific kinds of dietary fiber could lead to weight loss if taken daily over a long term. - AFPRelax Photo
Provinsi Hainan, 'Hawaii China' yang tidak pernah tidur
Keunikan seni bina warisan serta khazanah sejarahnya dari Tembok Besar China, monumen Tiananmen mahupun Kota Larangan membuatkan pelancong seluruh dunia berpusu-pusu datang.
Angka korban rakyat Palestin di Gaza hampiri 35,400 orang
Sekurang-kurangnya 35,386 rakyat Palestin terbunuh dalam serangan berterusan Israel di Semenanjung Gaza sejak 7 Okt tahun lepas, kata Kementerian Kesihatan di wilayah yang terkepung itu pada Sabtu.
Dua wanita Vietnam cedera cuba lari pemeriksaan imigresen
Insiden itu berlaku di sebuah pusat hiburan iaitu daripada keseluruhan 12 premis yang diperiksa semasa operasi dijalankan JIMNS di sekitar Seremban dan Tampin.
PM Anwar saksikan pertukaran enam MoU antara Malaysia dan Uzbekistan
Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menyaksikan pertukaran enam MoU antara Malaysia dan Uzbekistan di sini pada Sabtu, untuk kerjasama dalam pelbagai bidang antara kedua-dua negara.
Tahap keselamatan balai, tempat kunjungan ramai perlu ditingkatkan - Lee Lam Thye
Tahap keselamatan di semua balai polis dan tempat-tempat yang sering dikunjung ramai perlu ditingkatkan segera.
Kontraktor, operator menara telekomunikasi perlu jalin kerjasama - Fahmi
Menteri Komunikasi Fahmi Fadzil meminta kontraktor dan operator menara telekomunikasi supaya sentiasa berhubung dan bekerjasama bagi memastikan segala permasalahan dapat ditangani segera.
Lee Zii Jia melangkah ke akhir Terbuka Thailand
Lee Zii Jia layak ke perlawanan akhir Terbuka Thailand dengan menewaskan pemain pilihan kelapan kejohanan dari Taiwan Chou Tien Chen.
10 Berita Pilihan - (18 Mei 2024)
Antara pelbagai berita dalam dan luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
Suspek serangan Balai Polis Ulu Tiram tiada kaitan kumpulan pengganas - KPN
Polis mengenal pasti suspek yang menyerang Balai Polis Ulu Tiram semalam tiada kaitan dengan kumpulan pengganas.
Filem aksi 'The Experts' angkat tema kekeluargaan
Unsur kekeluargaan menjadi taruhan filem aksi bertemakan rompakan "The Experts" bagi membezakannya daripada filem bergenre sama yang pernah dibawa ke layar perak sebelum ini.