A study has revealed chronic consumption of a blend of inulin and Naxus extract reduces energy intake in an ad libitum meal but does not influence perceptions of appetite and satiety.
It was reported that consumption of the blend showed significantly lower calorie intake in an ad libitum meal (838 kcal vs 1023 kcal) while reporting no changes in appetite.
Naxus is a clinically validated arabinoxylan extract developed by BioActor, derived from wheat endosperm. It has been extensively studied and shown to have beneficial effects on microbiota composition, glycaemic control, and immune system function.
Two dominant bacterial strains account for more than 90% of the total bacterial gut community: Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. They are widely believed to have important effects on the maintenance of normal intestinal homeostasis. Stressors associated with modern lifestyles (e.g. low fibre diet) can chronically change the bacterial gut composition and lead to the increase of more virulent microbes that adversely affect the health of the host.
This publication also emphasises the importance of new studies focusing on the effect of Naxus on enhancing and tailoring nutritional products
Gut microbiota break down fibre from our diet and produce SCFAs such as propionate, acetate, and butyrate as a result. These metabolites lead to activation of a pathway that is linked to appetite reduction.
Specifically, propionate and acetate bind to a receptor called GPR43, which is found in cells lining our stomach and intestines (7). Activation of GPR43 leads to a cascade of signals eventually triggering the production of GLP-1 and PYY, two hormones involved in inducing satiety.
Naxus has previously been shown to increase propionate levels and GLP-1 production (8). In this current study, it was investigated whether a blend of Naxus and inulin would positively affect satiety and energy intake.
Methods
This crossover study delved into the impact of inulin + Naxus on a group of 20 healthy adult males, ranging in age from 22 to 55, who showed no indications of metabolic or cardiovascular disorders.
Each participant took part in both control and intervention conditions, each lasting 21 days. Both the treatment and control groups had to drink two sachets of dry powder dissolved in 150ml of water daily for 21 days.
Therefore, the participants consumed the intervention (or the control) sachet for 21 days following a 14-day period washout, and afterwards the control (or the intervention) sachet for an additional 21 days. The intervention sachet contained 2g of Naxus and 2 g inulin, whereas the control sachet contained 4 g of maltodextrin.
After a 14-day wash-out period, participants switched to the other drink for another 21 days.
The study comprised 4 visits to assess the participants’ perceived satiety and appetite, the energy intake in an ad libitum meal, faecal SCFA concentration, and the faecal microbiota composition.
Results and discussion
The study found that the mean energy intake in an ad libitum meal was significantly lower during the treatment period (838 kcal) compared to the control period (1023 kcal) (p<0.05).
Surprisingly, no changes in self-reported appetite were found. This difference between self-reported appetite and actual calorie intake is common in studies involving prebiotics, which is why measuring actual food intake provides a more objective measure.
Significant changes in the microbial composition of faecal samples were noted, showing noteworthy increases in the abundance of Bifidobacteria (p = 0.035), Lactobacilli (p = 0.061), and Propionibacteria (p = 0.02).
Moreover, these changes were accompanied by an elevation in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to be associated with gut health. More specifically, an increase of acetate in the faeces sample was reported after 21 days (p=0.02). Acetate has the ability to independently influence appetite, which may explain why the participants consumed fewer calories during a single meal.
This difference between self-reported appetite and actual calorie intake is common in studies involving prebiotics, which is why measuring actual food intake provides a more objective measure
The hypothesised increase in propionate levels in the faeces sample was only minimal and not statistically significant (p=0.07). However, it is important to note that faecal propionate concentration alone does not reflect the absorption by the body. Additionally, the signals of propionate in the liver and bloodstream, which were not measured in this study, could potentially have a more significant impact on appetite regulation.
Overall, the results show that the chronic consumption of a blend of inulin and Naxus leads to a reduction in energy intake, an increase in faecal SCFA concentrations, and an increase in beneficial gut bacteria.
This research indicates that a combination of inulin and Naxus has positive effects on gut health and confirms existing data that Naxus positively influences appetite control.
This publication also emphasises the importance of new studies focusing on the effect of Naxus on enhancing and tailoring nutritional products to promote satiety and help weight management.
